 |
|
|
|
Frequently Asked QuestionsAgricultural expansion is the single largest threat to remaining forests in the tropics. In biodiversity-rich regions, farms are often responsible for the contamination of waterways, deforestation and soil erosion. In response to these problems, the Rainforest Alliance and the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) -- a coalition of independent, not-for-profit conservation groups -- created a certification program for sustainable agriculture. Along with the other members of the SAN, the Rainforest Alliance consults with social and environmental groups, industry, government and other stakeholders to develop guidelines for tropical agriculture. These standards cover all aspects of production. They protect the environment; the rights and welfare of workers, and the interests of local communities. For consumers, certification offers a choice, an opportunity to "vote with their purchases" and effect changes that will lead to sustainable agricultural practices. Products coming from farms certified under the SAN standards carry the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal.
Over 100 crops can be certified according to environmental and social standards of the Sustainable Agriculture Network. As of 2009, 49,340 small and large farms and cooperatives with a combined total area of about 580,245 hectares (1,433,816 acres) had been certified in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines and Tanzania. The certification standards guide farmers toward sustainable farm management and give independent auditors a concrete measure by which to evaluate social and environmental improvements. Farms that meet the standards are awarded the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal of approval, a prestigious badge that can be used to market products.
To earn certification, a farm must meet the standards of the Sustainable Agriculture Network.
The Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade are both international organizations committed to improving the lives of farmers and farm workers in the developing world. The Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal can be found on an array of farm goods -- from coffee and bananas to flowers and ferns -- as well as timber, paper and other forest-derived products. The Fair Trade Certified™ label appears on an assortment of agricultural goods, including tea, sugar, coffee and vanilla. While the Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade share similar missions and goals, they differ in focus and strategy. Learn more.
Organic agriculture is an important, worldwide movement to make farms productive without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) standards are based on an internationally recognized integrated pest management model, which allows for some limited, strictly controlled use of agrochemicals. SAN standards emphasize two important goals: wildlife conservation and worker welfare. Farmers certified by the Rainforest Alliance do not use agrochemicals prohibited by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the European Union, nor do they use chemicals listed on the Dirty Dozen list of the Pesticide Action Network North America. Managers of certified farms are required to use biological or mechanical alternatives to pesticides whenever possible. When farmers determine that agrochemicals are necessary to protect the crop, they must choose the safest products available and use every available safeguard to protect human health and the environment. Certification approaches farming in a holistic manner, and we have demonstrated that these standards afford a realistic and effective way for farms of all sizes to move toward independence from agrochemicals.
Wildlife conservation is an integral part of our sustainable farm management system. Certified farms can be a haven for wildlife, and often serve as buffer zones around parks and as "wildlife corridors" between parks. Sustainable Agriculture Network standards provide guidelines for the protection of wildlife and forests and other valuable habitats in and around farms. Certified coffee and cocoa farms in natural forest zones are required to maintain diverse shade-cover of native trees, which provide habitat for all types of species, from birds to monkeys. Many certified farms protect forest reserves. The standards were developed through an in-depth, collaborative process by Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) member groups, farmers, scientists and many other advisors who volunteered their time. Over the years, a number of individual members, private foundations, companies and governments have contributed to the program. Farmers pay per diem and travel expenses for technicians and auditors. As these visits are performed by local organizations, the costs are often lower than other systems. Farmers are also charged an annual certification fee based on the size of their farm. Smallholders may organize an internal management system and seek certification as a group, thus reducing costs and administration.
The Rainforest Alliance only accepts contributions from such companies in the following three ways:
For a breakdown of expenses and income sources, please see our annual report. The certification process increases efficiency on farms, reducing costly inputs and improving management. Workers benefit from a cleaner, safer, more dignified workplace where their rights are respected. Certified farmers have better access to specialty buyers, contract stability, favorable credit options, publicity, technical assistance and premium markets. Although the Rainforest Alliance and other Sustainable Agriculture Network members are not directly involved in the negotiations between farmers and their product buyers, most farmers are able to utilize their certification to receive a price premium. The quality of the farm product, whether it be cocoa, coffee, bananas or something else, generally improves.
The green frog in the Rainforest Alliance seal is now seen in countless markets, cafes, restaurants and offices around the world. Smart shoppers everywhere are looking for ecolabels and demanding groceries from responsibly managed farms. Trendsetting food companies and supermarkets are interested in knowing more about how their products are grown, where and by whom and with what social and ecological consequences. There is a growing consensus that certification is an effective way to ensure the establishment and enforcement of management practices that protect the environment, the rights of workers and the interests of local communities. The Rainforest Alliance and its partner groups are raising public awareness about the interdependence between conservation and agriculture. The Rainforest Alliance Certified seal stands for sustainability. Once used primarily among conservation groups and development agencies, the term "sustainable" has now seeped into the public consciousness as shorthand for all the things that we do to fight poverty and pollution and protect the Earth's resources today for the benefit of our children. Sustainability describes a means of reducing costs and improving profits. As this "people, planet and profits" message spreads throughout the marketplace, demand for goods from sustainable farms will continue to grow.
|
