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Reimagining Certification

Certification has had a huge impact in bringing sustainability to the forefront of business thinking, but it must continue to evolve to provide more value to farmers and companies and ensure that people and nature can thrive in harmony.

That's why the Rainforest Alliance is “reimagining certification” to define and implement our long-term vision for the future of certification.  The creation of our 2020 Certification Program has been guided by this vision.

It is based on a set of core principles: continuous improvement; data-powered; risk-based assurance; contextualization; and shared responsibility.

At the heart of the Rainforest Alliance

Reimagining Certification is part of Rainforest Alliance’s wider strategy to drive sustainability at scale in the sectors in which we operate through interconnected interventions supporting certification, tailored supply chain services, landscapes and communities and advocacy.

What We're Working On

2020 Rainforest Alliance Certification Program

Download the Sustainable Agriculture Standard, access assurance documents, learn more about transitioning to the new program, and more.

Reimagining Certification Explained

By reimagining certification, we can combine our extensive experience in certification, field expertise, knowledge of sectors across the supply chain, ability to innovate, and scale our work up to the next level.

Strengthened Cocoa Certification Program

Key priorities of our cocoa strategy are assurance, shared responsibility, supply chain transparency, and profitability and resilience.

Our Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic

We are carefully tracking restrictions on movements which include limitations to harvests, training, and supply chains, and more. And we are continually seeking ways to support our stakeholders, while protecting their safety and security.

Additional Resources

Why Sustainability Certification is Evolving, and How

FAQ: 2020 Farm Requirements

FAQ: 2020 Supply Chain Requirements

The Rainforest Alliance Looks for Ways to Harness Remote Data Sensing Technology

All resources for Reimagining Certification

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Guides & manuals

Sustainability Differential and Sustainability Investments: Banana and other Fresh Fruit sector

This guidance explains how the Sustainability Differential and Sustainability Investment requirements are implemented in the Banana and Fresh Fruit sector.
View: Sustainability Differential and Sustainability Investments: Banana and other Fresh Fruit sector


Available in: English

Topics: 2020 Certification ProgramBananasFarm certificationReimagining CertificationSupply Chain Certification

Guides & manuals

Guidance: Use of Sustainability Differential and Sustainability Investments for the benefit of workers

This guidance provides further explanation for Farm Certificate Holders and Certification Bodies on how to interpret and implement requirements 3.2.2. and 3.3.1 in relation to worker benefits.
View: Guidance: Use of Sustainability Differential and Sustainability Investments for the benefit of workers


Available in: English

Topics: 2020 Certification ProgramFarm certificationReimagining CertificationSustainable Farming

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