Following the publication of the key documents of our 2020 Certification Program the Rainforest Alliance is launching activities to support producers and businesses to implement the new system. The 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard includes Farm and Supply Chain Requirements, as well as rules on assurance and new technology systems. We are developing a training program to ensure a smooth transition process for farm and supply chain certificate holders and for certification bodies. It consists of a combination of e-courses, online sessions, and face-to-face sessions.
Training: November 2020 – July 2021
From now until the new standard comes into force on 1 July 2021 the Rainforest Alliance will provide all relevant stakeholders with information materials and training to be able to implement, and be audited against the 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard.
Training packages include:
- Introduction to the principles and requirements of the 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard
- Detailed training on the specific Farm Requirements, and Supply Chain Requirements highlighting any changes from the existing UTZ and RA certification programs
- Guidance on using the new tools including the Farm or Supply Chain Risk Assessment tool, Management Capacity Tool and Management Plan that are designed to support certificate holders plan and measure the implementation of the new standard requirements
- Guidance and training on the MultiTrace portal for registration, certification/licensing, traceability, etc.
- Explanation of the rules for transitioning from the current UTZ and RA certification to the new certification program and use of the online tool to support certificate holders to transition
- Explanations of the Certification and Auditing Rules highlighting improvements to the assurance system
- Access to further information and guidance materials to support the implementation of the 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard and assurance system
Regional trainings
Our local teams in Latin America, Africa and Asia are developing targeted training programs to meet the specific needs of certificate holders in the context in which they work. To provide certificate holders in key countries with this tailored training, the Rainforest Alliance has set up an Associate Trainer Network (ATN). The Associate Trainers are selected, trained and supported by the Rainforest Alliance to support current certificate holders and potential new members implement the new certification program. The Rainforest Alliance coordinates the work of the ATN and monitors the quality of trainings. The Associate Trainers are listed on the training website so that interested organizations can approach them to contract them for support.
Trainings in Latin America
In Latin America, Trainings of the Associate Trainers will begin in November 2020. Trainings of Farm Internal Management System (IMS) Managers and staff will start in 2021.
The training will be coordinated by training focal points in key countries for certification who are responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring country training plans and adjusting training materials for local needs. The training focal point is the first point of contact for questions and information about training in the country. Initially training sessions will be virtual, but these will move to face to face training as soon as possible considering the pandemic.
To prepare for training, participants should read the Farm and/or Supply Chain Requirements, and Annexes to the 2020 Standard. Additional materials and case studies will be provided during the training.
For more details on Latin America trainings, please contact Juan Francisco Martinez at Jfmartinez@ra.org
Trainings in Africa
In Africa the training schedule has been aligned with different crop cycles:
- Trainings for Coffee and Tea Certificate Holders will be held in November-December 2020.
- Training for Cocoa Certificate Holders will start in the first quarter 2021.
Initial trainings will focus on the Farm (IMS) managers and Associate Trainers. Training for IMS staff will be conducted later by both Associate Trainers and IMS managers.
In most countries training will be delivered face-to-face trainings (as long as COVID regulations allow) with the exception of a few virtual sessions targeting supply chain actors. Many trainings will be delivered in both English and French.
Materials and resources including the Farm Requirements, Supply Chain Requirements, and Certification and Auditing Rules will be shared with the participants in advance so they can prepare for the trainings.
For more details on the trainings in Africa, please contact Mark Njeru at Mnjeru@ra.org
Trainings in Asia
In Asia, Trainings of the Associate Trainers in Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka will take place in November-December 2020. Trainings of IMS managers and staff will be conducted between December and March 2021.
Initially sessions will be virtual, but these will move to being face to face as soon as the pandemic allows. Further information about the sessions and preparation will be sent in November 2020.
To prepare for training, participants should read the Farm and/or Supply Chain Requirements, and Annexes to the 2020 Standard. Additional materials and case studies will be provided during the training.
For more details on the trainings in Asia, please contact Eldo Soplantila at esoplantila@ra.org
Trainings in Turkey
In Turkey, training for Hazelnut and Tea Certificate Holders will begin in December 2021. Training will be conducted face to face by Rainforest Alliance staff, as long as COVID restrictions allow. The training will provide an overview of the 2020 Standard requirements and assurance system, with more targeted training on specific issues where additional support is required.
For more details on the trainings in Turkey, please contact Furkan Can Oncu fconcu@ra.org or Omer Oktay ooktay@ra.org.
Certification Body trainings
Initial training for Certification Bodies (CBs) will take place in November 2020 and will include ten virtual sessions. There will be a two-hour session each morning CEST in English and a two-hour session each morning CST in Spanish.
These sessions will focus on explanations of the key standard documents and requirements for farm and supply chain certification. The training sessions will also be used to gather feedback from the CBs on where they expect to face challenges in auditing or interpretation of the standard. Based on this feedback we will develop further training material for auditors as needed per crop, country, or region, which will be rolled out in 2021.
For more information please contact: cbtraining@ra.org
