Rainforest Alliance Certified
Issuing Organization:
Rainforest Alliance
Label purpose:
The Rainforest Alliance Certified seal is awarded to farms, forests, and businesses that meet rigorous environmental and social standards aimed at conserving wildlife, protecting landscapes, and improving the livelihoods of workers and local communities. This certification is designed to promote sustainability by encouraging responsible land use practices and ethical sourcing.
Certification Criteria:
Certification criteria include comprehensive sustainable farming practices that reduce environmental impacts, protect biodiversity and wildlife habitats, ensure sustainable livelihoods by providing fair treatment and good working conditions for workers, and involve community engagement and benefit sharing. These criteria are based on integrating economic, social, and environmental factors to promote holistic sustainable development.
Geographical Coverage:
Certification criteria include comprehensive sustainable farming practices that reduce environmental impacts, protect biodiversity and wildlife habitats, ensure sustainable livelihoods by providing fair treatment and good working conditions for workers, and involve community engagement and benefit sharing. These criteria are based on integrating economic, social, and environmental factors to promote holistic sustainable development.
Target Industries/Segments:
The certification primarily targets agricultural products such as coffee, cocoa, tea, bananas, and other fruits. It also includes forestry products, tourism, and, more recently, carbon and climate.
Certification Process:
The certification process involves a detailed application, an on-site audit conducted by Rainforest Alliance-certified auditors to assess compliance with the specific certification standards, and ongoing monitoring to ensure continuous adherence to the criteria. Certification is granted when a farm or business meets all the requirements.
Certificate Validity:
The certification is valid for a specified period, usually one year, after which the entity must undergo a renewal audit to maintain its certification. Continuous improvement and adherence to updated standards are required for renewal.
Benefits for Consumers/Producers:
For consumers, the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal ensures that the products they purchase are sourced from farms and forests and are managed according to rigorous environmental and social standards. For producers, certification can lead to increased market access, potential price premiums, and improved efficiency and productivity while demonstrating their commitment to sustainable practices.
Sustainability Impact:
The Rainforest Alliance Certification supports sustainable development by promoting environmental conservation, social equity, and economic viability for communities and ecosystems. It helps reduce deforestation, protect biodiversity, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for workers and their families, contributing to the achievement of multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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