SA-S-SD-1
Version 1.3
Last correction: March 20th, 2023

The Rainforest Alliance is creating a moresustainable world by using social and market forces
to protect nature and improve the lives of farmers
and forest communities.
Translation Disclaimer
For any question related to the precise meaning of
the information contained in the translation, pleaserefer to the official English version for clarification.
Any discrepancies or differences in meaning due totranslation are not binding and have no effect forauditing or certification purposes.
More information?
For more information about the Rainforest Alliance,
visit www.rainforest-alliance.org contact
info@ra.org or contact the Rainforest Alliance
Amsterdam Office, De Ruijterkade 6, 1013AA
Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Standard Requirements are binding and must
be complied with for certification.

Document name:

Document code:

Version:Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard,
Farm Requirements

SA-S-SD-1

1.3

Date of first publication:

Date of revision:

Valid from:

Expires by:June 30th, 2020

February 6th, 2023

July 1st, 2023

Until further notice

Linked to:
SA-S-SD-2 Rainforest Alliance 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard, Supply Chain Requirements.
All other annexes, guidances and policies listed in this document.

Replaces:
SA-S-SD-1-V1.2 Rainforest Alliance 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard, Farm requirements

Applicable to:Country/Region:

Farm certificate holders

All

Crops:

Type of certification:

All crops in the scope of the Rainforest Alliancecertification system; please see Rainforest Alliance
Crop List.

Farm certificate holders

Any use of this content including reproduction,
modification, distribution or republication, without
the prior written consent of Rainforest Alliance isstrictly prohibited.

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | About

2

Overview of key adaptations in this document SA-S-SD-1-V1.3 Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard, Farm Requirements, published February 6th, 2023,
compared to SA-S-SD-1-V1.2 Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard, Farm Requirements, published January 31st, 2022
Requirement
numberSubject

Changep. 9 to p. 20

Introduction

Adapted: Text and some graphics, for more clarity.

p. 14

Scope

Adapted: Scope, to be more manageable and more realistic.

p. 14

Small/Large Farm

Adapted: Definition of Small/Large farms, adapted to more realistically cover the farm scenarios and protect
workers:
Farms with 10 or more permanent workers are Large Farms.

p. 14

Subset of requirements
for Small Farms

Introduced: A subset of requirements apply to Small Farms that hire:- 10 or more temporary workers each working for 3 consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year
Requirements that will apply in this case: 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.3.1, 5.3.6, 5.3.12, 5.5.2, 5.5.3, 5.6.2, 5.6.4

General

Average of ≥ 5 hired
workers (Applicable for
Small Farms only)

Removed: Subset is not used anymore.

1.1.1

Management

Simplified text.

Newrequirement

Management

Rearranged in new requirement to simplify the standard: The general responsibilities of the committees and theircomposition, part of requirements 1.5.1 (Grievance), 1.6.1 (Gender) and 5.1.1 (Assess and address) are now combined
into 1.1.5.

1.1.5

It is clarified that more issues can be covered by one committee. Specific tasks are kept in the respective
requirements.
1.2.2

Administration

Merged: Requirements 1.2.2 and 1.2.3, as the approaches for service providers and subcontractors were similar.

1.2.3

Administration

Merged: Requirements 1.2.2 and 1.2.3, as the approaches for service providers and subcontractors were similar.

1.2.5

Administration

Simplified: Removed requirement for any small farm to have extensive version of worker records.

1.2.6

Administration

Simplified: Requirement on registration of temporary workers for small farms.

1.2.8

Administration

Clarified: Text on agreement on sharing the data of group members.

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | About31.3.1

Risk Assessment andManagement Plan

Adapted: Option to align the risk assessment frequency with the management plan frequency.

1.4.1

Internal Inspection and
Self-Assessment

Simplified and shortened text.

1.4.2

Internal Inspection and
Self-Assessment

Simplified and shortened text.

1.4.4

Internal Inspection and
Self-Assessment

Removed: Minimum ratio of 1 internal inspector per 250 farms, as the purpose of the requirement is to haveappropriate support for the farmers and this may be reached in other ways as well.

1.5.1

Grievance Mechanism

Simplified: General responsibilities of the committees and their composition are now combined in the newrequirement 1.1.5.

1.6.1

Gender Equality

Simplified: General responsibilities of the committees and their composition are now combined in the newrequirement 1.1.5.

2.1.3

Traceability

Clarification: Visual separation of certified product is not required for mass balance products.

2.1.8

Traceability

Text now clarifies that sales receipts do not have to be physical.

2.1.12

Traceability

Clarification: Applicability of the requirements for traceability documentation.

2.2.3

Traceability in theOnline Platform

Clarification: Removal of volumes from the traceability platform that are not sold as certified, or lost, and clarified
applicability for mass balance products.

2.2.4

Traceability in theOnline Platform

Text rephrased for clarification.

2.2.5

Traceability in theOnline Platform

Text rephrased for clarification, with more details on examples to link transaction to multiple shipments.

2.2.6

Traceability in theOnline Platform

Text rephrased for clarification.

2.3.1

Mass Balance

Text rephrased for clarification.

2.3.2

Mass Balance

Text rephrased for clarification. A negative volume balance is not permitted at any time.

2.3.3

Mass Balance

Clarification added: The requirement on origin matching is only applicable to cocoa mass balance products forwhich origin matching is required.

2.3.4

Mass Balance

Clarification added: The requirement on origin information on purchase and sales documentation is only applicable
to cocoa mass balance products for which origin matching is required.

2.3.5

Mass Balance

Text rephrased for clarification.

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | About43.1.1

Production Costs andLiving Income

Added new indicator: net income from certified crop per kg of harvested product.

3.2.2

Sustainability
Differential

Correction: Added ‘housing’ to the categories for the Sustainability Differential in the indicator.

4.1.2

Planting and Rotation

Applicability added to Group Management, for cropping system of new plantings.

4.1.3 L1

Planting and Rotation

Applicability added to Group Management, for implementing measures to prevent pests and diseases and breaktheir biological cycles.

4.2.2

Pruning and Renovationof Tree Crops

Applicability added to Group Management, for pruning according to the pruning cycle, and measuring the indicatoron this.

4.4.1

Soil Fertility andConservation

Clarification and simplification: Content of 4.4.3 on soil tests and leaf tests included in 4.4.1 on soil assessment. Text
rephrased for clarification and content from requirement 4.4.3 moved here.

4.4.3

Soil Fertility andConservation

Requirement removed. Clarification and simplification: Content of 4.4.3 on soil tests and leaf tests included in 4.4.1 on
soil assessment.

4.4.7

Soil Fertility andConservation

Added: Indicator % Of group members that use organic fertilizers.

4.5.2

Integrated Pest
Management (IPM)

Adapted: Monitoring of natural enemies is moved to a new requirement Level 2 requirement 4.5.8, to allow more time
for implementation.

Newrequirement

Integrated Pest
Management (IPM)

Adapted: Monitoring of natural enemies is moved to a new requirement Level 2 requirement 4.5.8, to allow more time
for implementation.

5.1.1

Assess-and-Address

Moved: General responsibilities of the committees and their composition are now combined into new requirement
1.1.5.

5.2.1

Freedom of Association
and Collective
Bargaining

Adapted applicability: Requirement on rights on joining unions now also applicable to small farms that hire workers
beyond a certain threshold, as described in the new Subset of requirements for Small Farms (see p. 14).

5.2.2

Freedom of Association
and Collective
Bargaining

Adapted applicability: Requirement including no-discrimination or retaliation now also applicable to small farms
that hire workers beyond a certain threshold, as described in the new Subset of requirements for Small Farms (see p.
14).

5.2.3

Freedom of Association
and Collective
Bargaining

Adapted applicability: Requirement including facilitation of worker’s representatives for unions now also applicableto small farms that hire workers beyond a certain threshold, as described in the new Subset of requirements for
Small Farms (see p. 14).

Self-selected

Smart Meter

Smart Meter

Applicability added to Group Management

4.5.8 L2

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | About55.2.4 L1

Freedom of Association
and Collective
Bargaining

Adapted applicability: Informing workers on freedom of association and collective bargaining now also applicableto small farms that hire workers beyond a certain threshold, as described in the new Subset of requirements for
Small Farms (see p. 14).

5.3.1

Wages and Contracts

Adapted applicability: Requirement on written and verbal contracts now also applicable to small farms that hire
workers beyond a certain threshold, as described in the new Subset of requirements for Small Farms (see p. 14).

5.3.2

Wages and Contracts

Rephrased for clarification, and applicability extended to all small farms.

5.3.3

Wages and Contracts

Merged: Requirements 5.3.3 and 5.3.4 on receiving at least minimum wage for small and large farms, now all in 5.3.3.

5.3.4

Wages and Contracts

Merged: Requirements 5.3.3 and 5.3.4 on receiving at least minimum wage for small and large farms, now all in 5.3.3.

5.3.6

Wages and Contracts

Merged: Requirements 5.3.6and 5.3.7 on payment schedules, now all in 5.3.6.
Applicable also to small farms that hire workers beyond a certain threshold, as described in the new Subset of
requirements for Small Farms (see p. 14).
Rephrased to allow electronic proof of payment.

5.3.7

Wages and Contracts

Merged: Requirements 5.3.6 and 5.3.7 on payment schedules, now all in 5.3.6.
Applicable also to small farms that hire workers beyond a certain threshold, as described in the new Subset of
requirements for Small Farms (see p. 14).
Rephrased to allow electronic proof of payment.

5.3.9

Wages and Contracts

Merged: Requirements 5.3.9 and 5.3.10 on labor providers for small and large farms, now all in 5.3.10. Applicability
extended to all Certificate Holders.

5.3.10Wages and Contracts

Merged: Requirements 5.3.9 and 5.3.10 on labor providers for small and large farms, now all in 5.3.10. Applicability
extended to all Certificate Holders.

5.3.12 L1Wages and Contracts

Adapted applicability: now to small farms that hire workers beyond a certain threshold, as described in the new
Subset of requirements for Small Farms (see p. 14).

5.3.13

Wages and Contracts

Adapted applicability correcting wages for inflation now extended to Small farms and Group Management.

5.4.2

Living Wage

Adapted: Part related to the consultation with workers’ representatives on wage improvement plan moved to new
requirement 5.4.5 (self-selected).

New
requirement

Living Wage

Adapted: Consultation with workers’ representatives on wage improvement plan, previously part of requirement
5.4.2, is now a new self-selected requirement.

5.5.1

Working Conditions

Adapted: Regular work hours of guards are set to 60 hours per week.

5.5.2

Working Conditions

Adapted: Exception to overtime extended to all crops under certain conditions (see point h).

Self-selected

5.4.5
Self-selected

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | About

6

Applicable also to small farms that hire workers beyond a certain threshold, as described in the new Subset of
requirements for Small Farms (see p. 14).
5.5.3

Working Conditions

Simplified:: Details for nursing spaces moved to guidance.
Changed ‘maternity leave’ into ‘parental leave’ to include both parents.
Applicable also to small farms that hire workers beyond a certain threshold, as described in the new Subset of
requirements for Small Farms (see p. 14).

5.6.1

Health and Safety

Clarified: Text on required expertise for the analysis of the health and safety risks..

5.6.2

Health and Safety

Adapted applicability: requirement on First Aid boxes now applicable also to small farms that hire workers beyond acertain threshold, as described in the new Subset of requirements for Small Farms (see p. 14).

5.6.4

Health and Safety

Simplified text, added line on drinking water testing,
Adapted applicability, now also for small farms that hire workers beyond a certain threshold, as described in the new
Subset of requirements for Small Farms (see p. 14).

5.6.5

Health and Safety

Rephrased for clarification: ‘public’ taken out for safe drinking water.

5.7.1

Housing and Living
Conditions

Adapted: Some parts related to housing core requirements are now moved to requirement 5.7.4 L1.

5.7.4 L1

Housing and Living
Conditions

Adapted: Some parts related to housing core requirements 5.7.1 are moved to 5.7.4 L1.

5.7.6

Housing and Living
Conditions

Simplified text.

5.8.2

Communities

Clarified text. Producer needs legal or legitimate rights, not necessarily both.

6.5.1

Water Management
and Conservation

Merged: requirements 6.5.1 and 6.5.2 on water permits. Adapted applicability: applicability for Small Farms removed.

6.2.5 Selfselected

Shade Coverage

Applicability added to Group Management

6.5.2

Water Management
and Conservation

Merged: requirements 6.5.1 and 6.5.2 on water permits. Adapted applicability: applicability for Small Farms removed.

6.8.1

Energy Efficiency

Adapted: Removed content on taking measures for energy reduction from the beginning of certification, as this is
implied in the smart meter in 6.8.2, and to allow for more time for implementation.

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | About

7

Annexes
Our Vision
The Rainforest Alliance 2020 Certification

9

4.1 Planting and Rotation
4.2 Pruning and Renovation of Tree Crops

48
49

ProgramLong-term Outcomes of the Program
How to become certified?
Scope of Certification and Key Definitions

10
11
12
14

4.3 Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
4.4 Soil Fertility and Conservation
4.5 Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
4.6 Agrochemicals Management

49
50
52
54

Structure of the Farm Requirements
Pass/Fail Requirements and Smart Meters
Overview of The Improvement Process
How to Use This Document

15
16
18
19

4.7 Harvest and Post-Harvest Practices

58

Overview of the Farm Standard Topics

20

5.1 Assess-and-Address Child Labor, Forced Labor,
Discrimination, Workplace Violence andHarassment
61

1.1 Management
1.2 Administration
1.3 Risk Assessment and Management Plan

23
24
28

5.2 Freedom of Association and Collective
Bargaining
5.3 Wages and Contracts
5.4 Living Wage

1.4 Internal Inspection and Self-Assessment
1.5 Grievance Mechanism
1.6 Gender Equality
1.7 Young Farmers and Workers

30
32
33
34

5.5 Working Conditions
5.6 Health and Safety
5.7 Housing and Living Conditions
5.8 Communities

2.1 Traceability
2.2 Traceability in the Online Platform
2.3 Mass Balance

36
38
39

6.1 Forests, and other Natural Ecosystems andProtected Areas
84
6.2 Conservation and Enhancement of Natural

3.1 Production Costs and Living Income
3.2 Sustainability Differential
3.3 Sustainability Investments

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

41
42
44

65
67
71
72
74
78
81

Ecosystems and Vegetation
6.3 Riparian Buffers
6.4 Protection of Wildlife and Biodiversity
6.5 Water Management and Conservation

85
87
88
89

6.6 Wastewater Management
6.7 Waste Management
6.8 Energy Efficiency
6.9 Greenhouse Gases Reduction

90
91
92
93

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | About

Annex Chapter 1: Management
Annex Chapter 2: Traceability
Annex Chapter 3: Income & Shared Responsibility
Annex Chapter 4: Farming
Annex Chapter 5: Social
Annex Chapter 6: Environment
S01 Glossary
S02 Management Capacity Assessment Tool
S03 Risk Assessment Tool
S08 Salary Matrix Tool
S13 Group Member Registry
S16 Sustainability Investment Plan Template

Guidances (non-binding)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
R
S
T
U

General Guide
How to use the Management Capacity
Assessment Tool
Template of Management Plan
Creating a Farm Map
Geolocation Data Requirements And
Risk Maps
Grievance Mechanism
Gender Equality
Yield Estimation
Integrated Pest Management
Pruning
Soil Fertility and Conservation
Housing and Living Conditions
Assess-and-Address
Natural Ecosystems and Vegetation
Energy Efficiency
GHG Emission Reductions
Assess-and-Address Monitoring Tool
Remediation Protocol
Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)
Processes
Guidance Service Providers Applicability

8With the 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard, theRainforest Alliance has developed a strong,forward-looking approach to certification that is fit
for the challenges facing sustainable agriculture
and related supply chains.
Our long-term vision is based on a set of core
principles: continuous improvement; datapowered; risk-based assurance; contextualization;and shared responsibility.

The need for sustainable agriculture has neverbeen greater. By providing a practical frameworkfor sustainable agriculture, and a targeted set ofinnovations, the Farm Requirements can help
farmers produce better crops, adapt to climatechange, increase their productivity, set goals toachieve their sustainability performance and target
investments to address their greatest risks. The

environmental, and economic impact ofagriculture, while offering farmers an enhanced

framework to improve their livelihoods and protect
the landscapes where they live and work.
The Farm Requirements of the 2020 Sustainable
Agriculture Standard introduce a number ofinnovations, such as a contextualized package ofrequirements adapted to the circumstances of eachcertificate holder, a strengthened risk assessment to

The Rainforest Alliance is a full member of ISEAL.

The 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard has
been developed, for the relevant parts, inaccordance with the ISEAL Standard-Setting Codeof Good Practice, ensuring that the documents are
relevant, transparent, and reflect a balance of
stakeholder interests.

identify and manage sustainability risks, and shared
responsibility requirements to reward farmers forsustainable production and target investments toachieve sustainability goals.
The Farm Requirements and Supply Chain
Requirements together form the Rainforest Alliance
Sustainable Agriculture Standard. Requirements thatcan be applicable to farm certificate holders, aretaken up in the Farm Requirements document.
Requirements that can be applicable to supply chain
certificate holders, are taken up in the Supply Chain
Requirements document. This means the numberingin each of these two documents can show gaps.

Farm Requirements are designed to support
certificate holders to maximize the positive social,

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Introduction

9

The Rainforest Alliance 2020 Certification Programwith the new standard, assurance system andbusinesses around the world that use the Rainforest
Alliance certification as an essential tool to support

related data and technology systems, is designed todeliver more value to the many people andsustainable agricultural production and supply

SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE STANDARDFARMREQUIREMENTS

SUPPLY CHAINREQUIREMENTS

Annexes (binding):
Compliance is required for certification.
Policies (binding):
Policies are context-specific and may be applicable, compliance is required for
certification.
Guidances (non-binding):
Supporting documents to help implementation not required for certification.

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

chains. Our Certification Program is made up of
three main components, as outlined below.

ASSURANCESYSTEM• Certification and Auditing Rules
to set out how auditors evaluate
compliance with the Farm andSupply Chain Requirements, andto• Ensure that Certification Bodies
consistently deliver Rainforest
Alliance audits of the highest
quality• Rules for Authorizing Certification
Bodies to determine whichorganizations can carry out audits
against the new Rainforest AllianceStandard, and to• Set rules for Certification Bodies’
personnel

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Introduction

DATA SYSTEMSAND TOOLS

Certificate holders at farm andsupply chain level will register
for membership, manage audit
processes and record sales
transactions of certified
products in a newplatform.
New IT-based tools are being
developed and made available tobetter track and manage
sustainability performance against
the requirements of the Sustainable
Agriculture Standard.

10

Livelihoods are improved and humanrights are fully respected for farmers
and farm workers, their families, andlocal communities

Management and shared
responsibility

Farming

SocialEnvironment

Group management is more effective at
providing services and supporting
improvement based on group members’
needs and risks

Farm resilience is increased through climatechange adaptation, diversification, and othermeasuresChild labor, forced labor, discrimination andworkplace violence and harassment are
effectively assessed, prevented andremediated

Forests and other natural ecosystems on
certified production units are effectively
protected and restored

Farmers and workers are more
knowledgeable about sustainability issues
and practices

Outcomes
Outcomes

Forests and natural ecosystems areprotected and restored, biodiversity andecosystem services are conserved, andclimate change is mitigatedStrengthened position and capacities ofyoung and female farmers and workers
Group management channels theSustainability Differential (SD) effectively togroup members, and farm management
spends SD in the benefit of workers

Soil fertility, water resources, and otherecosystem services are maintained orenhanced
Farmers have optimized crop productivity,
input use efficiency, and profitability
Reduced environmental and health risks frompesticides

Other human rights of farmers, workers, andcommunities are fully respected

Effective group management and supporting
field intervention contribute to protection
and restoration of forests and other natural
ecosystems in the surrounding landscape

Farm workers and their families enjoy healthyand safe living and working conditions

Natural vegetation on farms is maintainedand enhanced

Farmers, workers and their families enjoy an
improved standard of living [toward the
Living Wage or living income level]

Increased protection of wildlife andbiodiversity
Increased efficiency in water and energy use
and reduced wastewater and solid waste
pollution

Sustainability Investment is effectively usedby farms and groups to support key
sustainability practices and improvements

Reduced on-farm greenhouse gas emissions

Supply Chain outcomes

Traceability
Increased credibility of assurance andtraceability of certified products

Responsible business practices are instituted
through companies’ entire supply chains

Human rights are fully respected on
operations within the supply chain of thecertified crop

Reduction of environmental risks on
operations within the supply chain of thecertified crop

Legend for the outcomes in this document
Longer term outcomes andimpactSA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Outcomes of the standard

Principles for the
mandatory improvements

Principles for the corerequirements

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Introduction

Principles for the selfselected improvements

11

Farms and groups of farms that want to be Rainforest Alliance Certified need to carry out a series of key activities each year.

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Introduction

12

REGISTRATIONFirst, the potential Certificate Holder (CH) registers
in the Rainforest Alliance Certification Platform(RACP). Based on the information they provide
during registration, a profile of the CH and its
certification scope are defined.
IMPLEMENTATION OF REQUIREMENTS
With the certification scope, a list of applicablerequirements is generated in RACP. The CH canstart implementing the Standard based on theserequirements.

CH UPDATES AND IMPLEMENTS MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Based on the findings from previous steps the CH
updates the management plan and implements
remaining activities for compliance.
THE FIRST CERTIFICATION AUDITThe preparation phase ends with the 1certification audit. If the audit is passed, thecertification license will be granted and year 1 ofthe certification starts.
stRainforest Alliance farm certification operates on athree-yearly cycle. Year 1 starts after the first
positive certification audit. During eachsubsequent year internal inspections and/or selfassessments are conducted to inform the
management plan and implementation of actions
to ensure compliance. From year 1 onwards all
Smart Meters are applicable. Baseline
measurements are conducted in year 1 andtargets are set to be reached by the second
certification cycle. In-Depth Risk Assessments
need to be conducted as indicated in theapplicable requirements.
In the two years between Certification Audits,

BASELINE MEASUREMENT OF SMART METERS
1.1.2; 5.4.4
CH carries out baseline measurements of thesmart meters that have to be done before the first

Surveillance Audits are carried out to:•verify whether the management system of
the organization is still ensuring complianceof all activities falling under its responsibility

certification audit.

•

BASIC RISK ASSESSMENT
CH carries out risk assessments to identify themonitor progress on improvements.

After the second certification audit, the second
certification cycle starts. During the second

needed mitigation measures and adds them to the
management plan.

certification cycle additional Level 1 requirements
come into effect.

INTERNAL INSPECTIONS AND/OR SELF-ASSESSMENT
For group certification the CH conducts internal
inspections to assess compliance of all groupmembers. Group management conducts a selfassessment for all actors within the certification
scope.

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Introduction

13

The requirements that apply to a CH and location vary based on the scope of certification, the farm category (Small or Large) and the phase of certification.

The certification scope of the Farm requirements is
the whole farm.
Chapter 4: Farming focuses on the certified crop,

A subset of requirements is applicable for Small
farms only if a threshold of temporary workers is

except for the requirements on pesticides (4.6)

reached. This is indicated per requirement by:which apply to the whole farm.

“For Small farms, the requirement only applies if

The Farm CH may choose to leave geographicallythey are hiring:

separate farm units out of the certification scope if- 10 or more temporary workers each working forthese:•

are only used to produce non-certified crop at
all times.

•

three consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year”

are not in the vicinity of farm units withcertified crop.

For this Standard, we work with two farm categories:
Small and Large.
Small farms are all farms with fewer than 10

When ‘workers’ are mentioned, all workers
including permanent workers, temporary workers,
workers hired through labor providers are included.
See also Annex S01: Glossary.

permanent workers.
Large farms are all farms with 10 or morepermanent workers.
The Rainforest Alliance may categorize farms

differently if this is considered more appropriate.

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Please see General Guide: For the Implementationof the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable AgricultureStandard for further explanation and examples on
the interpretation of the Standard.

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Introduction

14

Our certification program is designed for producers
who are committed to sustainable agriculture, andcontinuous improvement is a fundamental tenet of

focus is on enabling and measuring improvements
towards sustainability outcomes. The Farm
Requirements include three different types ofStandard contain pass/fail requirements. On top ofthis, a number of ‘Smart Meters’ have been added(see next page for explanation of Smart Meters.).

sustainability: The Farm Requirements aim to serve
these aims. In addition to prescribing practices, therequirements: Core, mandatory improvements, andself-selected requirements. All topics covered by the

REQUIREMENT TYPECOMPLIANCE CRITERIACORE REQUIREMENTS
These are requirements that always have to be met.

• Pass/fail.
• Core requirements may contain a set threshold(e.g., payment of minimum wage) that must be
measured and reported against.

IMPROVEMENTREQUIREMENTS

MANDATORY IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS• Pass/fail requirements, to be complied with andimprovements are in steps Level 1 (after second
certification audit) and Level 2 (after third certification
audit).

• Smart Meters, baseline measurements, setting
targets, implementing improvements and yearlymeasuring indicators.

SELF-SELECTED IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Introduction• There is no mandatory implementation at any time.
• Certificate holder defines if and when to comply• Include pass/fail requirements.
• Include

15

The foundation of the Standard are the corerequirements, which address fundamental areas ofsustainable agriculture. Core requirements
prescribe good practices with respect to key
sustainability topics and are formulated as pass/failrequirements, sometimes containing a set

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

threshold. Also, there are mandatory improvement
requirements with a pass/fall approach.

continuous improvement, through insights from
data, and a more accurate measurement ofprogress. To this end, we have introduced a new
approach to requirements: Smart Meters.

Our vision for the certification program aims to go
beyond the traditional ‘pass/fail’ approach ofsustainability standards, and towards promoting

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Introduction

16

Smart Meters aim to give farmers a structured way
to incorporate continuous improvement on
context-specific data.

• For the mandatory Smart Meters: the quality ofthe data and the actions undertaken will beverified during the audit. The measured level ofSmart Meters do not have predefined targets set by
the Rainforest Alliance. Instead, the management
sets the targets for these indicators and define thethe indicator data will not influence thecertification decision. However, if no data has
been collected, if the quality of the data is very
low or if no actions were taken to reach theactions they need to take to realize these
improvements.
During the preparation phase managementtargets, this may have consequences forcertification. The Rainforest Alliance will use theindicator data for learning purposes, and toestablish the context and crop specificconducts baseline measurements for the indicatorsof core requirements and Smart Meters 1.1.2 and5.4.4, defines targets for these Smart meters, andplans and implements actions to achieve these

optimum levels for these indicators, to be usedby the certificate holders as a reference for
their improvements.
• For the self-selected Smart Meter

targets. In the subsequent years managementmonitors progress towards the targets. For theother applicable Smart Meters the same process isstarted one year later: in year 1.

improvements, data on the Smart Meters thathave been verified, may be published by thecertificate holder on their profile or in otherexternal communication if they wish.

Management uses the indicator data to reflect
yearly on the progress, and to adapt the activities if
needed. This provides a feedback loop tocontinuously improve the practices.

The Certification Body checks whether the baseline
and subsequent yearly measurements have been
conducted and will verify the quality of the data.

A Certificate Holder profile for farms and groups is
another innovation that will be used tocommunicate sustainability performance andimprovements. Certificate Holder profiles will be
shaped by data and indicators from the Standard,
and will allow producers to demonstrate theirresults, challenges, and improvements. The profile
can become a valuable tool to drive continuous
improvement, empower producers, build demandfor certified product, and channel supply chain
investments.

During the surveillance audits they check theyearly monitoring and use of the data for learning.
During the second and third certification audit theCertification Body checks whether the targets havebeen reached. The objective of these surveillance
audits regarding the Smart Meter requirements isto provide feedback to the certificate holders on
the quality and the use of the data for learningand improving.

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Introduction

17

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Introduction

18

The Sustainable Agriculture Standard Farm Requirements document is divided into six chapters, each centered around a specific area – farm management,
traceability, income and shared responsibility, farming, social and environment. The requirements in each chapter are presented in tables like the one below.

The right-hand columns in the standard indicate which type of Supply Chain Actor or Farm the requirement applies to, and who is responsible for implementation.
For example, if the columns for Small farm and Group management are ticked , this means that both the Small farms and the Group Management are responsible for
ensuring the implementation of the requirement.
Topic name

1.1 MANAGEMENTCore requirement:
Always has to be

Small farms:

complied with

Each member of a

1.1.1

(Text requirement)

Mandatory Smart Meter:
Measured each year, fromNo.

Mandatory Smart Meter

year one onwards

1.1.2(Text requirement)

Mandatory Improvement:
Always has to be compliedwith from the indicatedtime
Improvement Level:
Level 1 (L1) after three yearsof certification.
Level 2 (L2) after six years ofcertification

No.

Mandatory Improvement

1.1.3
L1

(Text requirement)No.

Self-selected Requirements

1.1.4(Text requirement)group has to comply
with these requirements
Large farms:
Each large farm in thegroup has to comply
with these requirements

Group management:Group management is
responsible forrequirements on overallmanagement of thegroup, and for
implementation ofrequirements with thegroup members
Individual certification:
Small of large farms thatare certified individually
have to comply withthese requirements

Self-selected:
Not required. Can bechosen at any time

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19

5. Social

1. Management

5.1

Assess-and-Address, Child Labor, Forced Labor,
Discrimination, Workplace Violence and Harassment

Risk Assessment and Management Plan

5.2

Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

1.4

Internal Inspection and Self-Assessment

5.3

Wages and Contracts

1.5

Grievance Mechanism

5.4

Living Wage

1.6

Gender Equality

Smart Meter

5.5

Working Conditions

1.7

Young Farmers and Workers

Self-selected

5.6

Health and Safety

2. Traceability

5.7

Housing and Living Conditions

2.1

Traceability

5.8

Communities

2.2

Traceability in the Online Platform

6. Environment

2.3

Mass Balance

6.1

Forests, other Natural Ecosystems and Protected Areas

6.2

Conservation and Enhancement of Natural Ecosystems
and Vegetation

1.1

Management

1.2

Administration

1.3

Smart Meter

3. Income and shared responsibility

Smart Meter

Smart Meter

3.1

Production Costs and Living Income

3.2

Sustainability Differential

6.3

Riparian Buffers

3.3

Sustainability Investments

6.4

Protection of Wildlife and Biodiversity

4. Farming

6.5

Water Management and Conservation

4.1

Planting and Rotation

6.6

Wastewater Management

4.2

Pruning and Renovation of Tree Crops

6.7

Waste Management

4.3

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

6.8

Energy Efficiency

Smart Meter

4.4

Soil Fertility and Conservation

Smart Meter

6.9

Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Self-selected

4.5

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Smart Meter

4.6

Agrochemicals Management

4.7

Harvest and Post-Harvest Practices

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Self-selected

Smart Meter

Smart Meter

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Introduction

Smart Meter

20

Farming is not just a way of life but is also a

To help achieve this outcome, the Management

which production is strictly forbidden. Collection ofbusiness, and successful business needs
management. The Rainforest Alliance wants to see
certified farms managed in an efficient,transparent, inclusive and economically viablechapter includes topics related to management
capacity, farm and group administration, data
management, sustainability assessment andmanagement planning. Requirements on theseGPS polygons provides more accurate data on
farm size, which in turn can also support farmmanagement for instance by facilitating analysis
for volume estimation.

manner. Here, it is essential that farms and groups
implement an integrated planning andmanagement system, with processes and systems
for continuous improvement. Good planning andtopics follow a process of assessment, planning,
implementation, evaluation, and adjustment.
Based on the Risk Assessment, specific mitigation
and adaptation practices are defined. Farm and

Finally, this chapter includes the cross-cutting
themes of gender and youth participation. The
inclusion of these topics in the management

management contribute to farm productivity andefficiency, and to reduced environmental impact.
Increased efficiency in the use of land, water,
fertilizers, and pesticides also supports climategroup administrators play a key role in facilitating
this planning process.
This chapter also includes requirements on thechapter recognizes the fundamental importanceof these issues, and that they apply to multiple
dimensions of farm and group activity. Rather thanrequiring a certain level of gender or youth

change adaptation and mitigation (Climate Smart
Agriculture).

collection of geolocation data to assure traceability of certified products; that they do not comefrom deforested area nor from protected areas inparticipation, the standard encourages farmspecific and context-specific targets and activities
to reach member’s appropriate goals.

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 1: Management

21Chapter 1 - Farm
Outcomes
1. Group management commits to sustainable agriculture andassesses its capacity
1. Group management capacities are improved

Group management is more effective at providing services
and supporting improvement based on group members’
needs and risks

2. Basic data gathered on group members, workers, (GPS)location of farms

Farmers and workers are more knowledgeable aboutsustainability issues and practices

2. Farms have accurate polygon data to improve yield
estimation, farm management and assurance

4. Internal inspections and self-assessments are implemented
to assess compliance and to inform improvements
4. Digitized internal inspection data for enhanced use andanalysis of data

5. Group members, workers, staff and other stakeholders cansafely report violence of human rights and grievances on any
other issues

Strengthened position and capacities of young and female
farmers and workers
6. Management commits to improve gender equality

3. Management conducts risk assessments and develops amanagement plan. Management support group members andworkers with services, including training

6. Participation and decision taking by female farmers andworkers is enhanced

3. Group members are trained and supported to improveaccess to finance and to diversify their income

7. Participation and decision taking by young farmers andworkers is enhanced
Supply chain Outcomes

1. The supply chain actor has devised, adopted anddisseminated policies for ensuring responsible businessconduct in its own operations, supply chain and other business
relationship

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Responsible business practices are instituted throughcompanies’ entire supply chains

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 1: Management221.1 Management
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LGroup management demonstrates commitment to sustainable agriculture by dedicating adequate resources andstaff to the implementation of the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard.

1.1.1

At least every three years Group Management assesses its capacity using the Management Capacity Assessment
Tool (Annex S02). Management scores a minimum of one point per topic in the tool in the first year of certification anddemonstrates continuous improvement with further assessments.
Indicator:• Scores on each of the topics of the Management Capacity Assessment Tool
Please see SA-G-SD-3 Annex S02: Management Capacity Assessment Tool
Please see SA-G-SD-2 Guidance Document A: How to Use the Management Capacity Assessment Tool

No.

Mandatory Smart Meter

1.1.2

Group management improves its management capacities and includes actions in the management plan.
Indicator:•

Scores on each of the topics of the Management Capacity Assessment Tool
Please see SA-G-SD-3 Guidance Document B: Template of Management Plan

No.

Core requirements

1.1.5Management appoints at least one management representative accountable for the following issues and forms
committee(s) of responsible persons. One committee may cover more than one issue:• Grievance mechanism (see 1.5)
• Gender equality (see 1.6)
• Assess-and-address child labor, forced labor, discrimination, and workplace violence and harassment (see 5.1)
The committee(s):- Are knowledgeable about the issues and have decision making power.
- Include responsible persons representing group members for small farms or workers on large farms/supply chain
operations, selected by members/workers.
- Are impartial, accessible, gender sensitive and trusted by the group members/workers and vulnerable groups.
- The committee handling gender equality issues includes at least one woman.
In groups of small farms: there may be a responsible person instead of a committee(s) for gender and for assessand-address.

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 1: Management23

1.2 Administration
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

1.2.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement complies with applicable laws and collective bargaining agreements (CBA) within the scope of the
Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard.
In the case that an applicable law or CBA is stricter than a requirement in the standard, such law or CBA will prevail
unless such law has become obsolete. In the case that an applicable law or CBA is less strict than a requirement in
the standard, the requirement in the standard will prevail, unless the requirement explicitly allows for such law or CBA
to apply.

1.2.2

There is a list of current service providers, suppliers, intermediaries and subcontractors.
Mechanisms are in place to ensure that they comply with applicable requirements of the Standard for work within thescope of certification.
For Farms- This is valid for work in the field, work in processing, and labor provision.
- "Suppliers" refers only to other farms they buy certified product from.
Please see Guidance Document U: Service Providers Applicability

1.2.4

An up-to-date registry of group members is kept, containing for each group member the required informationaccording to the group registry template on the Rainforest Alliance certification platform.
Please see SA-S-SD-14 Annex S13: Group Member Registry

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24

No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

1.2.5

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Up-to-date records of permanent and temporary workers are kept, containing, for each worker:• Full name
• Gender• Year of birth• Start and end date(s) of employment• Wages
For workers for whom housing is provided, the records additionally contain:• Housing address• Number of family members• Year of birth of family members
For children conducting light work (12-14 years) and young workers (15 – 17 years), the records additionally contain:• Housing address• Name and address of parent(s) or legal guardian(s)• School registration (if applicable)• Type of work or tasks• The number of working hours per day and per week
Note on applicability: for supply chain certification, this requirement is only applicable to those certificate holders that
present a high risk in social topics and therefore must comply with the requirements in Chapter 5. Social

1.2.6

For permanent workers, up-to-date records are kept, containing, for each worker:• Full name
• Gender• Year of birth• Wages
For temporary workers, only the number of workers is required.
Illiterate group members can give the above information orally.

1.2.7

Management ensures that wherever the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard requires to informworkers or group members, the information is given in the predominant language(s) of the workers or group members.

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25

No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

1.2.8

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

A signed (or marked) agreement is in place between the group and each group member, specifying the rights andobligations of each party including at least:• The group member’s obligation to comply with the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard.
• The group member’s obligation to accept both internal inspections and external audits and sanctions.
• The group member’s guarantee that any product sold as certified comes only from their farm.
• The group member’s right to appeal decisions made by the group management by using the grievance procedure.
• The group member’s agreement to share such member’s farm data (such as geodata, volumes, area etc.) withgroup management and the Rainforest Alliance for use, publication and sharing within the supply chain as describedin the Rainforest Alliance General Terms and Conditions and its Privacy Policy.
Each group member understands the agreement. Agreements are centrally archived, and a copy is available foreach group member.

1.2.9

Records for certification purposes and compliance are kept for at least four years.

1.2.10 An up-to-date map of the farm (large farms) or the farm area (group of small farms) is available, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Farms/farm units/production zones
Processing facilities
Human habitation areas
Schools
Medical centres/first aid sites
Natural ecosystems, including water bodies and forests, and other existing natural vegetation
Riparian buffer zones
Agroforestry systems• Protected areas
The map also includes risk areas identified in the Risk Assessment (see 1.3.1). The date of the latest update
is displayed on the map.
Please see SA-G-SD-4 Guidance Document C: How to Create a Farm Map

1.2.11

A sketch of the farm is available, including:• The production area of certified crop
• Forests• Water bodies• Buildings

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26

No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

1.2.12L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

For 100% of the farms, geolocation data of the largest farm unit with the certified crop is available.
For at least 10% of the farms, this is in the form of a GPS polygon. For all other farms, this can be in the form of alocation point.
Please see SA-S-SD-19 Annex Chapter 1: Management
Please see SA-G-SD-5 Guidance Document D: Geolocation Data Requirements and Risk Maps

1.2.13 A polygon is available of the farm. If the farm has multiple farm units, a polygon is provided for each farm unit.
Please see SA-S-SD-19 Annex Chapter 1: Management
Please see SA-G-SD-5 Guidance Document D: Geolocation Data Requirements and Risk Maps

No.

Mandatory Improvement

Group certification
S-farms

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

1.2.14 Geolocation data is available for 100% of all farm units. At least 30% is in the form of polygons.
L1

Yearly progress on the indicators needs to be shown, corresponding to the target to reach at the end of year three.

Indicator:• % of farm units with geolocation data
• % of farm units with polygons

1.2.15 Polygons are available for 100% of the farm units.
L2

Yearly progress on the indicators needs to be shown, corresponding to the target to reach at the end of year six.

Indicator:• % of farm units with geolocation data
• % of farm units with polygons

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 1: Management27

1.3 Risk Assessment and Management Plan
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

1.3.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement conducts a risk assessment in relation to the requirements in this Standard, by using the Risk
Assessment Tool, at least every three years.
If relevant, the risk assessment may be reviewed and updated yearly.
The risk mitigation measures are included in the management plan.
Please see SA-S-SD-4 Annex S03: Risk Assessment Tool

1.3.2

Management makes a management plan that includes the goals and actions based on the
Risk Assessment (1.3.1) and self-assessment (1.4.2). For groups, the management plan is additionally based on theManagement Capacity Assessment Tool (1.1.1) and internal inspection (1.4.1). Management reports on theimplementation of the management plan yearly. The management plan is updated yearly.
Please see Guidance Document B: Template of Management Plan

1.3.3

Management provides group members with services based on the management plan. Services can include training,technical assistance, support in record keeping, access to inputs (e.g., seedlings), awareness-raising activities, etc.
Management documents the services provided.
Indicators:• # of training activities provided to members• Topics of the training activities• # and % of members attending training activities (M/F)• # and type of services (other than training) provided to members

1.3.4

Management provides workers with services based on the management plan. Services can include training,awareness-raising activities, etc. Management documents the services provided.
Indicator:• # of training activities provided to workers• Topics of the training activities• # and % of workers attending training activities (M/F)• # and type of services (other than training) provided to workers

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No.

Self-Selected Improvement

Group certification
S-farms

1.3.5

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Based on the outcomes of the basic Risk Assessment (1.3.1), management carries out the in-depth climate change Risk
Assessment to assess in more detail climate threats and corresponding mitigation measures tailored to the regional
context.
Please see SA-S-SD-4 Annex S03: Risk Assessment Tool

1.3.6

Management supports group members with• Training on finance, business management and understanding production costs and net income• Facilitating access to financial services (e.g., bank account, mobile payment, loans for farm investments)
Indicator:• # of group members (M/F) that have a business plan for their farms

1.3.7

Management supports group members:• To make informed decisions on adequate income diversification strategies• Facilitating access to needed knowledge, inputs, services, markets to enable the implementation of the income
diversification strategies• Extending support to the household and/or community
Indicators:• # and gender of group members that diversify their income through at least one of the following:• other income generating activity (specified per type)• upgrading of the product (e.g., wet processing)

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 1: Management29

1.4 Internal Inspection and Self-Assessment
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

1.4.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement has an internal inspection system in place to annually assess compliance of all actors within the scopeof certification.
The system includes:• For Farms: group members' farms, processing and/or storage sites and any other actors (including subcontractors,
intermediaries, service providers).
• For Supply Chain: sites and subcontractors.
All actors are inspected internally before each external audit:• In the first year of certification, the internal inspection covers all applicable requirements of the Standard.
• In consecutive years, the internal inspection is based on the Risk Assessment (for farms, see 1.3.1), the previous year’sinternal inspection and previous external audit results.
For farm scope only: a rotation system is in place so that each farm unit is inspected at least every three years. In
case of remote farm units this is done at least every six years.

1.4.2

Management carries out a yearly self-assessment to evaluate its own compliance, and that of all actors in its
certification scope, with all relevant requirements in the Standard.
Management uses the results of the internal inspections as set out in 1.4.1. to complete the self-assessment.

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

1.4.3

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

An approval and sanction system are in place in relation to the compliance of group members (for farms) and/orsites with the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard. The system includes:• A written approval and sanction procedure• An approval and sanction manager or committee• A mechanism to follow up on group members’/sites’ improvement and corrective measures• A decision on each group member’s/site’s certification status that is signed and documented and included in the
final internal inspection report

1.4.4

An internal inspector cannot inspect more than six farms per day. Internal inspectors have been trained, evaluatedbased on the training content, and have acquired skills on good internal inspection practices.

No.

Mandatory Improvement

1.4.5
L1

Internal inspection data is collected through a device (e.g., phone, tablet, etc.), and used in a digitized
format for at least 30% of the group members.
Indicator:• % of group members whose internal inspection data are collected and used by the group management
in a digitized format

1.4.6
L2

Internal inspection data is collected through a device (e.g., phone, tablet, etc.), and used in a digitized format for atleast 90% of the group members.
Indicator:• % of group members whose internal inspection data are collected and used by the group management
in a digitized format

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 1: Management31

1.5 Grievance Mechanism
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

1.5.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

A grievance mechanism is in place that enables individuals, workers, communities, and/or civil society, including
whistle-blowers, to raise complaints related to the certificate holder’s business activities. Complaints can relate toany part of the Standard, including technical, social, or economic issues. The grievance mechanism may be provided
by the certificate holder or by a third party. The grievance mechanism includes at least the following elements:• A grievance committee (see 1.1.5).
• The grievance mechanism allows for submissions in any language and is accessible to persons who cannot read or
do not have access to the internet.
• Anonymous grievances are accepted, and confidentiality is respected.
• Human and labor rights grievances are remediated in accordance with the Remediation Protocol.
• Grievances and follow up actions are documented, and shared with the affected persons within a reasonable
timeframe.
• Submitters of grievances are protected against employment/membership termination, retribution, or threats as aconsequence of using the grievance mechanism.
Please see SA-S-SD-23 Annex Chapter 5: Social
Please see SA-G-SD-6 Guidance Document E: Grievance Mechanism

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 1: Management32

1.6 Gender Equality
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

1.6.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement commits to promoting gender equality by:• A written statement that is communicated to group members/workers• Appointing a committee that is responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of measures that
promote gender equality and women’s empowerment (see 1.1.5).
Please see SA-G-SD-7 Guidance Document F: Gender Equality

1.6.2

The responsible committee/person performs the following activities:• Implements measures that promote gender equality following the basic Risk Assessment (1.3.1) andincludes these measures in the management plan (1.3.2)• Raises awareness on gender equality and women’s empowerment with management and (group) staff at least
annually• Is involved in remediation cases concerning gender-based violence and gender-based discrimination inaccordance with the Remediation Protocol
Please see SA-S-SD-4 Annex S03: Risk Assessment Tool
Please see SA-S-SD-23 Annex Chapter 5: Social

No.

Mandatory Smart Meter

Group certification
S-farms

1.6.3

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

From year 1 onwards, the responsible committee/person:• Implements the gender in-depth Risk Assessment Tool and repeats this at least every three years• Prioritizes at least three indicators from the gender in-depth Risk Assessment Tool with their respective
mitigation measures• Incorporates the prioritized mitigation measures in the management plan
• Implements and monitors the mitigation measures• Reports yearly to management on the mitigation measures and the indicators
Please see SA-S-SD-4 Annex S03: Risk Assessment Tool

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1.7 Young Farmers and Workers
No.

Self-Selected Smart Meter

Group certification
S-farms

1.7.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement promotes the participation and development of young persons (< 35 years) in farming andmanagement activities.
• It motivates their involvement in farming activities• It supports their skills development, including literacy and numeracy skills• It encourages their participation in training and in decision making• It encourages them to become farmers
Management defines targets for (a selection of) the proposed indicators and monitors yearly the progress on thesetargets, disaggregated by gender.
Indicators:• # and % of group members that are young persons (under 35 years)• # and % of participants in training that are young persons (under 35 years)• # and % of young trainers (under 35 years)• # and % of young internal inspectors (under 35 years)• # and % of young farmers with access to land (under 35 years)• # and % of young persons (under 35 years) in management positions

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A successful, credible sustainable agriculture

The requirements in this chapter provide

certification program must be able to provide its
users with the confidence that certified products
are indeed produced according to the standard.
This requires a robust, transparent system to track

producers with a framework to accurately andcredibly record the quantities of certified
production within their operations, theirsegregation from non-certified products, sales

products from the farmer along the supply chain up
to the level of the retailer.

transactions, conversion methods,
and trademark

1. An accurate estimation, segregation and documentation of
the production is in place to improve the traceability of thecertified products

Chapter 2 - Farm and Supply chain Outcomes

Increased credibility of assurance and traceability of certified
products

3. For crops for which mass balance is permitted, the rules forselling as certified are enforced

2. All transactions are recorded in the Rainforest Alliance
traceability platform. Use of the Rainforest Alliance is inaccordance with the Labelling and Trademark Policy

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35

2.1 Traceability
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

2.1.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

The total certified production and the certified production for each producer (in kg, in stems for flowers) is estimatedonce a year. The calculations are based on a credible methodology for yield estimation (in kg/ha, stems/ ha forflowers) of a representative sample of farms or farm units. The methodology and calculation are documented.
Indicator:• Estimated certified production volume (kg or stems)
Please see SA-G-SD-8 Guidance Document G: Yield estimation

2.1.2

Management takes stock annually of:• The total harvested certified production (in kg, in stems for flowers)• The balance of products purchased, produced, sold and in stock
In case the difference between estimated production and actual production is >15 %, a reasonable justification is
given, and measures are taken to prevent such differences from occurring. For groups, the differences is checked andjustified both on the group level and for the individual members.
Indicator:• Total harvested production of the certified crop (kg or stems)

2.1.3

Certified products are visually separated from non-certified products at all stages, including transport, storage, andprocessing. This is not applicable for mass balance products.

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

2.1.4

Management has mapped the product flow up to the final location of the certificate scope, including allintermediaries (collection points, transport, processing units, warehouses, etc.) and activities carried out on the
product.

2.1.5

Products that are sold as certified can be traced back to the certified farm(s) where these were produced.

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement keeps purchase and sales documents linked to physical deliveries from the certified, multi-certified
and non-certified products, and management ensures that all intermediaries do the same.
The purchase and sales documents include data, product type, (percentage of) certified volume, group member
and, if relevant, traceability type.
In case of group certification, group management ensures that group members receive a receipt for each delivery
from the group member to the group or an intermediary, specifying name of group member, group member ID, date,
product type and volume.

2.1.6

Shipments of certified products do not exceed the total production (for farms), purchase of certified products plus
remaining stock balance from the previous year.

2.1.7

There is no double selling of volumes: products sold as conventional product or sold under another scheme orsustainability initiative are not also sold as Rainforest Alliance Certified. Selling products which are certified undermore than one scheme is possible.

2.1.8Group members keep sales receipts (electronic or physical), including name of group member, group member ID,
date, product type, and volume.

2.1.9

The correct methodology for the calculation of conversion factors is demonstrated and documented for eachcertified product and reflected accordingly in the traceability platform.
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 2: Traceability

2.1.10Equipment used to define the weight or volume of the certified product is calibrated annually.

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2.2 Traceability in the Online Platform
Applicable to certificate holders working in crops for which online traceability is offered within the Rainforest Alliance Certification Program.
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

2.2.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Volumes sold as certified are recorded in the Rainforest Alliance traceability platform at the latest
two weeks after the end of the quarter within which the shipment took place.
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 2: Traceability

2.2.2

Buyers of Rainforest Alliance Certified product have a procedure in place to regularly verify that transactions in the
traceability platform match invoices for certified products purchased and/or shipped.

2.2.3

Volumes not sold as Rainforest Alliance Certified and/or lost are removed from the traceability platform within two
weeks after the end of the quarter in which the shipment took place or volume was lost.
For mass balance volumes, please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 2: Traceability for further detail on applicability.

2.2.4

An approval is obtained as per the Rainforest Alliance Labeling and Trademarks Policy prior to the on- and off-packuse of public-facing trademarks.

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2.3 Mass Balance
Applicable to certificate holders applying mass balance in the crops that permit the traceability type mass balance.
Please see Annex S6, Traceability
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

2.3.1

Volumes are only converted for a process that can occur in reality, product conversion cannot go backwards to aprevious product.

2.3.2

The volume of product sold as mass balance is 100% covered by volumes purchased as certified. A negative volume
balance is not permitted at any time.

2.3.3

Volumes sold as certified meet the minimum percentage requirements for origin matching. This is only applicable forcocoa mass balance products for which origin matching rules are required.

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 2: Traceability for further detail on applicability

2.3.4

Purchase and sales documentation for volumes sold as certified include origin information to country level forincoming certified and non-certified volumes. This is only applicable for cocoa mass balance products for which
origin matching rules are required.
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 2: Traceability for further detail on applicability

2.3.5

Movement of mass balance volumes from one certificate holder to another shall always be accompanied by aphysical shipment of relevant product. Volume trading without a physical shipment can only take place betweensites covered under the same certification scope.

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The Rainforest Alliance aims to make sustainability

These aims can be found within two elements ofThis chapter starts with two self-selected

the norm in the sectors in which it operates. Thisentails a fundamental transformation of theoperating principles of the supply chain in the given
sector moving to a system where sustainability inthe 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard. The firstis the Sustainability Differential, a mandatory
monetary payment paid to producers on top of
the market price for the sale of certified crop. The

requirements on production costs and living
income to enhance the profitability and income of
farmers. The concept of living income recognizes
the goal that farmers are able to improve theiragricultural production is valued and priced as amaterial service on top of the cost of thecommodity and the investments needed toadvance sustainability practices at origin are borne

second is Sustainability Investments which are
made by market actors to contribute to theinvestments needed to drive sustainability
progress at origin.

business profitability and at least earn an income
to allow their families and households to have adecent standard of living.

by market and producer.

1. Net income of group members is assessed against the Living
Income benchmark Data on costs of production costs arecollected to calculate income

2. Group management transfers the sustainability differential
in cash to group members. Farm management uses thesustainability differential to benefit workers

3. Management defines the investments needed to improve on
sustainability
3. Group members and workers are consulted on the sharedinvestments

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Chapter 3 - Farm and Supply chain
Outcomes
Farmers, workers, and their families have an improved
standard of living [toward the Living Wage or living income
level]
Group management channels the sustainability differential
effectively to group members and farm management spends
SD in the benefit of workers
Sustainability Investment is effectively used by farms andgroups to support key sustainability practices andimprovements

3. The buyer of certified products pay the Sustainability
Differential in the form of a cash payment on top of the market
price

3. The buyer of certified products contribute to the
Sustainability Investment plans of the farms

4. Supply chain actors are contributing with financial or othertype of investment to the wage improvement plan of the farms

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3.1 Production Costs and Living IncomeNo.

Self-Selected Improvement

Group certification
S-farms

3.1.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LGroup management collects data on the key determinants of the production costs (e.g., costs of fertilizer,
agrochemicals, paid labor, equipment) and calculates the net income from the certified crop for a sample ofgroup members (i.e. gross income – production costs = net income). The group management shares the analyzed
data with the group members.
Indicator:• Production costs per kg of harvested product• Net income from certified crop per kg of harvested product

3.1.2

The actual net income of group member households is assessed against a living income benchmark for a sample ofgroup members.
Indicator:• Average and median net income• Average and median gap to the Living Income benchmark (monetary and %)• % of producers meeting the Living Income benchmark
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 3: Income and Shared Responsibility

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3.2 Sustainability Differential
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

3.2.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LGroup management transfers the full amount of the Rainforest Alliance Sustainability Differential in cash orother monetary payment to group members:• Pro-rata, based on volumes delivered• In a timely and convenient manner, at least before the next crop season, or at least once a year in case ofcontinuous harvest
Group management at least annually:• Documents the Rainforest Alliance Sustainability Differential received by volume. Separate records are kept for
Sustainability Differential payments from each buyer which are clearly distinguished from market price, otherpremiums, such as quality premiums or crop and country specific premiums such as the Living Income Differential.
• Communicates to group members the Sustainability Differential received for the certified crop
• Documents the payment of the Rainforest Alliance Sustainability Differential to the group members
Indicators:
Amount of Rainforest Alliance Sustainability Differential received:• Total amount received at group management level• Amount received by volume at group member level

3.2.2

The Sustainability Differential is spent to benefit the producer and/or workers.
At least once a year, farm management documents:• The Sustainability Differential received by volume. Separate records are kept for Sustainability Differential paymentsfrom each buyer which are clearly distinguished from market price, other premiums, such as quality premiums orcrop and country specific premiums.
• How the Sustainability Differential has been spent, A) to the benefit of the producer and/or B) to the benefit ofworkers, including the specified categories. If the Sustainability Differential is spent to benefit workers, farmmanagement consults with a representation of workers on priorities and the allocation of the Sustainability
Differential. The Sustainability Differential can be allocated to the following categories: wages, working conditions,health and safety, and housing.
Indicator:• Amount of Rainforest Alliance Sustainability Differential received (total and by volume).
• Distribution of the Sustainability Differential as % of the total amount received on A) own use and B) workers benefits,
for the categories a) wages; b) working conditions; c) health and safety; d) housing.

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Applicable to supply chain certificate holders and to farm certificate holders if they are purchasing certified product directly from other farms.
3.2.3

The responsible certificate holders pay the Sustainability Differential in the form of a monetary payment on top of
the market price, quality premiums or other differentials. Sustainability Differential cannot be paid in kind.
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 3: Income and Shared Responsibility

3.2.4 The responsible certificate holders have clear contractual agreements or commitments in place which specify
the amount and other terms around Sustainability Differential payment. See Annex S14 for further detail on
applicability.
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 3: Income and Shared Responsibility

3.2.5 The full amount of the Sustainability Differential is paid at least annually and no later than payment terms defined for the
relevant crop.
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 3: Income and Shared Responsibility

3.2.6 Confirmation of the Sustainability Differential is recorded in the traceability platform.
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 3: Income and Shared Responsibility

3.2.7

The Sustainability Differential paid amounts to at least the prescribed minimum, for crops for which a minimum isdefined.
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 3: Income and Shared Responsibility

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3.3 Sustainability Investments
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

3.3.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement at least annually defines the investments needed to improve sustainability using the Rainforest Alliance
Sustainability Investment plan template.
The management uses the following sources to inform their investment needs:• Management plan (incl. results of Management Capacity Assessment and Risk Assessment)• Audit reports• Internal inspections and self-assessments
Management documents the in-kind and monetary Sustainability Investments received from buyers for thisinvestment plan according to the Rainforest Alliance investment categories.
Indicators:• Investment needs specified per category in the Rainforest Alliance defined investment categories• Sustainability Investments received from buyers• Distribution of the Sustainability Investments against the pre-defined investment categories, as % of the total
amount received
Please see RA-S-MT-17 Annex S16: Sustainability Investment Plan Template

No.

Mandatory Improvement

3.3.2
L1

Group management consults yearly with a representation of group members to jointly define the contents of theinvestment plan. Group management consults yearly with buyers on their contributions to the investment plan.

3.3.3 Farm management consults yearly with a representation of workers to jointly define the contents of the investment
plan. Farm management consults yearly with buyers on their contributions to the investment plan.
L1

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Applicable to supply chain certificate holders and to farm certificate holders if they are purchasing certified product directly from other farms.
3.3.4

The full amount of the Sustainability Investment is paid at least annually and no later than payment terms defined forthe relevant crop.

3.3.5

Confirmation of the Sustainability Investment is recorded in the traceability platform.
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 3: Income and Shared Responsibility

3.3.6 The certificate holders have clear contractual agreements or commitments in place which specify the amountand other terms around Sustainability Investments.

Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 3: Income and Shared Responsibility

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This chapter focuses on the outcomes ofsustainable agriculture, crop productivity andpractices, soil fertility and conservation, integrated
pest management, and safe agrochemicals

effects on the environment are reduced.

profitability, and natural resources and ecosystemservices. Included amongst these outcomes are thegoals of Climate Smart Agriculture and foodsecurity: farms and groups mitigate and adapt tomanagement support the outcome of sustainableproductivity and profitability, as well as natural
resource conservation and ecosystem services.
Here the requirements encourage locally-relevant

Finally, crop profitability is supported by postharvest practices, where farms and groups
achieve improved crop quality to meet market
demand.

climate change and increase their resiliency byimplementing sustainable practices anddiversifying when possible.

and context-specific practices to ensure that
inputs and natural resources are used efficiently,
natural cycles are optimized to increase climatechange resilience, soil fertility and health is

Implementation of requirements in this chapter
forms part of the foundation of a broader set ofsustainable agriculture activities, so when

The topics in the farming practices chapter work
together to achieve these outcomes. Agronomic
activities related to sustainable production

enhanced, pollinators are attracted, water
retention and management is improved,
pesticides are minimized, and further negative

combined with other field, market, and advocacy
interventions, can support impacts at the sectoraland regional level.

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1. Planting and rotation practices improve soil and crop health
1. Measures are taken to prevent diseases and break disease
cycles

Chapter 4 - Farm Outcomes

5. Integrated Pest Management practices are implemented toprevent pests and reduce the use of agrochemicals

Farm resilience is increased through climate change
adaptation, diversification, and other measures

5. Advanced IPM practices; Reduced use of pesticides

2. Improved renovation of crop trees

Soil fertility, water resources, and other ecosystem services aremaintained or enhanced

6. Agrochemicals are used in a safe, effective, and efficient way

3. The certified crop is not genetically modified

Farmers have optimized crop productivity, input use efficiency,
and profitability

2. Adequate renovation of tree crops

3. No GMO on the whole farm
Reduced environmental and health risks from pesticides
4. Producers implement measures to enhance soil fertility

6. Advanced measures for agrochemicals management

7. Harvest and post-harvest practices enhance product quality
and reduce losses in quantity
7. Measures are taken to respect the Maximum Residue Levels

4. Optimized fertilizer use; improved soil coverage

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4.1 Planting and Rotation
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

4.1.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Plant varieties for planting, grafting and renovation are selected based on quality, productivity, resistance to pests
and diseases and on suitability for the climate during the lifetime of the plants. This is done as per the findings of
the Risk Assessment regarding climate (1.3.5), if this is carried out.
Planting materials are free of pests and diseases.

4.1.2

New plantings have a well-established cropping system which takes into account e.g.
• Requirements of the variety used
• Geographical, ecological and agronomic conditions• Diversification and intercropping crops with different rooting depths and soil uses to enhance soil quality and health• Planting density

No.

Mandatory Improvement

4.1.3
L1

Producers implement measures to prevent pests and diseases and to break their biological cycles, to support soil
health and to improve weed management. Such measures can include intercropping, and measures taken in
between crop cycles, such as crop rotation or leaving the land fallow.
Please see SA-G-SD-9 Guidance Document H: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

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4.2 Pruning and Renovation of Tree Crops
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

4.2.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement implements a pruning cycle for adequate formation, maintenance and rejuvenation pruning
according to crop needs, agroecological conditions and applicable pruning guidelines.
Group management supports group members to implement this pruning cycle.
Please see SA-G-SD-10 Guidance Document I: Pruning

No.

Mandatory Smart Meter

4.2.2

Producers carry out pruning according to the requirement in 4.2.1
Indicator:• % of group members that adequately prune according to crop needs, agro-ecological conditions and applicablepruning guidelines

No.

Self-selected Smart Meter

4.2.3 Producers renovate the certified crop when needed according to age, disease or other causes, to maintainproductivity. This includes replanting production area, gap filling and grafting.

Indicators:• For small farms: % of group members that applied renovation practices for the certified crop
• For large farms: % of farm area with certified crops where renovation practices are
implemented

4.3 Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

4.3.1

The certified crop is not genetically modified (GMO).

No.

Self-selected Improvement

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

4.3.2 There are no genetically modified (GMO) crops on the farm.
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4.4 Soil Fertility and Conservation
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

4.4.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement conducts a soil assessment for a representative sample of areas. The soil assessment includes:
a. Erosion prone areas and slope
b. Soil structure
c. Soil depth and soil horizons
d. Densification of compaction arease. Soil moisture and water level in the soil
f. Drainage conditions
g. Levels of macronutrients and organic matter. This is assessed through soil tests and/or observation of visual
symptoms of nutrient deficiency (leaf tests) for a representative sample of areas.
The soil assessment is updated at least once every three years.
For annual crops, point g. on Levels of macronutrients and organic matter is assessed annually.

4.4.2 Based on the soil assessment, management identifies soil management measures and includes these in the

management plan to build up soil organic matter, increase on-farm nutrient recycling, and optimize soil moisture.
Please see SA-G-SD-12 Guidance Document J: Soil Fertility and Conservation

4.4.4 When available, producers use by-products including organic fertilizers produced on the farm first. If more nutrientsare needed, these are supplemented where possible by other organic fertilizers, or by inorganic fertilizer.

To minimize risk, animal manure is hot composted before use as a fertilizer. Producers store animal manure andcompost at least 25 meters away from any water body.

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No.

Mandatory Improvement

Group certification
S-farms

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

4.4.5 The soil of the production area is not left exposed, it is protected by measures such as cover crops, crop residues ormulch.
L1
4.4.6 Fertilizers are applied in such a way that nutrients become available when and where crops need them, andcontamination of the environment is minimized.
L1
No.

Mandatory Smart Meter

4.4.7

Producers monitor and optimize the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers.
Indicator:• % Of group members that use organic fertilizers• Volume of N, P and K per ha (kg/ha, per year or per cropping cycle)
In groups of small farms, the indicator can be monitored for a representative sample of farms.

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4.5 Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

4.5.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement implements the IPM strategy as developed by a competent professional. The IPM strategy includes theprevention, monitoring and intervention measures for the scope of the whole farm, including processing facilities. The
IPM strategy is based on climate conditions, pest monitoring results, implemented IPM actions and pesticides
application records. The IPM strategy is annually updated.
Please see SA-G-SD-9 Guidance Document H: Integrated Pest Management

4.5.2

Producers regularly monitor and record pests.
Monitoring records are kept by large farms and by group management for a representative sample of producers.
Records include date, location and type of pest.

4.5.3 For pest prevention and control, producers use biological, physical, and other non-chemical control methods first,
and document the use and the effectiveness of these methods. When threshold levels of pests are reached,producers can use agrochemical applications, as advised by a competent technician and/or upon the advice or
instruction by an official national organization.

When agrochemicals are used:• Agrochemicals with the lowest possible toxicity and highest selectiveness are used
• Applications are made only on the impacted plants and areas• Active ingredients are rotated to avoid and reduce resistance• Calendar spraying is avoided, and only allowed when recommended by a competent technician
or official national organization

4.5.4 Producers and workers that are involved in pest management activities are trained about the IPM strategy.

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No.

Mandatory Improvements

Group certification
S-farms

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

4.5.5 Producers have implemented the IPM strategy.
L1
4.5.6 Producers enhance natural ecosystems near crop production areas to increase habitat for natural enemies.
Examples are: insectaries, planting bird/bat/pollinator attracting trees and shrubs, converting low-lying areas
L2
to small ponds with vegetation and enhancing riparian areas and vegetation.

No.

Mandatory Smart Meter

4.5.7 Producers monitor and reduce the use of pesticides.
Indicator• Active ingredients per ha (a.i. kg/ha, per year or per cropping cycle)• Active ingredients used that are listed in the Exceptional Use list and Risk Mitigation list
In groups of small farms, the indicator can be monitored for a representative sample of farms.
Please see SA-S-SD-22 Annex Chapter 4: FarmingNo.

Mandatory Improvements

4.5.8 Producers regularly monitor and record the main natural enemies of pests.
L2

Monitoring records are kept by large farms and by group management for a representative sample of producers.
Records include date, location and types of natural enemies.

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4.6 Agrochemicals Management
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

4.6.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

No agrochemicals are used that are:
• On the Rainforest Alliance List of Prohibited Pesticides or List of Obsolete Pesticides• Prohibited by applicable law• Not legally registered in the country where the farm is locatedProducers use only agrochemicals sold by authorized vendors, in original and sealed packaging.
Chemical substances used for livestock or pets are not included in the scope of this standard
Applicable to group management in case the group management has a purchasing task.
Please see SA-S-SD-22 Annex Chapter 4: Farming

4.6.2 If producers use pesticides included on the Risk Mitigation list, all respective risk mitigation practices, as described in
Annex Chapter 4: Farming, Pesticides Management, are implemented.

If producers use pesticides included in the Exceptional Use Policy, all respective risk mitigation practices, as describedin this policy, are implemented.
Please see SA-S-SD-22 Annex Chapter 4: Farming
Please see SA-P-SD-9 Exceptional Use Policy: Granted Exceptions and their Conditions for Using Rainforest Alliance
Prohibited Pesticides

4.6.3 Persons handling pesticides are skilled in the preparation and application of pesticides, and receive annual training.
Persons handling pesticides use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as prescribed in the product’s label orMaterial Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). If there is no information, basic protective clothing with additional items is wornaccording to the potential risk and as recommended by a competent technician. The PPE is in good condition.
Directly after use, PPE is washed and stored safely and does not enter the workers’ housing. Single-use items aredisposed of after one use.
PPE is provided to workers free of charge.
Farm/group management has a system to record, monitor and enforce the use of PPE.

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

4.6.4 Persons handling pesticides bathe, change and wash clothes after application.
Management provides the agrochemical handlers at least a site that provides privacy, water and soap, and,
when feasible bathing facilities.

4.6.5 Pesticides are prepared and applied according to the label, MSDS or security tag, or as recommended by an official
national organization or a competent technician, especially with regards to:• Safe transport to area of application• Respecting the correct dosage• Using appropriate equipment and techniques• Appropriate weather conditions• Respecting restricted entry intervals (REI), including warning signs in local language and informing potentiallyaffected persons or communities in advance
When there is no other information, minimum restricted entry interval is 48 hours for WHO class II products and
12 hours for other products. When two or more products with different restricted entry intervals are used at thesame time, the longest interval applies.
Volume and dosage calculation methods are reviewed and refined to reduce the surplus mix and pesticide overuse.
Pre-harvest intervals of pesticides as stipulated in the product’s MSDS, label or security tag or regulation by officialorganization are complied with. When two or more products with different pre-harvest intervals are used at thesame time, the longest interval applies.

4.6.6 Mechanisms are established and maintained to avoid contamination by pesticides, through spray drift or otherpathways, from treated areas to other areas including all aquatic and terrestrial natural ecosystems andinfrastructure.

Such mechanisms include non-crop vegetative barriers, non-application zones or other effective mechanisms.

4.6.7 Aerial application is only allowed under the conditions as outlined in Annex Chapter 4: Farming.
Please see SA-S-SD-22 Annex Chapter 4: Farming

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

4.6.8 Pesticide applications are recorded. Records include:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Product brand name and active ingredient(s)Date and time of application
Location and area (size) of application
Dosage and volume
CropName(s) of applicator(s)• Target pest
Group management facilitates record keeping for group members when needed.

4.6.9 Empty pesticides containers and application equipment are washed three times, and rinsing water is used in the lastbatch of the mix to apply to the crop. After application of pesticides, application equipment is washed three times,
and the surplus mix is disposed of in way that minimizes the negative impact on the environment and human health,by diluting it with ten times the amount of clean water and applied evenly on the field that was subject of thepesticide application.
The empty pesticide containers are kept in a locked storage area until safely disposed of through a formal collection,and recycling program or returned to the supplier. If the supplier does not accept empty containers, they are cut or
perforated to prevent other uses.
Prohibited, obsolete and expired pesticides are returned to the supplier or local authority. In absence of a collection
system in place, these products are labelled and stored safely and separately from other products in a locked space.

4.6.10 Agrochemicals and application equipment are stored in accordance with the label instructions and in a way thatminimizes negative impact on the environment and human health. Agrochemicals are stored in their originalcontainers or packaging.

Facilities for storing agrochemicals and application equipment are:• Dry, clean, well-ventilated• Made from non-absorbent material• Safely locked and accessible only by trained handlers• Not accessible to children• Separated from crop, food products, and packaging materials

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

4.6.11 Agrochemicals and application equipment are stored in accordance with the label instructions and in a way thatminimizes negative impact on the environment and human health. Agrochemicals are stored in their originalcontainers or packaging.

Facilities for storing agrochemicals and application equipment are:• Dry, clean, well ventilated and with a sound roof and impermeable floor• Safely locked and accessible only by trained handlers• Separated from crops, food products or packaging material• With an emergency spill kit• With visible and understandable safety warning signs and pictograms• With an emergency procedure, eye-washing area and an emergency shower

4.6.12 An up-to-date pesticide stock inventory is available and maintained. The inventory includes:• Date of purchase• Product brand name and active ingredient, including an indication of chemicals that are on the Risk Mitigation list
• Volume• Date of expiration
For groups this is only applicable for centralized stock.

No.

Mandatory Improvement

4.6.13 The equipment for mixing and applying agrochemical is calibrated at least annually, after each maintenance and
L1
No.

before using it for a different type of agrochemical.

Self-selected Improvement

4.6.14 Spraying is carried out by centralized, specialized spraying teams.

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4.7 Harvest and Post-Harvest Practices
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

4.7.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Producers conserve and optimize quality and quantity of product during harvest and post-harvest handling,including: loading, processing, packing, transportation, and storage. This includes:• Products are harvested at the right time and interval to optimize quality• Harvesting damages to the plant are minimized for future production• Contamination by foreign matter, cleaning products and agrochemicals, microbes and pests is prevented• Damage due to humidity is prevented• Products are stored in a cool, dry, dark and well-ventilated place• Maintenance and cleaning of harvest and postharvest tools, machinery and equipment• Packaging materials are used that are suitable and approved for food productsNo.

Mandatory Improvement

4.7.2
L1

Producers take measures to respect the maximum residue levels (MRLs) set by the production country and known
destination countries of the product. The measures include e.g.:• Strict observance of label instructions of agrochemicals used post-harvest• Obtain information on the residues in the product, through own tests (non-mandatory) or information throughbuyers• Actions in case MRLs are exceeded• Communication to the buyer if MRLs are exceeded

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The Farm Requirements’ Social chapter seeks to

There is no place in Rainforest Alliance Certified

Living Wage. To this end, the standard enforces

empower producers and workers to realize betterworking and living conditions for themselves andtheir families; to promote equality and respect for
all with special attention to vulnerable groups such

farms for human rights violations such as childlabor, forced labor, discrimination or workplace
violence and harassment. For these four types ofviolations, our certification system will adopt an

respect for workers’ rights to collective bargaining
and freedom of association, healthy and safe living
and working conditions and access to health care.
Although the system aims to contribute to betteras migrants, children, youth and women; and tostrengthen human and labor rights protections on
certified farms.

“Assess-and-address” model, which goes muchfurther than a simple prohibition approach in its
ability to drive change. Given the high risk of such
violations in some agricultural supply chains, wewages for workers by requiring that the minimum
wage is paid and that there is progress towards a
Living Wage, the Rainforest Alliance recognizes thelimitation of producers to unilaterally solve theSustainable agriculture is intrinsically linked with thelivelihoods of millions of producers, families, andtheir communities. To support sustainable
livelihoods, the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable

will require farms and groups to put a rigorous
system in place, that includes doing a risk
assessment and implementing related mitigation
measures, conducting regular self-monitoring, andproblem of low wages. In accordance with the UN
Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,
our approach is to bring transparency on
prevailing wages in agricultural production,

Agriculture Standard establishes requirements
related to all fundamental human and labor rights,
Living Wage, health and safety, and decent living
and working conditions. Farms and groups are

remediating any known cases of such violations.
Severe cases, if not remediated, and/or violationsof applicable law, will lead to a negativecertification decision, suspension or cancellation ofcommit certificate holders to continuous
improvement and dialogue, and encouragecompanies to exercise shared supply chain
responsibility to prevent and mitigate adverse

required to respect legal and customary rights ofindigenous peoples. These requirements align with
the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human
Rights (UNGPs), relevant ILO conventions, and otherthe certificate. This “Assess-and-address” model isfurther detailed in requirement 5.1 and related
annexes.

impacts with regard to insufficient wages.

multi-stakeholder concepts such as Living Wage,developed in coordination with the Global Living
Wage Coalition.

Furthermore, the certification system aims toenable agricultural workers and their families toachieve a decent standard of living and earn a

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1. Farms and farm groups take measures to assess-andaddress discrimination, forced labor, child labor, workplaceharassment and violence
1. Farms and farm groups have effective systems in place toeradicate the causes of child labor, forced labor, workplace
violence and harassment

2. Workers can exercise their freedom of association
2. Workers´ capacities to associate and exercise their rights arestrengthened

3. Workers receive at least minimum or collective bargaining
agreement wage
3. Workers have employment contracts

Chapter 5 - Farm Outcomes

5. Workers´ rights regarding working hours are respectedChild labor, forced labor, discrimination and workplace
violence and harassment are effectively assessed, prevented
and remediated

6. Workers have safe working conditions and access to basic
health services

Other human rights of farmers, workers, and communities are
fully respected

7. Workers and their families have safe housing and living
conditions

Farm workers and their families enjoy healthy and safe living
and working conditions
Farmers, workers, and their families enjoy an improved
standard of living [toward the Living Wage or living income
level]

4. Total remuneration of workers is increased towards a Living
Wage

7. Workers and their families have improved housing and living
conditions

8. Rights of local communities are respected
8. Farm management actively engages with and supports
communities

Supply chain Outcomes
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 Depending on the level of risk, supply chain actors
take measures to improve the human rights on operations
within the supply chain

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Human rights are fully respected on operations within the
supply chain of the certified crop

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 5: Social605.1 Assess-and-Address Child Labor, Forced Labor, Discrimination, Workplace Violence and Harassment
Child labor, forced labor, discrimination and workplace violence and harassment are not tolerated on Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. The assess-and-address system requires
certificate holders to have specific measures in place to monitor and mitigate risks related to child labor, forced labor, discrimination, workplace violence and harassment. When cases
are identified on Rainforest Alliance certified farms or on farms that apply for certification, they must be remediated. Severe cases, if not remediated, and/or violations of applicable law,
will lead to a negative certification decision, suspension or cancellation of the certificate.
The four Core requirements must be implemented for all four issues: child labor, forced labor, discrimination and workplace violence and harassment. The Improvement and Smart
Meter requirements must be implemented for child labor and forced labor when the Rainforest Alliance child labor and forced labor risk maps have determined these issues to be
medium/high risks in a particular country or sector. In case no risk levels are available for the particular sector and country combination, the improvement and Smart Meterrequirements apply based on the Certificate Holder’s own risk assessment. The improvement requirements for discrimination and workplace violence and harassment are always
exclusively applicable to large farms and individually certified farms.
Child labor, forced labor, discrimination, and violence/harassment are as defined in Annex S1: Glossary. These definitions are based on relevant ILO standards, including:
ILO Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No.138)
ILO Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention, 1999 (No.182)
ILO Forced Labor Convention, 1930 (No.29)
ILO Abolition of Forced Labor Convention, 1957 (No.105)
ILO Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No.100)
ILO Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No.111)
ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No.190)
Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.1.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Commitment:
Management commits to assess and address child labor, forced labor, discrimination, and workplace violence andharassment by:- Appointing a committee responsible for managing the assess-and-address system (see requirement 1.1.5).
The committee:• Coordinates with management and the committees/persons responsible for managing grievances and genderissues.
• Raises awareness of these four issues with management and (group) staff at least once a year.
• Informs workers/group members in writing that child labor, forced labor, discrimination and workplace violence andharassment are not tolerated, and that management has a system in place to assess and address related cases.
This information is visibly displayed at central locations at all times.
Please see SA-G-SD-11 Guidance Document L: Assess-and-Address

5.1.2

Risk mitigation:
The management representative/committee includes in the management plan (1.3.2) the mitigation measures as
identified in the basic Risk Assessment (1.3.1) and implements corresponding measures.
The basic Risk Assessment is repeated at least every three years.
Please see SA-S-SD-4 Annex S03: Risk Assessment Tool

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.1.3

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Monitoring:
The management representative/committee• Monitors risks and the implementation of risk mitigation measures• Reports potential cases of child labor, forced labor, discrimination, and workplace violence and harassment
to the management and to the grievance committee• Monitors remediation activities (see 5.1.4)
The intensity of the monitoring system is adjusted to the risk level and the issue.
Indicator:• The number of potential cases identified by the monitoring system and referred to the grievance mechanism(by gender, age, and type of issue)
Please see SA-G-SD-20 Guidance Document R: Assess-and-Address Monitoring Tool

5.1.4

Remediation:
The management representative/committee sets out in the management plan how to remediate cases of childlabor, forced labor, discrimination, workplace violence and harassment. Confirmed cases are remediated anddocumented following the Rainforest Alliance Remediation Protocol. Safety and confidentiality of the victims isprotected throughout the process.
Indicator:• Number and percentage of confirmed child labor, forced labor, discrimination and workplace violenceand harassment cases remediated per the Remediation Protocol (by gender, age, and type of issue)
Please see SA-S-SD-23 Annex Chapter 5: Social

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No.

Group certification

Mandatory Improvements

S-farms

L-farms

Ind. cert.

Group mgt.

S/L

Applicable in case of medium/high risk for child labor and/or forced labor according to the Rainforest Alliance child labor and forced labor risk maps.
Large and individually certified farms always implement the improvements for discrimination and workplace violence and harassment.
5.1.5
L1

In year 1 of certification, the management representative/committee:• Conducts the assess-and-address in-depth Risk Assessment for the medium/high risk issue(s)• Includes the corresponding mitigation measures in the management plan (1.3.2)• Implements these measures
The assess-and-address in-depth Risk Assessment is repeated at least every three years.
Please see SA-S-SD-4 Annex S03: Risk Assessment Tool

5.1.6
L1

Management representative/committee provides training/awareness raising on child labor, forced labor,
discrimination, and workplace violence and harassment to all group members (small farms) or workers(of large farms or individually certified farms).

5.1.7
L1

Management actively encourages the school attendance of children of (group) staff, group members,
and group member workers.

No.

Mandatory Smart Meter
Applicable in case of medium/high risk for child labor and/or forced labor according to the Rainforest Alliance child labor and forced labor risk maps.
Large and individually certified farms always implement the improvements for discrimination and workplace violence and harassment.

5.1.8

The management assures good functioning of the assess-and-address system. For this purpose, from year one onwards, a yearly assessment of the assess-and-address system for the relevant issue(s) is conducted, based on thefollowing five elements:• Effective implementation of mitigation measures• Effective training on relevant assess-and-address topics• Effective cooperation with external actors• Effective monitoring of the assess-and-address system• Effective internal collaboration on assess-and-address topics
Indicator:• Scores on the assess-and-address system elements
Please see SA-G-SD-11 Guidance Document L: Assess-and-Address

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645.2 Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.2.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Workers have the right to form and join a union or workers’ organization of their own choice and to take part incollective bargaining, without prior authorization from the employer, and in accordance with applicable law. Workers’
representatives are elected democratically among workers in regular, free elections.
Management informs workers on these rights through a written policy in a language they understand, before thestart of employment. The written policy on freedom of association and collective bargaining is visibly displayed at all
times in the workplace.
Where the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is restricted under law, management does nothinder the development of parallel means for independent and free association, bargaining and dialogue withmanagement.
ILO Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87)
ILO Workers Representatives Recommendation, 1971 (No. 143)
For small farms, the requirement only applies if they are hiring:- 10 or more temporary workers each working for three consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year

5.2.2

Workers are not subject to discrimination or retaliation for reasons of past or present workers’ organization or union
membership activities. Management does not punish, bribe or otherwise influence union members or workers’
representatives. Records are kept of terminations of employment, including the reason for termination and workers
affiliation with a union or workers’ organization. Management does not interfere in the internal affairs of workers’organizations and/or unions, nor in elections or duties related to membership of such organizations.
ILO Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98)
ILO Workers Representatives Recommendation, 1971 (No. 143).
For small farms, the requirement only applies if they are hiring:- 10 or more temporary workers each working for three consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.2.3

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement provides workers’ representatives reasonable paid time off from work to carry out their representation
functions and attend meetings.
Where needed, management provides the worker representatives with reasonable facilities including meeting space,means of communication and childcare.
Management gives worker organization and/or trade union access to a notice board to communicate information
about their activities.
Management establishes genuine dialogue with freely chosen workers’ representatives to collectively raise andaddress working conditions and terms of employment.
Management keeps records of the minutes from meetings with worker organizations and/or trade unions.
ILO Workers’ Representatives Convention, 1971 (No. 135)
ILO Workers Representatives Recommendation, 1971 (No. 143)
For small farms, the requirement only applies if they are hiring:- 10 or more temporary workers each working for three consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year

No.

Mandatory Improvement

Group certification
S-farms

5.2.4
L1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

All workers, including management, receive once every three years information on freedom of association and theeffective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
For small farms, the requirement only applies if they are hiring:- 10 or more temporary workers each working for three consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year

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5.3 Wages and Contracts
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.3.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Permanent and temporary workers who are employed for three consecutive months or more have a written
employment contract signed by both parties.
Permanent and temporary workers employed for fewer than three months must have at least verbal contracts inplace. The employer keeps records of verbal contracts.
All contracts include at least:• Job duties• Location of the job• Working hours• Pay rate and/or method of calculation• Overtime pay rate
• Frequency or schedule of payment• Deductions, benefits provided such as in-kind benefits• Paid leave• Medical leave and protections in case of illness, disability or accident• Notice period for contract termination, if applicable
All workers understand the content of their employment contracts prior to the start of employment and can request
a copy at any time.
For small farms, the requirement only applies if they are hiring:- 10 or more temporary workers each working for three consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year.

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.3.2

There are no arrangements or practices in place that are designed to eliminate or reduce workers’ pay and/or
benefits such as employing temporary workers for permanent or ongoing tasks

5.3.3

Workers receive at least the applicable minimum wage, or the wage negotiated in a Collective Bargaining Agreement(CBA), whichever is higher. For production quota or piece work, the payment must be at least the minimum wage,
based on a 48-hour working week or national legal working hours limit, whichever is lower.

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

5.3.5 Deductions from wages such as for social security are permitted only if provided by applicable law or CBA. Voluntary
wage deductions such as advance payments, union membership, or loans can only be made with written or verbal
consent from the worker. Employer carries out these remittances fully and timely. Wage deductions as a disciplinary
measure are not allowed. Deductions for work related to tools, equipment or gear are not allowed unless those are
permitted by applicable law.
In-kind benefits must be in accordance with applicable law; however, they cannot exceed 30% of the total
remuneration.
ILO Protection of Wages Recommendation, 1949 (No. 85)

5.3.6

Workers are paid regularly at scheduled intervals agreed both by the worker and the employer, and at least monthly.
Records are maintained, per worker, of hours worked (regular and overtime) and/or volume produced (if applicable),
calculation of wages and deductions, and wages paid. Workers are provided with proof of payment (physical orelectronic) for each payment containing this information.
ILO Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95).
For small farms, the requirement only applies if they are hiring:- 10 or more temporary workers each working for three consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year.

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

5.3.8 Work of equal value is remunerated with equal pay without discrimination e.g., on gender or type of worker,
ethnicity, age, colour, religion, political opinion, nationality, social origin or others.
ILO Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)

5.3.10 If labor providers are used, the producer records the name, contact details and official registration number (ifavailable).
The labor provider is:• Not engaged in fraudulent or coercive recruiting practices.
• Compliant with applicable worker related requirements 5.3 and 5.5 of this standard.
All recruitment fees are paid by the farm, not by workers.
ILO Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181)
Please see SA-G-SD-46 Guidance document U: Service Providers Applicability

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No.

Mandatory Improvement

5.3.11 Permanent and temporary workers who are employed for three consecutive months or longer have at leasta verbal contract in place.
L1
The group member keeps records of verbal contracts and informs workers of at least these terms:• Job duties• Working hours• Pay rate and method of calculation• Overtime hours• In-kind benefits

5.3.12 Permanent and temporary workers who are employed for one consecutive month or more have a written contract
L1
signed by both the employer and the worker, in a language the worker understands. The worker receives a copy ofthe contract at the time of signing.
All other requirements of 5.3.1 apply.
For small farms, the requirement only applies if they are hiring:- 10 or more temporary workers each working for three consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year

No.

Self-selected Improvement

5.3.13 In countries where the minimum wage is not adjusted yearly or regulated in a CBA, the workers’ wages are adjusted
yearly for inflation based on the national inflation rate.

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705.4 Living Wage
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.4.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

The total remuneration (wages plus monetary and in-kind benefits) for all types of workers* is assessed yearly
against the Living Wage benchmark, as approved by the Rainforest Alliance and in accordance with the Global Living
Wage Coalition (GLWC). Management uses the Rainforest Alliance Salary Matrix Tool to accurately fill in data forworkers’ wages.
*excluding workers on small farms
Indicators:• # and % of workers (per gender) whose wage plus in-kind-benefits are below Living Wagebenchmark provided by the Rainforest Alliance• Average size of Living Wage gap (% of LW)• Average size of Living Wage gap for men (% of LW) and women (% of LW)
Please see SA-S-SD-23 Annex Chapter 5: Social

5.4.2

If the total remuneration is below the applied benchmark for any type of worker, management implements a wage
improvement plan to progress towards the applicable benchmark, including targets, actions, timeline andresponsible persons.

5.4.3 In case a supply chain certificate holder contributes (directly through a financial investment or through another typeof investment) to raising wages towards the level of a Living Wage or beyond, the management and the supply chain
certificate holder agree in writing on:• The modalities of the contribution• The timeline of the wage improvement plan (5.4.2) for the period for which the contribution is madeThe management keeps records on the progress of the implementation of the wage improvement planNo.

Mandatory Smart Meter

5.4.4 Total remuneration of workers (wages, monetary benefits, in-kind benefits) is increasing towards and beyond theapplicable Living Wage benchmark following the targets in the wage improvement plan.

Indicators:• # and % of workers (per gender) whose wage plus in-kind-benefits are below Living Wage benchmark provided by
the Rainforest Alliance• Average size of Living Wage gap (% of LW)• Average size of Living Wage gap for men (% of LW) and for women (% of LW)

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No.

Self-selected Improvement

Group certification
S-farms

5.4.5

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement consults with workers' representatives on the wage improvement plan.

5.5 Working Conditions
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.5.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Workers do not work more than eight regular working hours per day and 48 regular working hours per week. In
addition, workers have at least a 30-minute break after a maximum of six consecutive hours of work and are granted
at least one full day of rest after a maximum of six consecutive days of work.
The regular work hours of guards do not exceed 60 hours per week or applicable regulations, whichever is stricter.
ILO, Hours of Work (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 1).
ILO, Hours of Work (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1930 (No. 30).

5.5.2

Overtime work is voluntary and only permitted if:
a It is requested in a timely manner.
b It is paid according to national law or CBA, whichever is higher. If there is no law or CBA,
it is paid at least 1,5 times the regular wage level .
c The overtime work does not impose an increased health and safety risk. Incident rates during overtime periods aremonitored and overtime is reduced, if accident rates are higher during overtime work periods than during periods ofregular work hours.
d Workers have safe transport home after work*
e The total working week does not exceed 60 hours per week. Exceptional circumstances: see h)f Workers have at least a 30-minute break after maximum six consecutive hours of workand have a minimum of 10 consecutive hours of rest per 24 hour-periodg A record of the number of regular hours and overtime hours of each worker is kept*
h Applicable only to specific activities that must be completed within a short window of up to 6 weeks to prevent
loss of harvest, including, but not limited to, sowing, planting, harvesting and processing of fresh produce: for a
maximum period of 12 weeks per year, the overtime may be up to 24 hours total per week, and workers may work amaximum of 21 consecutive days.
*In groups of small farms this is not applicable to group member workers
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ILO, Hours of Work (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 1)
ILO, Hours of Work (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1930 (No. 30)
ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Agriculture, 2010
International Labor Conference, 107th Session, General Study concerning instruments on working time, 2018
For small farms, requirement only applies if they are hiring:- 10 or more temporary workers each working for 3 consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year

No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.5.3

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Permanent workers are entitled to paid parental leave, rights and benefits in accordance with applicable law.
In absence of such law, workers receive paid maternity leave of at least 12 weeks, of which at least six weeks are taken
after birth. They can return to their job after maternity leave on the same terms and conditions and without
discrimination, loss of seniority or deduction of wages.
Workers who are pregnant, nursing or have recently given birth are offered flexible working schedules and work sitearrangements. Breastfeeding women have two additional 30-minute breaks per day and an appropriate space forbreastfeeding to nurture the child.
ILO Maternity Protection Convention, 1952 (No. 183)
For small farms, the requirement only applies if they are hiring:- 10 or more temporary workers each working for three consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year

5.5.4 Workers’ children younger than the applicable minimum working age coming with their parents to the workplace:• Have a safe place to stay according to their age• Are under the supervision of adults at all times
ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Agriculture, 2010

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.6.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement conducts an analysis of occupational health and safety risks within the certification scope with thesupport of staff or external experts with appropriate technical expertise. Relevant measures are stipulated in the
management plan and implemented, considering at least the following:• Risk analysis• Compliance with regulations• Training of workers• Procedures and equipment to ensure health and safety, including drinking water.
Frequency and type of occupational health and safety incidents are recorded (specified for men and women) andinclude incidents related to agrochemical use.
For groups of small farms this is done for their own facilities.
ILO Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155)
ILO Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184)

5.6.2

First aid boxes are available to workers for the treatment of work-related injuries, and emergency health care isprovided free of charge including transport to and treatment in a hospital.
The boxes are placed at the central locations of production, processing, and maintenance sites. Appropriate
measures in case of emergency, including showers and eyewashes, are present at the relevant locations.
Trained first aid employees are present during working hours. The workers are informed where and to who theyshould go to for first aid in case of an emergency.
For small farms, the requirement only applies if they are hiring:- 10 or more temporary workers each working for three consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year.

5.6.3 Group members and workers know where to go in case of an emergency.

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.6.4

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Workers have access to sufficient and safe drinking water at all times through one of the following means:• A public drinking water system, or• Drinking water provided by the management that is tested at least once every three years, or more frequently, if
the risk analysis as part of requirement 5.6.1 identifies risk.
Management maintains drinking water sources, distribution systems and containers to prevent contamination.
Drinking water stored in jars or containers is protected against contamination by a lid and is replaced by fresh
drinking water at least every 24 hours.
For small farms, the requirement only applies if they are hiring:- 10 or more temporary workers each working for three consecutive months or more, and/or- 50 or more temporary workers per calendar year

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.6.5

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

For small farms, in case of no access to safe drinking water, management implements and documents a training
program to instruct group members on potable water treatments through boiling, filtering, or chlorinating, and on theprevention of water contamination.

5.6.6 Workers always have access to safe and sufficient drinking water.
5.6.7

Sufficient, clean, and functioning toilets and handwashing stations are provided in or close by agricultural
production, processing, maintenance, office sites, and workers’ housing.
Facilities are divided by gender in the case of 10 or more workers. Urinals are separated from toilets usedby females. Safety and privacy of vulnerable groups are ensured, by at least well-lit and lockable facilities.
Workers are allowed to frequent these facilities when needed.

5.6.8 Workers receive information on health topics, medical leave policies and availability of primary, maternal andreproductive health services in the community.

5.6.9 Persons that work in hazardous situations (e.g., under challenging terrains, with machines or with hazardous

materials) use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). These persons are trained in the use of the PPE
and have access to the PPE free of charge.

5.6.10 All tools used by the workers are in good working condition.
Machines have clear instructions on safe usage that can be understood by the workers, and dangerous parts
are guarded or encased. Workers using such machines are appropriately trained, and if required by law, workers
operating machinery have the applicable licenses.
Machinery and other equipment are stored safely when not in use.

5.6.11 Female workers who are pregnant, nursing, or have recently given birth are not assigned to activities that pose a risk
to the woman’s, unborn child’s, or infant’s health. In cases of job reassignment, there is no reduction in remuneration.
No pregnancy tests are requested.

5.6.12 Workers may leave situations with imminent danger without seeking employer’s permission
and without being penalized.

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No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

5.6.13 Workshops, storage areas, and processing facilities are safe, clean, with sufficient light and ventilation.
A clear and written accident and emergency procedure is in place. It includes marked fire exits, evacuation maps, atleast one emergency drill per year. Management informs workers about this procedure.
There is firefighting equipment and equipment to remediate spillage of materials. Workers are trained on how to use
this equipment.
Only authorized personnel have access to workshops, storage, or processing facilities.

5.6.14 Workers in workshops, storage areas and processing facilities have clean and safe eating spaces that provide
protection against sun and rain. Workers in the field can have their meal protected from sun and rain.

5.6.15 Workers receive basic training on occupational health, safety, and hygiene and related instructions are visibly
displayed at central locations.

5.6.16 Workers who regularly handle hazardous agrochemicals receive a medical examination at least once a year.
In case of regular exposure to organophosphates or carbamate pesticides, the examination includes
cholinesterase testing. Workers have access to the results of their medical examination.

No.

Mandatory Improvement

5.6.17 An Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) committee is chosen by workers for farms/group management with
L1

20 or more workers, reflecting the composition of the workforce. The committee participates in or carries out
regular OHS reviews, and its findings and decisions are considered in the updating and implementation of thefindings of the health and safety risk analysis.

5.6.18 Workers who cannot carry out their job because of temporary health conditions, including but not limited to
L2pregnancy, nursing, or physical disabilities, are temporarily reassigned to a different task without a penalty
or a decrease in remuneration.

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775.7 Housing and Living Conditions
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.7.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Workers and their families that are housed or lodged on-site have safe, clean and decent living quarters considering
local conditions. This includes at least:
Location and construction:• Safe construction; build on a non-hazardous location, structure protecting against extreme weather conditions,consisting at least of dry floors, permanent walls and in a good state of repair. Dry floors: raised from ground level,
either of cement, stone, tile, wood, or clay (the latter only if sealed and leveled).
• Protection against air pollution and surface runoff of wastewater.
• Workers/families are informed about emergency evacuation plans.
• Group accommodation has marked evacuation routes, installed and maintained firefighting equipment andinstructions for its use
Health and hygiene:• Availability of enough safe drinking water; at least 20 liters per adult per day and within 1km/30 minutes round-trip.
• Safety and privacy of vulnerable groups are ensured, at least by well-lit and lockable facilities. Sanitary facilities arelocated within the same buildings, or at a safe distance from the buildings (no more than 60 meters from rooms/
dormitories) and provided separately for men and women.
• Adequate closed-sewage or pit latrines, sanitation and waste disposal facilities are in place.
• Cooking areas with smoke ventilation.
• Pest control, absence of rats, mice, insects, and vermin, or conditions that favor their populations that could cause
disease or carry parasites that function as vectors of diseases.
Comfort and decency:• Families of permanent workers with children share one or more rooms. Such rooms are separate from non-family
members• Workers’ children living on-site are in a safe place and under the supervision of an adult during working hours• Electricity (in-house or nearby) if available in the area
For collective housing:• Rooms, washing facilities and toilets for individual workers are separate for women and men and can be locked. A
separate bed for each worker is provided. There is a minimum space between beds of 1 meter. Where bunk beds areused, there must be enough clear space between the bunks of the bed, at least 0.7 meters.
• Storage for the personal belongings of workers is provided, either an individual cupboard or at least 1 meter of shelfunit for each worker
ILO Workers’ Housing Recommendation, 1961 (No. 115)
ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Agriculture, 2010
Please see SA-G-SD-13 Guidance Document K: Housing and Living Conditions

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78

No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.7.2

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LChildren living on-site and of school-going age go to school. Children either:• Go to a school at safe walking distance• Go to a school at reasonable traveling distance, with availability of safe transport• Have on-site schooling of a recognized and equivalent level.

5.7.3

Workers and their families that are housed or lodged on-site have safe, clean and decent living quarters considering
local conditions and include:
Safe accommodation; built in a non-hazardous location, structure protecting against extreme weather conditions,consisting at least out of dry floor, permanent walls and in good state of repair
Marked evacuation routes for group accommodations
Protection against air pollution and surface runoff. Adequate sewage, sanitation and waste disposal facilities are inplace• Access to safe drinking water• Adequate sanitary and washing facilities. Safety and privacy of vulnerable groups is ensured,at least by well-lit and lockable facilities
ILO Recommendation, Workers’ Housing Recommendation, 1961 (No. 115)

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79

No.

Group certification

Mandatory Improvement

S-farms

5.7.4
L1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

On-site living conditions have improved by:
Location and construction:• Measures are taken to reduce the effect of extreme climate conditions such as flooding.
• Natural ventilation that ensures movement of air in all conditions of weather and climate.
Health and Hygiene:
Adequate sanitary and washing facilities:• Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines or toilets with connections to wastewater disposal systems, or sewage system
if this is present.
• The number of toilets or VIP latrines, urinals, handwash facilities and shower/bathroom facilities: 1 unit of each for a
maximum of 15 persons. Handwash facilities must consist of a tap and basin.
• Bedrooms are free from cooking area smoke.
• Enough lighting (daylight and artificial).
Comfort and Decency:• Workers have covered or comfortable areas according to their customs during meals and break times.
For group accommodation:• Bunk beds are not arranged in more than two levels.
• Increased living space for group accommodation.

5.7.5 On-site housing includes:• Cooking areas with smoke ventilation
L1• Food storage areas must be protected from moisture and pests and be separate from storage of chemicals
and other potential hazards• Measures for pest control are taken

5.7.6
L2

On-site living conditions have improved by:
Location and construction:• Sealed floors.
• Frequent inspections are held to ensure that the accommodation is safe and clean, inspection reports are
documented.
Health and Hygiene:• At least one toilet, one shower, and one laundry sink per 6 persons.
Comfort and Decency:• Rooms indicate the maximum allowed number of inhabitants.
• Group accommodation has at least one toilet per 6 persons.
• Areas for drying clothes.

5.7.7
L1

In case temporary workers have off-property accommodation, the group and/or farm management makes
arrangements or works together with the relevant property owners or settlement/municipal authorities for safe,
clean and decent living conditions considering local conditions.

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 5: Social

805.8 Communities
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

5.8.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement respects legal and customary rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. Activities
diminishing the land or resource use rights or collective interests of indigenous peoples and local communities,
including High Conservation Values (HCVs) 5 or 6, are conducted only after having received free, prior andinformed consent (FPIC) following the Rainforest Alliance FPIC annex.
ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169)
Please see SA-S-SD-23 Annex Chapter 5: Social

5.8.2

The producer has legal or legitimate right to use the land, substantiated by ownership, leasehold, or other legal
documents or by documentation of traditional or customary use rights.
If indigenous peoples and/or local communities, current or former local residents, or other stakeholders validly
dispute the right to use the land (for example in cases of past dispossession, forced abandonment or illegal action),the certificate holder may demonstrate that they have legitimate right to use the land if:
a. A conflict resolution and remediation process has been documented, implemented and accepted by the affectedparties.
b. In the case of past illegal action, these affected parties include relevant authorities.
c. If the dispute involves indigenous peoples and local communities, large farms and individually certified farms
follow an FPIC process in accordance with Annex chapter 5: Social and Guidance T: Free, Prior and Informed Consent(FPIC) Process to attain the required conflict resolution and remediation.

No.

Mandatory Improvement

5.8.3 Management engages with communities within or adjacent to the farm that are likely to be affected by the farm’s
operations. Management identifies their concerns and interests related to these operations and informs them about
L1
the possibility to file complaints in accordance with 1.5.1.

5.8.4 Management supports communities within or adjacent to the farm to address the needs and priorities identified(5.8.3), e.g. support for local schools, medical care or helping to address environmental problems.
L2

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 5: Social

81Agriculture can have positive or negative effects on

supports the outcome that farms and groups

techniques and supporting climate change

the natural environment, depending on how it ismanaged. This chapter outlines pathways forcertified farms to have a positive impact on theplanet, and its forests, biodiversity, water andavoid degradation of natural habitats, contributeto improving biodiversity, and help to prevent theextinction of threatened species. For the topics ofwater, waste, and energy, farms and groups

mitigation.

climate. By complying with the core requirements of
the Farm Requirements, farms also comply with theHigh Conservation Values approach as set by the
HCV Network.

reduce pollution, treat wastewater and minimize
release of hazardous pollutants, and reduce waste
and energy through prevention, reduction,
recycling and reuse. A self-selected topic is addedlandscape conservation, where multiple strategies
are needed to create lasting impact forbiodiversity and planet. The content of this chapter
marks a starting from which certified farms andfor farms and groups taking the step towards
measurements of greenhouse gas reductions.

groups can support this goal.

The first topic in this chapter supports the outcomethat farms and groups do not contribute to
deforestation, forest degradation and destruction

Finally, throughout this chapter and the farmingof other natural ecosystems, and that the conserve,
maintain, and restore natural ecosystems and theirservices. The topic of wildlife and biodiversity

SA-S-SD-1-V1.3

Once again, the Rainforest Alliance recognizes thatfarm certification fits into a larger picture ofpractices chapter, the Farm Requirements work
towards the outcome of farms and groups
adopting climate adaptation and resilience

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 6: Environment82

Chapter 6 - Farm Outcomes
1. Producers have not encroached into forests or other natural
ecosystems and take measures in case of medium or high risk
to the High Conservation Values

2. Producers maintain on-farm natural vegetation

Forests and other natural ecosystems on certified production
units are effectively protected and restored

6. Wastewater from processing operations is not discharged,
and does not contribute to soil erosion or contamination

Natural vegetation on farms is maintained and enhanced

7. Waste is managed in a safe and environmentally friendlyway

3. Producers maintain riparian buffers
Increased protection of wildlife and biodiversity
3. Producers establish and restore riparian buffers

4. Human-wildlife conflicts are minimized

5. Producers reduce water use for irrigation and processing

Effective group management and supporting field intervention
contribute to protection and restoration of forests and othernatural ecosystems in the surrounding landscape

2. Increased natural vegetation and optimal shade coverage

4. Producers take measure to protect endangered species andnative flora and fauna

5. Producers use water efficiently

Increased efficiency in water and energy use and reduced
wastewater and solid waste pollution
Reduced on-farm greenhouse gas emissions

7. Waste is reused/recycled
8. Producers increase energy efficiency and reduce
dependency on non-renewable energy sources
8. If biomass is used, producers minimize the effects on natural
ecosystems
9. Producers take measures to reduce Greenhouse Gases
Emissions

Supply chain Outcomes
Reduction of environmental risks on operations within the
supply chain of the certified crop

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 6: Environment

6. Depending on the level of risk, supply chain actors takemeasures to reduce negative environmental effects fromoperations within the supply chain83

6.1 Forests, and other Natural Ecosystems and Protected Areas
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

6.1.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

From January 1st, 2014, onward, natural forests and other natural ecosystems have not been converted
into agricultural production or other land uses.
Please see SA-S-SD-24 Annex Chapter 6: Environment

6.1.2

Production or processing does not occur in protected areas or their officially designated buffer zones,
except where it complies with applicable law.

6.1.3

Management includes the mitigation measures from the Risk Assessment Tool in 1.3.1 with regard to High
Conservation Values in the management plan (1.3.2). Management implements these measures.
Please see SA-S-SD-4 Annex S03: Risk Assessment Tool

No.

Mandatory Improvement

6.1.4
L1

Management includes the mitigation measures from the Risk Assessment Tool in 1.3.1 with regard to High
Conservation Values in the management plan (1.3.2). Management implements these measures.
Please see SA-S-SD-4 Annex S03: Risk Assessment Tool

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 6: Environment84

6.2 Conservation and Enhancement of Natural Ecosystems and Vegetation
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

6.2.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement develops and implements a plan to conserve natural ecosystems. The plan is based on the map
required in 1.2.10 and the natural ecosystems section of the Risk Assessment Tool in 1.3.1 and is updated annually.
Please see SA-S-SD-4 Annex S03: Risk Assessment Tool
Please see SA-G-SD-14 Guidance Document M: Natural ecosystems and vegetation

6.2.2

Farms maintain all remnant forest trees, except when these pose hazards to people or infrastructure.
Other native trees on the farm and their harvesting are sustainably managed in a way that the same
quantity and quality of trees is maintained on the farm.

No.

Mandatory Smart Meter

6.2.3 Producers maintain and management monitors natural vegetation cover and reports annually on the indicatorfrom year one onwards.

If there is less than 10% of the total area under natural vegetation cover or less than 15% for farms growing
shade-tolerant crops, management sets targets and takes actions for farms to reach these thresholds as requiredin 6.2.4.
Natural vegetation is vegetation made up predominantly of native or locally adapted species, resembling in species
composition and structure the vegetation that occurs or would occur in the absence of human interference. Naturalvegetation can include one or more of the following (not exclusive):• Riparian buffers• Conservation areas within the farm
• Natural vegetation in agroforestry systems• Border plantings, live fences and barriers around housing and infrastructure, or in other ways
• Conservation and restoration areas outside the certified farm that effectively provide long-term protection of
the subject areas (for at least 25 years) and yield additional conservation value and protection status relative tothe status quo
Indicator:• % of total farm area under natural vegetation cover
Please see SA-S-SD-24 Annex Chapter 6: Environment

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No.

Mandatory Improvement

Group certification
S-farms

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

6.2.4 There is natural vegetation cover• On at least 10% of the total area for farms growing non-shade tolerant crops
L2• On at least 15% of the total area for farms growing shade-tolerant cropsNo.

Self-selected Smart Meter

6.2.5 Farms with shade-tolerant crops work towards agroforestry systems with optimal shade coverage and species
diversity according to the Shade coverage and species diversity reference parameters.

Indicators:• % shade cover averaged over the portion of the farm or group of farms growing shade-tolerant crops• average number of shade tree species per hectare growing shade-tolerant crops

6.2.6 Farms increase the areas under natural vegetation beyond the amounts established in requirement 6.2.3.
Indicator:• % of total farm area under natural vegetation cover

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 6: Environment86

6.3 Riparian Buffers
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

6.3.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Farms maintain existing riparian buffers adjacent to aquatic ecosystems.

6.3.2 Producers maintain the following additional safeguards for the protection of drinking water in case the farm is locatedcloser than 50m from a river, lake, or other water body that is frequently used as the main source of drinking.

• Maintain or establish a riparian buffer that is at least 10m wide
• Add an outer, additional 20m non-application zone (total 30m) where no pesticides or fertilizers are used
• Add an additional 20m zone (from 30 to 50m from the waterbody), in which pesticides are only applied
through mechanical, hand-assisted or targeted application

No.

Mandatory Improvement

6.3.3
L1

Aquatic ecosystems are surrounded by riparian buffers with the following riparian buffer width parameters:•

5m horizontal width along both sides of water courses between 1 - 5m wide.

•

For farms < 2 ha, the width of the buffer may be reduced to 2m at both sides•

8m horizontal width along both sides of water courses between 5-10m wide, and around springs, wetlands, andother water bodies•

15m horizontal width along both sides of rivers wider than 10 meters wide

No additional non-application zones are required alongside fully established riparian buffers.

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6.4 Protection of Wildlife and Biodiversity
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

6.4.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Threatened animals and plants are not hunted, killed, fished, collected, or trafficked.
Additionally, producers and workers do not hunt other animals, with the following exceptions:• Producers of small farms may hunt non-threatened animals for non-commercial use only
• Producers may hunt vertebrate wildlife pests on the farm only following the farm’s Integrated Pest Management(IPM) plan, and only as a measure of last resort.
Explosives or toxic substances are never used for hunting, fishing, or control of wildlife pests.

6.4.2 Producers do not hold wildlife in captivity. Captive wild animals that were present on the farm before the earliest

certification date are sent to professional shelters or may be held only for non-commercial purposes for theremainder of their lives. Captive wild animals and farm animals are treated following the five freedoms of animal
welfare.

6.4.3 Producers do not intentionally introduce or release invasive species. Producers do not dispose of existing invasive
species or their parts in aquatic ecosystems.

6.4.4 Producers do not use wildlife for processing or harvesting of any crop (e.g. luwak for coffee, monkeys for coconut, etc).
6.4.5 Erosion by water and wind is reduced through practices such as re-vegetation of steep areas and terracing.
Please see SA-G-SD-12 Guidance Document J: Soil Fertility and Conservation

6.4.6 Fire is not used for preparing or cleaning fields, except when specifically justified in the IPM plan.
Please see SA-G-SD-12 Guidance Document J: Soil Fertility and Conservation

No.

Mandatory Improvement

6.4.7 Producers minimize human-wildlife conflicts that affect workers, wildlife, crops, or farm assets with locallyappropriate mitigation measures. Measures can include siting of infrastructure, fencing and corridors but
L1should not unnecessarily restrict wildlife mobility or access to water or other resources. Workers are trainedin procedures and emergency responses for addressing crop damage or wildlife attacks.

6.4.8 Group management supports producers to minimize human-wildlife conflicts that affect producers, workers,
wildlife, crops, or farm assets with locally appropriate mitigation measures. Measures can include siting of
L1

infrastructure, fencing, and corridors but should not unnecessarily restrict wildlife mobility or access to resources
like water.

6.4.9 Producers take measures to contain and reduce existing invasive species.
L1
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6.5 Water Management and Conservation
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

6.5.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement complies with the applicable law for withdrawal of surface or groundwater for agricultural, domestic orprocessing purposes.
If required, compliance is demonstrated through a license or permit (or a pending request).

6.5.3 Irrigation and water distribution systems are maintained to optimize crop productivity while minimizing
water waste, erosion, and salinization.

No.

Mandatory Smart Meter

6.5.4 Irrigation and water distribution systems are managed to optimize crop productivity considering at least
the following factors:• Crop evapotranspiration at different growth stages• Soil conditions• Rainfall pattern
Producers record the amount of water used for irrigation from year one onwards.
Indicator:• Water use for irrigation in total and per unit of product (L, L/kg)

6.5.5 Management takes measures to reduce the use of processing water per unit of product. Water use andreduction are monitored and documented from year one onwards.

For Group Management, this is applicable if groups have central processing facilities.
Indicator:• Water use for processing in total and per unit of the product leaving the farm (L, L/Kg)

No.

Self-Selected improvements

6.5.6 Producers use rainwater harvesting for irrigation and/or other agricultural purposes.
6.5.7

Producers participate in a local watershed committee or initiative and take action to help maintain or restore thewatershed’s health as part of this collective process. The nature of the participation and actions taken are
documented.

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6.6 Wastewater Management
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

6.6.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Tests for processing wastewater are conducted at all discharge points during the representative period(s)of operation, and results are documented.
For farm groups, this is done at all group-managed (collective) processing facilities and at a representative
sample of member processing operations including the different types of treatment systems.
Wastewater from processing operations discharged into aquatic ecosystems meets legal wastewater
quality parameters. In absence of these, it meets the wastewater parameters.
Wastewater from processing operations may not be mixed with clean water to meet the parameters.

6.6.2 Human sewage, sludge, and sewage water is not used for production and/or processing activities.
Sewage is not discharged into aquatic ecosystems unless it has been treated.

Not applicable to small farms:
Treated discharge is demonstrated to meet legal wastewater quality parameters or, in the absence of these,
the wastewater parameters.

6.6.3 Wastewater from processing operations is not applied to land unless it has undergone treatment to remove
particulates and toxins.
If treated wastewater is used for irrigation, in addition to the wastewater parameters, it must comply with thewastewater parameters for irrigation.

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6.7 Waste Management
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

6.7.1

Waste is stored, treated, and disposed of in ways that do not pose health or safety risks to people, animals or
natural ecosystems. Waste is stored and disposed of only in designated areas and not disposed of in natural
or aquatic ecosystems. Non-organic waste is not left on the land.

6.7.2

Producers do not burn waste, except in incinerators technically designed for the specific type of waste.

No.

Mandatory Improvement

6.7.3
L1

Producers segregate and recycle waste based on available waste management, recycling, and disposal
options. Organic waste is composted, processed for use as organic or used as input for other processes.

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Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Farm Requirements | Chapter 6: Environment

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L91

6.8 Energy Efficiency
No.

Core requirements

Group certification
S-farms

6.8.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/LManagement documents the types of energy sources and the energy used for production and processing of certified
product.
This applies to Group Management only if groups use energy for processing.
Please see SA-G-SD-15 Guidance Document N: Energy Efficiency

No.

Mandatory Smart Meter

6.8.2 Management sets targets for increased efficiency in energy use and for reduced dependency on non-renewableenergy sources. The progress is monitored and reported yearly.

For Group Management, this is applicable if groups have energy use for processing.
Indicators:• Amounts of renewable and non-renewable energy used, by type (e.g., volume of fuel, kWh electricity,quantity of biomass energy)• Total energy use• Total energy use per kg of productNo.

Mandatory Improvement

6.8.3 If biomass energy is used for processing operations and/or domestic use, producers minimize the direct and indirect
effects of biomass use on natural ecosystems through actions such as:
L1• Planting trees to increase the availability of biomass energy on or around the farm
• When biomass is purchased, sources not associated with the destruction of forests or othernatural ecosystems are sought.

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6.9 Greenhouse Gases ReductionNo.

Self-Selected Smart Meter

Group certification
S-farms

6.9.1

L-farms

Group mgt.

Ind. cert.
S/L

Producers document net Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions from main sources in production and processing
operations. This includes emissions from use of fossil fuels and electricity, fertilizer, waste and wastewater and land
use change.
Producers establish GHG reduction targets, develop and implement a strategy to meet these targets, and monitor
annually against these targets.
Indicators:• Total annual net GHG emissions from the above indicated sources (tons of CO2e)• Net GHG emissions from the above indicated sources per unit of the final farm product (tons of CO2e per unit)
Please see SA-G-SD-16 Guidance Document O: GHG Emission Reductions

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93