SA-S-SD-2
Version 1.3

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.
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Document name:

Document code:

Version:Rainforest Alliance Sustainable AgricultureStandard, Supply Chain Requirements

SA-S-SD-2

1.3

Date of first publication:

Date of revision:

Valid from:

Expires by:June 30th, 2020

February 6th, 2023

July 1st, 2023

Until further noticerefer to the official English version for clarification.

Linked to:

Any discrepancies or differences in meaning due totranslation are not binding and have no effect for

SA-S-SD-1 Rainforest Alliance 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard, Farm Requirements.

auditing or certification purposes.

All other annexes, guidances and policies listed in this document.
Replaces:

More information?
For more information about the Rainforest Alliance,

SA-S-SD-2-V1.2 Rainforest Alliance 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard, Supply Chain Requirements

visit www.rainforest-alliance.org contact
info@ra.org or contact the Rainforest Alliance
Amsterdam Office, De Ruijterkade 6, 1013AA
Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Applicable to:Country/Region:

Supply Chain certificate holders

All

Crops:

Type of certification:

All crops in the scope of the Rainforest Alliancecertification system; please see the Rainforest

Supply chain certificate holders

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

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

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | About

2

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

Subject

ChangeManagement

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

1.4.1

Internal Inspection and
Self-Assessment

Simplified and shortened text.

1.4.2

Internal Inspection and
Self-Assessment

Simplified and shortened text.

1.5.1

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.

2.1.12

Traceability in Online
Platform

Clarification: Applicability of the requirements for traceability documentation.

2.2.3

Traceability in Online
Platform

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

2.2.4

Traceability in Online
Platform

Text rephrased for clarification.

2.2.5

Traceability in Online
Platform

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

1.1.5

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | About32.2.6

Traceability in Online
Platform

Text rephrased for clarification.

2.3.1

Mass Balance

Text rephrased for clarification.

2.3.2

Mass Balance

Added 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 for which 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.

5.1.1

Assess-and-Address

All general responsibilities of the committees and their composition are now combined into new
requirement 1.1.5.

5.3.2

Wages and Contracts

Rephrased for clarification.

5.3.3

Wages and Contracts

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

5.3.6

Wages and Contracts

Merged: Requirements 5.3.6 and 5.3.7 on payment schedules, now all in 5.3.6.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, now all in 5.3.10.

5.3.10Wages and Contracts

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

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).

5.5.3

Working Conditions

Simplified: Details for nursing spaces moved to guidance.
Changed ‘maternity leave’ into ‘parental leave’ to include both parents.

5.6.1

Health and Safety

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

5.6.4

Health and Safety

Simplified text, added line on drinking water testing.

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | About

4

Our Vision2020 Certification Program

6
7

Overview of the Supply Chain Requirements

8

1.1 Management
1.2 Administration
1.4 Internal Inspection and Self-Assessment

10
11
12

1.5 Grievance Mechanism
1.6 Gender Equality

13
14

2.1 Traceability

16

2.2 Traceability in the Online Platform
2.3 Mass Balance

17
18

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

6.6 Wastewater Management
3.2 Sustainability Differential
3.3 Sustainability Investments

20
21

32

Annexes

3.4 Supply Chain Contributions to Living Wage
Payment (Self Selected)
22

Annex Chapter 2: Traceability
Annex Chapter 3: Income & Shared Responsibility

5.1 Assess-and-Address Child Labor, Forced Labor,

Guidances (non-binding)Discrimination, Workplace Violence andHarassment
5.2 Freedom of Association
5.3 Wages and Contracts

24
25
26

5.5 Working Conditions
5.6 Health and Safety28
29

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | About

S01: Glossary
S03: Risk Assessment Tool
General Guide
E: Grievance Mechanism
F: Gender equality
L: Assess-and-Address
R: Assess-and-Address Monitoring Tool
S: Remediation Protocol

5With the 2020 Sustainable Agriculture Standard, theRainforest Alliance has developed a strong,forward-looking approach to certification that is fit
for the challenges now facing sustainableagriculture 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 topic of sustainability should continue beyond
the farm gate, and buyers in certified supply chains

The Supply Chain Requirements of the 2020
Sustainable Agriculture Standard introduce anumber of innovations, such as a contextualized
package of requirements adapted to thecircumstances of each certificate holder, astrengthened risk assessment to identify andmanage sustainability risks, and shared responsibility
requirements to reward farmers for sustainableproduction and target investments to achievesustainability goals.

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 reflecting a balance of
stakeholder interests.

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.

must provide increased support to farmers to work
more sustainably. With the Rainforest Alliance’s 2020
Certification Program, we are aiming to foster not
only transparency but also responsible businesspractices from companies throughout the supply
chain.

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Introduction

6

The Rainforest Alliance 2020 Certification Program,with the new standard, assurance system andbusinesses around the world that use 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
chains. Our 2020 Certification Program is made up of

SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE STANDARDFARMREQUIREMENTS

SUPPLY CHAINREQUIREMENTS

three principal components that are designed towork closely with each other.

ASSURANCESYSTEM• Certification and Auditing
Rules to set out how auditors
evaluate compliance with theFarm and Supply Chain
Requirements, and to• Ensure that Certification
Bodies consistently deliver
Rainforest Alliance audits of
the highest quality

Annexes (binding):
Compliance is required for certification.
Policies (binding):
Policies are context-specific and may be applicable. Compliance is required for
certification.

• Rules for Authorizing Certification
Bodies to determine whichorganizations can carry out audits
against the new Rainforest
Alliance Standard, and to

DATA SYSTEMSAND TOOLS

Certificate holders at farmand supply chain level willregister for membership,
manage verification
processes and record sales
transactions of certified
products in a new platform.
New tools are being developed
and made available to better
track and manage sustainability
performance against therequirements of the Sustainable
Agriculture Standard.

• Set rules for Certification Bodies’
personnel

Guidances (non-binding):
Supporting documents, not binding for certification.

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Introduction

7

The requirements in this document are set out inchapters according to their principal theme.
As part of the assurance system, data is collected
through the registration and profile completion
process embedded in the Rainforest Alliance
Certification Platform.
A company’s profile is based on the activities,
location, crop and volume information captured
through this process, in combination with otherdata (such as compliance, social risks, and others)
specific for each individual operation. The
organization’s profile will result in a contextualized
checklist of mandatory requirements. In addition,
further requirements can be self-selected by thecertificate holder.

1. Management
1.1

Management

1.2

Administration

1.4

Internal Inspection and Self-Assessment

1.5

Grievance Mechanism

1.6

Gender Equality

2. Traceability
2.1

Traceability

2.2

Traceability in Online Platform

2.3

Mass Balance

3. Income and Shared Responsibility
3.2

Sustainability Differential

3.3

Sustainability Investments

3.4

Supply Chain Contributions for Living Wage Payment (Self-selected)

5. Social
5.1

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

5.2

Freedom of Association

5.3

Wages and Contracts

5.5

Working Conditions

5.6

Health and Safety

6. Environment
6.6

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Wastewater Management

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Introduction

8

The Rainforest Alliance wants to see
certified organizations managed in an
efficient, transparent, inclusive, andeconomically viable manner. Here it isessential that farms and companies
implement an integrated planning andmanagement system, with processes
and procedures for continuous
improvement. This chapter includes
topics related to management andresponsible business conduct.
Requirements on these topics follow a
process of assessment, planning,
implementation, evaluation, andadjustment.
This first chapter includes the crosscutting theme of gender. The inclusionof this topic in the management
chapter recognizes the fundamental
importance of gender, and that it
applies to multiple dimensions of acompany’s activities.

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Chapter 1: Management91.1 Management
1.1.3

There is a clearly documented and implemented management plan which addresses each applicable Rainforest Alliance Supply Chain requirement. Documented procedures
include control of certified products for all applicable processes, included in the certificate scope, to maintain product integrity.

1.1.4

The supply chain certificate holder has devised, adopted, and disseminated one or more policies for ensuring responsible business conduct in its own operations, supply chain,and other business relationships. The policies cover direct and indirect adverse impacts on human rights and the environment.

•

The policies commit and refer to following the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct. References and commitments to the OECD Guidelines forMultinational Enterprises or UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights are also acceptable.

•
•
•
•

Oversight and responsibility for these policies and their implementation is assigned to senior management.
The policies and its expectations are specified in engagement with suppliers and other business relationships, including contracts and other written agreements.
A potential tool for compliance is to have a supplier code of conduct in place.
At a minimum, this policy requires from the supply chain certificate holder, its suppliers, and other business relationships:
Compliance with applicable laws and relevant standards in relation to human rights, worker rights and conditions, health and safety
Compliance with applicable laws and relevant standards in relation to environmental protection, deforestation, biodiversity, waste, and wastewater
management

For a model policy for responsible agricultural supply chains, consult the OECD Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains, page 25-29.I5

1.1.5

Management 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 assess-and-address.

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Chapter 1: Management101.2 Administration
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 the scope 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

1.2.5

An up-to-date list of permanent and temporary workers is kept, containing for each worker:

•
•
•
•
•

Full name•••

Housing address

•
•
•
•
•

Housing address

GenderYear of birthStart and end date(s) of employment

Wages
For workers for whom housing is provided, the registry additionally contains:
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 registry additionally contains:
Name and address of parent(s) or legal guardian(s)School registration (if applicable)
Type of work or tasks
The number of daily and weekly working hours

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 mustcomply with requirements in chapter 5.

1.2.9

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

1.2.16 There is a list of workers (m/f) who have been trained and have the knowledge and skills to effectively implement the supply chain management plan.
1.2.17

Multi-site administrator maintains a list of sites to be included in the certificate with the following information: Risk result, addresses, scope, and workers responsible for
implementation at that site. Consent forms for sites not under common ownership are required, if applicable.

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Chapter 1: Management111.4 Internal Inspection and Self-Assessment
1.4.1

Management has an internal inspection system in place to annually assess compliance of all actors within the scope of 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’s internal 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.

1.4.3

An approval and sanction system are in place in relation to the compliance of group members (for farms) and/or sites with the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable AgricultureStandard.
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

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Chapter 1: Management121.5 Grievance Mechanism
1.5.1

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 to any part of the Standard, including technical, social, or economic issues. The grievance mechanism may be provided by thecertificate 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 a consequence 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

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Chapter 1: Management131.6 Gender Equality
1.6.1

Management 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) and includes 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 in accordance 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

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Chapter 1: Management

14

A successful and credible
sustainable agriculture certification
program must be able to give its
users the confidence that certified
products are indeed sourced
according to the applicablerequirements set out in thestandard.
This requires a robust, transparent
system to track products from thecertified farm along the entire
supply chain up to the level of thebrand owner.
The requirements in this chapter
provide certificate holders with aframework to accurately andcredibly trace certified products andreport any activity performed on thecertified product (including
conversions and sales) in the
Rainforest Alliance traceability
platform.

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Chapter 2: Traceability

152.1 Traceability
2.1.3

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

2.1.4

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

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 or sustainability initiative are not also sold as Rainforest Alliance
Certified. Selling products which are certified under more than one scheme is possible.

2.1.9

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

2.1.10 Equipment used to define the weight or volume of the certified product is calibrated annually.
2.1.11

A volume summary of certified product is provided for the previous 12 months. This includes inputs, volume purchased, in stock, processed, outputs, lost and sold (as applicable).

2.1.12 Documentation includes traceability type and percentage (if less than 100% certified) when there is a change in legal ownership and/or physical possession of the certified
product. This is not applicable for sales of finished consumer-facing products.

2.1.13 There is evidence (documentation on incoming and outgoing product, on-site procedures, reports) that any Rainforest Alliance claim made is valid and complies with Rainforest
Alliance Certification Program requirements.

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Chapter 2: Traceability

16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.

2.2.1

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-pack use of public-facing trademarks.
2.2.5

Shipments that are combined into one transaction include sufficient information (for example volume, traceability type, invoice numbers, shipment codes and dates) to relate thetransaction to the individual shipments.

2.2.6

The certificate holder acting as the mandated trade partner in the traceability platform complies with the applicable traceability requirements.

2.2.7

The party granted the traceability platform mandate complies with applicable traceability requirements.
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 2: Traceability

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Chapter 2: Traceability

17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

2.3.1

Volume are only converted for a process that can occur in reality; product conversion cannot go backwards to a previous product.

2.3.2

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

2.3.3

Volumes sold as certified meet the minimum percentage requirements for origin information. This is only applicable for cocoa mass balance products for which origin matchingrules are required.
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 for incoming 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 a physical shipment of relevant product. Volume trading without aphysical shipment can only take place between sites covered under the same certification scope.

SA-S-SD-2-V1.3

Rainforest Alliance | 2020 Supply Chain Requirements | Chapter 2: Traceability

18

The Rainforest Alliance aims to makesustainability the norm in the sectors inwhich it operates. This entails afundamental transformation of theoperating principles of the supply chain in
the given sector. This means moving to asystem where sustainability in agricultural
production is valued and priced as amaterial service over and above thegeneral cost of the commodity, whichmeans that the investments needed toadvance sustainability practices at origin
level are borne not only by the producer
but also the market. These aspects ofShared Responsibility can be found within
two elements of the 2020 Sustainable
Agriculture Standard.
The first is the Sustainability Differential, an
additional monetary payment to certified
farmers, on top of the market price of thecommodity. This is intended to reward
farmers for implementing moresustainable agricultural practices.
The second is the Sustainability Investment
which is made by buyers of certified
products, to contribute to the investments
farm certificate holders need to drive
sustainability progress at origin level. With
the aim to go beyond the Sustainability
Investment approach, this chapter also
includes a set of requirements on thecontribution to living wage payments atfarm certificate holder level that supply
chain certificate holders can self-select.
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3.2 Sustainability Differential
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: 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.
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 3: 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: 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: Shared Responsibility

3.2.7

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

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3.3 Sustainability Investments
3.3.4

The full amount of the Sustainability Investment 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: Shared Responsibility

3.3.5

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

3.3.6

The certificate holders have clear contractual agreements or commitments in place which specify the amount and other terms around Sustainability Investment.
Please see SA-S-SD-20 Annex Chapter 3: Shared Responsibility

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3.4 Supply Chain Contributions to Living Wage Payment (Self Selected)
Applicable to any certificate holder deciding to make a Living Wage payment contribution and corresponding claim.

3.4.1

The supply chain certificate holder has a copy of the farm certificate holder’s plan for wage improvement and has identified how and when support could be provided toachieve it.

3.4.2

There is written evidence that the responsible supply chain certificate holder has engaged and come to agreement with the farm certificate holder on modalities, targets andtimelines for contributing to the implementation of the farm’s wage improvement plan.

3.4.3

There is evidence that contributions to the farm’s wage improvement plan are being made and align with modalities, targets and timelines as agreed upon with the farm
certificate holder.

3.4.4

The direct financial or other type of investment in context of Living Wage payment contribution by the supply chain certificate holder to the farm is recorded.

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The social chapter seeks to empower
workers to achieve better working andliving conditions for themselves andtheir families; to promote equality andrespect for all with special attention tovulnerable groups such as migrants,
children, youth, and women; and tostrengthen human and labor rights
protections on certified operations.
To support sustainable livelihoods, theRainforest Alliance Sustainable
Agriculture Standard establishes
requirements related to all
fundamental human and labor rights,
health and safety, and decent living
and working conditions.
These requirements align with the UN
Guiding Principles (UNGPs) on Businessand Human Rights, relevant ILO
conventions, and other multi-

stakeholder concepts.

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5.1 Assess-and-Address Child Labor, Forced Labor, Discrimination, Workplace Violence and Harassment
5.1.1

Commitment:
Management commits to assess and address child labor, forced labor, discrimination, and workplace violence and harassment 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 gender issues• 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 and harassment are not tolerated, and that management has asystem 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

5.1.3

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 child labor, forced labor, discrimination, workplace violence andharassment. Confirmed cases are remediated and documented following the Rainforest Alliance Remediation Protocol. Safety and confidentiality of the victims is protected
throughout the process.
Indicator:•

Number and percentage of confirmed child labor, forced labor, discrimination and workplace violence and 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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5.2 Freedom of Association
5.2.1

Workers have the right to form and join a union or workers’ organization of their own choice and to take part in collective bargaining, without prior authorization from theemployer, 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 the start 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 not hinder the development of parallel means for independentand free association, bargaining and dialogue with management.
ILO Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87)
ILO Workers Representatives Recommendation, 1971 (No. 143)

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, bribeor 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 tomembership of such organizations.
ILO Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98)
ILO Workers Representatives Recommendation, 1971 (No. 143)

5.2.3

Management provides worker 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 and address 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)

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5.3 Wages and Contracts
5.3.1

Permanent and temporary workers who are employed for three consecutive months or longer 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 in place. 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 (if any) 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.

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.

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 adisciplinary 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 Convention, 1949 (No. 95)
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 or electronic) for each payment containing this information.
ILO Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95)

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5.3 Wages and Contracts
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 (if available).
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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5.5 Working Conditions
5.5.1

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 maximumof 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 are monitored and overtime is reduced, if accident rates arehigher during overtime work periods than during periods of regular 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 hf 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 a maximum of
21 consecutive days
*In groups of small farms this is not applicable to group member workers
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

5.5.3

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 leaveon 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 site arrangements. Breastfeeding women have two additional 30minute breaks per day and an appropriate space for breastfeeding to nurture the child.
ILO Maternity Protection Convention, 1952 (No. 183)

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5.6 Health and Safety
5.6.1

Management conducts an analysis of occupational health and safety risks within the certification scope with the support of staff or external experts with appropriate technicalexpertise. 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) and include 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 is provided 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 an emergency, including showers andeyewashes, are present at the relevant locations.
Trained first aid employees are present during working hours. The workers are informed where and to whom they should go to for first aid in case of an emergency.

5.6.4

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.

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 used by 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 and reproductive 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.

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5.6 Health and Safety
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 ofjob reassignment, there is no reduction in remuneration. No pregnancy tests are requested.

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

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, at least 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 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.

5.6.15Workers 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.

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30Agricultural activities can have positive or
negative effects on the naturalenvironment, depending on how they are
managed. The environment chapter
outlines pathways for certified
organizations to have a positive impact on
the planet. As there are environmental risks
beyond the scope of the farm,requirements also apply to supply chain
actors that are identified as presenting ahigh risk for certain environmental topics,
for the time being limited to wastewater
management.
Once again, the Rainforest Alliancerecognizes that certification fits into alarger picture of landscape conservation,
where multiple strategies are needed tocreate lasting impact for biodiversity andthe planet. The content of this chapter isthe starting point from which certified
organizations can support this goal. With alonger time-frame in mind, other relevant
environmental topics will be gradually
introduced to the supply chain
requirements.

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6.6 Wastewater Management
6.6.1

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 typesof treatment systems.
Wastewater from processing operations discharged into aquatic ecosystems meets legal wastewater quality parameters. In absence of these, it meets the wastewaterparameters.
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 the wastewater parameters for irrigation.

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