Farms awarded certification will receive written notification of their approval and a certificate. In order to complete the certification process, the producer must enter into a contract with the Rainforest Alliance which governs the use of the ECO-O.K. and Better Banana Seals, the handling of certified products and marketplace promotion. We also reserve the right to conduct random audits of the farm. This includes brochures, packaging and other materials used by the certified company to promote their involvement in the program. For more information, see Selling Certified Products .
Companies pay a day rate for technicians and all direct travel related costs.
Companies are also charged an annual certification fee based on the size of their farm. This fee is paid to the Network partner responsible for the evaluation and monitoring of the farm. We do not accept donations from certified or potentially certified companies. Foundation grants and support from Rainforest Alliance general funds cover the remainder of the budget. We seek alternative sources of funding for those producers who cannot afford certification expenses.