Member groups of the Conservation Agriculture Network train scientists to evaluate farms according to the standards. Inspection teams include agronomists, biologists, sociologists, foresters and other specialists as needed. Farmers may ask for as many visits as necessary until they are ready for a final inspection. They must make immediate improvements on the farm and also develop comprehensive and long-term plans for pesticide reduction, waste management, reforestation, improved worker housing, soil conservation, environmental education for workers, and other challenges that require deep investments and radical changes in farm management practices. On average, it takes 15 months for a farm to meet enough of the standards to win certification, which is valid for one year.
Inspectors make surprise visits and a full audit of every farm annually.
The farms must show continual improvements to maintain their certification. New practices include new technologies, modern warehouses, recycling programs, safer and more comfortable packing plants, soil conservation measures, and environmental education campaigns. The Better Banana Project brought in specialized scientists to help with such issues as waste management, pollution control, and wildlife conservation. The standards prohibit clearing rainforests for new plantations. Growers must use land that has already been cleared.