Farms in violation of the law cannot be certified. However, CAN scientists and farm evaluators do not represent the government and are not responsible for enforcing the law. CAN standards are often stricter than national laws. CAN certification is voluntary, and CAN standards are not a substitute for government regulations. Complying with CAN standards does not preempt or substitute for a farmer's responsibility to obey the law.
Farms have social, economic and environmental effects outside of their borders.
The CAN program encourages farmers to be active parts of the human community and to make their lands integral components of local and regional conservation plans. Farms should be good neighbors to communities, parks and wildlife reserves. The CAN program helps farmers find the appropriate balance. Sustainability means economic as well as ecological viability over the long term. Farms should be profitable and contribute to the economic vitality of the community.