Sustainably Grown

Certification Program

Kevin Warner, Sustainable Agriculture Manager phone icon

510.407.0091 email icon

Join the growing body of agricultural producers, grocery retailers, and food and beverage companies that use Sustainably Grown to recognize innovation in sustainability, map risk in supply chains, and identify opportunities to improve practices. Sustainably Grown is a detailed framework that is applied to agricultural operations around the world, large and small, providing a roadmap to satisfy the emerging market for environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Opting for an independent assessment by a neutral third-party allows for the use of a straightforward claim – Sustainably Grown – to appeal to buyers and consumers.

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Program Details

As of January 1, 2017, the certification program requires conformance with Version 2.1 of the Sustainably Grown Standard, which provides a comprehensive framework and common set of requirements grouped into three categories: General, Environmental, Social, and Economic. Customized, non-certification conformance assessments are also available for business-to-business recognition opportunities. Agricultural crops of all types and production systems of all sizes are eligible. Our global network of auditors can complete assessments anywhere in the world.

V2.1 was developed in accordance with SCS’ Standards Development Procedure, which emphasizes stakeholder input and transparency. This updated version incorporates the latest best practices in responsible agricultural production and is aligned with other industry-level initiatives, including:

The Global Social Compliance Programme (GSCP) Reference Code
American National Standard for Sustainable Agriculture (ANSI/Leo-4000)
ISO 14024 Type 1 Environmental Labeling

Certification Process

Apply for certification
Fill out the SCS application form and sign the SCS Assessment Services Agreement.
Approve the work order
SCS generates a work order describing the audit scope and costs. Your approval sets the process in motion.
Complete a self-assessment
Complete a Self-Assessment Checklist to help prepare you for the audit. SCS reviews your checklist and supporting documentation to help you identify gaps in conformance and areas for improvement.
Receive an evaluation audit
The SCS auditor conducts an on-site audit, which includes an opening meeting, physical inspection of the site, review of documents and records, interviews with personnel, and a closing meeting
Review and respond to audit findings
The auditor prepares and delivers a detailed audit report. You prepare a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to respond to any non-conformities noted, listing corrective actions and evidence of implementation.
Earn certification
The independent SCS assessor reviews the audit report and CAP, and then makes the certification decision. If certification is granted, you are issued a formal certificate, along with the SCS Kingfisher certification mark and logo use guidelines.

Benefits for Producers

Communicate your environmental, social, and economic sustainability successes
Increase access to markets
Reinforce your brand value and diﬀerentiate your products from the competition
Assess and remediate risk
Reduce costs and audit fatigue by combining food safety and sustainability audits
Establish a clear internal path for continuous improvement
Profit from operational improvements
Align with international farm labor best practices
Reinforce employee morale and reduce turn-over
Enjoy benefits of independent recognition regardless of operation size or location