Sustainably Grown

In December 2022, SCS published Version 3.0 of the Certification Standard for Sustainably Grown Agricultural Crops, which provides a comprehensive framework and common set of requirements grouped into three categories: Business Integrity, Sustainable Farming Practices, and Ethical Stewardship.

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.

Companies are eligible to make the “Sustainably Grown” claim for their Certified Production Operations in accordance with SCS procedures, and in addition, may make the complementary claims:

• Farmworker Protection
• Water Conservation
• Soil Conservation
• Biodiversity Protection
• Pollinator Friendly
• Climate Neutral*
  (*once phase-in requirements are fulfilled)

Producers can take their commitment to sustainability even further, opting to meet additional requirements that allow them to achieve recognition under one or more of the following cutting-edge Trailblazer categories: 

• Living Wage  
• Regenerative Agriculture 
• Farmworker Empowerment 
• Community Development
• Biodiversity Champion 

Version 3.0 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.

Customized, non-certification conformance assessments are also available for business-to-business recognition opportunities.

1. Apply for certification
   Fill out the SCS application form and sign the SCS Professional Services Agreement.

2. Approve the work order
   SCS generates a work order describing the audit scope and costs. Your approval sets the process in motion.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

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