SCS Sustainably Grown® Certification
Distinguish Your Brand with the Most Comprehensive Standard for Sustainable Agriculture
Kevin Warner
The Value of Certified Sustainably Grown®
Certified Sustainably Grown is a robust claim that supports your brand, helping you stand out in the marketplace and providing you access to expanded markets. The detailed framework provides a complete roadmap to build resilience while satisfying the growing and profitable market for food that is grown to the highest standards of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. It showcases the efforts of farmers to address today’s most important challenges such as water conservation, pollinator protection and climate adaptation.
Certified Sustainably Grown is a respected, cost-effective option for achieving recognition without long waiting periods or licensing, marketing or per-box fees. The certification is applicable to agricultural crop production operations of all sizes around the world, including both conventional and organic. It is recognized by major retailers including Costco, Walmart, Aldi, Lidl and more.
Producers whose operations are Certified Sustainably Grown can also make complimentary claims, all of which are built into the program requirements.
*Once relevant requirement is met
Join the growing number of farmers, grocery retailers, and food and beverage companies that use Certified Sustainably Grown to recognize innovation in sustainability, map risk in supply chains, and identify opportunities to improve practices. Certification by a neutral third-party appeals to buyers and consumers and reinforces brand value. Once certified, you can choose to use the Sustainably Grown certification logo on your products and you can integrate the Certified Sustainably Grown claim language into your brand communications to reinforce your brand's sustainable image.
The Certified Sustainably Grown framework is consistently ranked among the highest standards in independent surveys and is aligned with leading US and European initiatives. The certification program satisfies the Global Social Compliance Programme (GSCP), and is recognized by Unilever, the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), and major brands as part of their sustainable sourcing policies.
Comprehensive Approach
Sustainably Grown is a framework for comprehensive evaluation and continuous improvement. Metrics are divided into three categories:
Business Integrity
- Responsible Management Systems
- Legal Compliance
- Traceability and Transparency
- Business Accounting, Reporting, and Planning Product
- Quality and Safety
Sustainable Farming Practices
- Crop and Pest Management
- Soil Conservation
- Water Stewardship
- Climate Neutrality
- Air Quality and Stratospheric Ozone Protection
- Biodiversity Protection
- Energy Efficiency
- Integrated Waste Management
Ethical Stewardship
- Fair Work Agreements
- Equitable Work Hours, Wages, and Benefits
- No Child, Forced, or Coerced Labor
- Non-Discrimination and Freedom of Association
- Responsible Workforce Management
- Workforce Health and Safety
- Community Engagement
Go Above and Beyond With Trailblazer Claims
Certified producers have the option to pursue additional “Trailblazer” recognition demonstrating leadership in the following social and environmental categories:
- Certification Process
- Benefits for Producers
- Applications
- Program Documents
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Apply for certification
Fill out the SCS application form and sign the SCS Professional Services Agreement.
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Approve the work order
SCS generates a work order describing the audit scope and costs. Your approval sets the process in motion.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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. SCS can also provide client marketing support.
- 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
| Document Name | Document |
|---|---|
| Consumer Research: Do Consumers Value Sustainably Grown Certification? | Visit Site |
| Sustainably Grown - Pesticide Policy & Prohibited Pesticide Reference List | English | Spanish |
| Sustainably Grown Certification Manual | English | Spanish |
| Sustainably Grown Certified Clients | English |
| Sustainably Grown Sell Sheet | English |
| Sustainably Grown Standard V3.0 | English | Spanish |
| Sustainably Grown Temporary Exemption List for Use of Prohibited Pesticides | English |
| Sustainably Grown V2.2 - Policy for Additional Diligence During the Coronavirus Pandemic | English | Spanish |
Apply Now
Ready to start the process? Complete an Application.
Kevin Warner
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