🔎 ZOOM ON // Rainforest Alliance, a label for sustainable agriculture

Forests are essential to the survival of all living beings on Earth. As well as providing us with clean air, protection and rain, they are home to 80% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity. Protecting and managing forests is essential, as they play a crucial role in absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, thus contributing to the fight against climate change. In this context, initiatives such as the Rainforest Alliance certification are emerging as concrete ways of supporting and encouraging forest protection. This certification is not limited to the preservation of forest areas, but also encompasses soil protection and the overall health of our planet.

What is the purpose of Rainforest Alliance certification?

The Rainforest Alliance focuses on protecting land and forests in ways that advance the rights and prosperity of rural communities. When a product or ingredient is Rainforest Alliance-labeled, it means that it respects 3 principles of sustainability: social equity, environmental responsibility and the economic viability of farming communities. This label is aimed at small and large farms (individual producers and producer groups); single and multi-site organizations (Processors, Importers or Exporters, Brands, Distributors) for the following product categories: Coffee, Cocoa, Tea, Fruits, Nuts, Vegetables, Cut flowers (and Herbs/Spices according to the Chain of Custody perimeter). Here are some of the main objectives of the Rainforest Alliance label:

• Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices: to encourage and promote environmentally sound agricultural practices that conserve soil, protect biodiversity, reduce the use of chemicals and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources.
• Environmental protection: minimize the environmental impact of agricultural activities, by preserving natural ecosystems, reducing deforestation and helping to combat climate change.
• Improving working conditions: guaranteeing better working conditions for agricultural workers, including fair wages, reasonable working hours and respect for fundamental rights.

Discover the Rainforest Alliance Certification Program

What types of products can be certified?

Cocoa, coffee, tea, fruit and vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices, and cut flowers.

How can you obtain the Rainforest Alliance certification?

1. Submit your certification application and sign your contract with Ecocert. 2. Contact us via ecocert.com. 3. Prepare for your audit. 4. Ensure the Rainforest Alliance Standard requirements are in place and gather the information needed for the audit. 5. Complete the certification audit. 6. Ecocert’s audit team assesses your compliance with the Rainforest Alliance Standard. 7. Create your profile on the official Rainforest Alliance platform and complete the relevant training. 8. Register at my.ra.org. 9. Implement corrective actions. 10. Obtain your certification (if non-conformities are identified, you correct them within the defined timeframe). 11. Ecocert makes the certification decision and issues your Rainforest Alliance certificate. Regular audits help confirm ongoing compliance and maintain your certification over time.

Why choose Ecocert for your certification?

• Local presence and availability (80,000+ clients worldwide and audits conducted in 130+ countries)
• Personalized support (a dedicated contact, tailored follow-up, and the option of combined audits)
• Recognized expertise (35+ years’ experience in environmental and social certification)
• CSR commitment (committed, through our work and daily actions, to protecting the environment)

Find out more about Rainforest Alliance certification by Ecocert