In a groundbreaking development for sustainable agriculture, the SCS Standards and Assurance Systems have achieved a significant milestone with their Sustainably Grown® certification standard. The standard has been officially recognized as equivalent to the Silver Level of the SAI Platform's Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) 3.0, underscoring its alignment with global best practices and its ability to drive measurable improvements in agricultural sustainability. This equivalence not only streamlines market access for certified farms but also reinforces the standard's credibility as a trusted framework for responsible farming practices.
Sustainably Grown® Standard Equivalence with SAI FSA Silver Level
The recognition of the SCS Standards and Assurance Systems' Sustainably Grown® certification standard as equivalent to the Silver Level of the SAI Platform's Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) 3.0 marks a significant milestone for sustainable agriculture. This equivalence not only validates the standard's alignment with global best practices but also underscores its ability to drive measurable improvements in agricultural sustainability. By achieving this benchmark, certified farms can now access FSA-aligned sourcing programs without the need for additional audits, reducing reporting burdens and enhancing market access. The rigorous environmental, social, and economic requirements met by the Sustainably Grown standard, certified by SCS Global Services, demonstrate a commitment to responsible farming practices and continuous improvement across the agricultural supply chain.
Industry Harmonization and Standardization
The benchmarking of the Sustainably Grown standard against the FSA 3.0 reflects SCS Global Services' dedication to fostering industry-level harmonization and standardization. This alignment not only benefits users of the Sustainably Grown standard by providing equivalence to the FSA as a global standard for sustainability but also enhances market access and validates their sustainability efforts. The commitment to driving industry alignment and standardization is crucial for promoting transparency and accountability in global supply chains, enabling companies to navigate ESG goals effectively and demonstrate their sustainability performance with credibility.
Empowering Farms and Brands for Sustainability Impact
The Sustainably Grown certification standard, developed and maintained by SCS Standards, empowers farms and brands to achieve meaningful sustainability impact by providing a comprehensive and flexible framework for agricultural sustainability. Through this certification, growers and buyers can streamline their processes, reduce audit duplication, and meet FSA-aligned sourcing goals efficiently. The credibility and strength of the Sustainably Grown program, as highlighted by Kevin Warner, Director of ESG Certifications and Strategy at SCS Global Services, position it as a trusted assurance framework for sustainable agriculture, enabling stakeholders to drive positive environmental and social outcomes while enhancing operational efficiency.
Global Recognition and Market Access
The benchmarking of the Sustainably Grown standard against the FSA 3.0 not only validates the standard's integrity but also provides global recognition for farms and brands seeking to demonstrate sustainability performance. This recognition enables certified entities to access FSA-aligned sourcing programs and conform to global supply chain requirements confidently. The ability to claim equivalence to the FSA Silver Level without duplicative assessments, as highlighted by Joe Iverson, FSA Manager with SAI, further enhances market access and validates the work of stakeholders committed to sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices. The global recognition of the Sustainably Grown standard reinforces its position as a credible and impactful framework for driving sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Conclusion
The recognition of SCS Global Services' Sustainably Grown® certification standard as equivalent to the Silver Level of the SAI Platform's FSA 3.0 heralds a new era for sustainable agriculture. This milestone not only validates the standard's global alignment and impact but also empowers farms and brands to drive tangible sustainability outcomes. By fostering industry harmonization and providing market access, this equivalence underscores the commitment to responsible farming practices and transparent supply chains. As stakeholders embrace this trusted assurance framework, the path to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector becomes clearer, urging a collective shift towards ethical and impactful sourcing practices.