Certification Benefits
- Improved sustainability and traceability throughout the supply chain
- Demonstration of differentiated product to buyers
- Increased access to new markets
- Preservation of biodiversity and valuable habitats for future generations
- One consistent sustainability standard globally applicable for all crops and origins
- Decreased social, reputational, environmental and economic risk to businesses
Why FoodChain ID for certification?
- FoodChain ID is the recognized pioneer in non-GMO certification, a principle of the ProTerra standard
- FoodChain ID has more than 20 years of sustainability inspection and certification experience
- Bundled together, the FoodChain ID Non-GMO Global Standard verifies compliance to global regulatory requirements (e.g. the EU threshold of less than 0.1% EU authorized adventitious and technically unavoidable GM presence requirements)
- Customer satisfaction, close communication and continual improvement are FoodChain ID’s top priorities
- FoodChain ID’s ProTerra approved auditors have completed FoodChain ID’s rigorous training program
- Quick delivery of certificates, helpful and well-mannered auditors and referral to trusted industry consultants are all part of FoodChain ID’s ProTerra service
- FoodChain ID Certification audits are carried out professionally by hand-picked, fully qualified, food industry experienced auditors
- FoodChain ID Certification audit reports and certificates are issued on time in order that you meet your customers’ requirements
How was ProTerra created?
FoodChain ID Certification was hired to carry out a feasibility study for the implementation of the Basel Criteria for Responsible Soy Production (2003/2004) against which 10 farms in Mato Grosso State, Brazil and another 10 in Paraná State, Brazil were verified with positive results. In addition to FoodChain ID Certification, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), ProForest, and COOP Switzerland also participated in the initiative. The study resulted in the ProTerra Standard for Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability (2006) developed by FoodChain ID Certification.
In 2012, the ProTerra Standard moved from FoodChain ID Certification to the ProTerra Foundation, an independent non-profit organization. Since becoming part of the ProTerra Foundation, adoption of ProTerra certification has grown strongly. The ProTerra Foundation regularly engages the stakeholder community and updates the Standard with the objective of promoting the sustainability of agricultural and food production systems.
Why is ProTerra important?
The world has changed. Unlike a few years ago, consumers are well informed through 24-hour news media and social networking about sensitive issues such as deforestation, native population displacement and worker abuse. If the organization cannot respond or issues are not effectively handled, consumers will instantly change their buying habits. Unwary commodity suppliers and supply chain players have been entangled in campaigns as diverse as:
- Indigenous population displacement in Brazil to make way for soy plantations
- Use of pesticides and air miles for cut flowers
- Over expansion of biofuels damaging to eco systems
- The Fish Fight – dabs become an overnight must have food
Who is ProTerra for?
ProTerra is for all commodity crop producers, processors and end users. The Standard is applicable to all tiers of the supply chain, including primary production, processing, storage and distribution, and retail. The ProTerra Foundation assists organizations who wish to implement leading corporate social, ethical and environmental policies in their business. Policy engagement is recognized through independent certification to the ProTerra Standard to confidently communicate the firm’s commitment to consumers, retailers and investors.
ProTerra certification is applicable to any agricultural commodity in the world, including soy, sugarcane, maize, rice, sunflower, and rapeseed. Since its inception, over $10.5 billion worth of soybeans and soy products have been certified under the ProTerra Standard.
What does the ProTerra Standard cover?
Based on the Basel criteria, developed by the WWF and COOP Switzerland, ProTerra is a certification standard which covers:
- Ethics and Social Responsibility
- Employment
- Health & Safety
- Welfare & Recruiting
- Training
- Environmental Sustainability
- Environmental Impact
- Genetic Modification
- Pollution & Waste Management
- Product Traceability
- Continuous Improvement
Why should you certify?
- Demand for sustainable products
- Competitive advantage in the market
- Low cost to certify vs. high added value
- More credibility to the company/cooperative/manufacturer
- Contributing to a more environmentally sustainable and responsible market
How are the audits performed?
The ProTerra certification program for companies and cooperatives includes inspections of the producers who supply to them.
These inspections are determined after surveying the producers, who are classified according to the volume of production and delivery to the company. After that, a statistical stratified sampling is done, which is followed by a draw to select the producers to be audited.
In the case of producers who wish to obtain certification, audits are scheduled directly with them.