What is Sustainable Agriculture Certification?

The human population has been growing at an uncontrolled rate. This has adversely affected our flora and fauna. The rising population has increased the demand for animal protein and other animal-based products with the result that the number of intensive farms has increased leading to the deterioration of the environment and animal health. In an endeavor to protect the environment different organizations have established sustainable agriculture certification.

Bad farming practices are prevalent due to several reasons. In some areas, it could be because of endemic conditions such as widespread poverty, child labor, lack of money or credit access to make improvements.

We are all aware that farms are necessary. But the methods of farming can be modified so that their impact on the environment is minimized. There is a need to safeguard forestland, waterways, protect wildlife while providing employment to local communities. Sustainable agriculture a method of farming that addresses these issues.

What is sustainable agriculture?

Sustainable agriculture is based on respect for animals and nature. Sustainable farming prevents the conversion of forests and other natural ecosystems to cropland. They strive to protect workers and wildlife by regulating the use of chemicals and other farming practices.

The first certification for sustainable agriculture was issued by Rainforest Alliance to the banana plantation to meet the standards set by Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) in 1993. Since then there has been a phenomenal growth in the number of third-parties authorized by Rainforest Alliance issuing certificates.

These authorities audit the farms and farm groups. Those farms that meet the certification requirements are awarded the certificate. These farms can then promote their achievement and market products using the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal.

The certification of sustainable agriculture has transformed the way crops are grown in the tropics. Sustainable agriculture has positively impacted farming while helping in the conservation of the environment.

Some impacts of sustainable agriculture are:

• Increased yields using sustainable methods on existing croplands
• Improved product quality.
• Enhanced productivity
• Lesser deforestation
• More trees and biodiversity
• Better climate resilience
• Healthy soil
• Better ecosystems

Besides certified farms have higher incomes improving the living standards of the farming communities with better-educated children.

Sustainable agriculture certification is a system that identifies and corrects unsustainable farming practices. This system also checks and rewards improved practices.

If a farm is has been awarded sustainable agriculture certification, it implies that the farm fulfills the following conditions:

1. More efficient farm management systems
2. Farmers implement soil conservation practices to ensure less soil erosion
3. Sources of contamination such as fertilizers, pesticides, garbage, etc. are controlled to minimize water pollution.
4. By-products of farming are recycled to reduce waste.
5. Wildlife is protected
6. The use of agrochemicals is regulated and mechanical and biological pest control is used instead of dangerous pesticides thereby minimizing threats to humans and the environment.
7. Water conservation methods are implemented minimizing the use of water.
8. Better working conditions are provided to farmworkers. They are provided minimum wages, housing, sanitary facilities, etc.
9. There is better collaboration between the farmers and conservationists.
10. Farmers are able to improve productivity and crop quality. Hence they can differentiate their products. They can improve their access to credit and earn premium prices for their products.

Wrapping Up

In order to cope up with the increasing human population and the high demands on nature, it is vital that systems such as sustainable agriculture certification are followed. This will help improve the living conditions for the flora and fauna and humans as well.

Author Bio: Paolo Bray from Friend of the Earth is the author of this article. Friend of the Earth is a body that issues certification for sustainable breeding. It was developed according to SAFA(Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture systems) guidelines set by FAO(United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization).

Friend of the earth promotes sustainable agricultural and Farming Methods through their certification & by awarding consumers in Italy and all over the world.