Weekly outline
Introduction
TIME 0h 33min
Download video (coming soon)Welcome to the online training course on the certification system in use since 2017. This introduction explains the framework in which the 2017 Sustainable Agriculture Standard operates. You will learn about how to get certified against the standard and how to stay certified. This session is based on the Certification Rules and Transition Rules.Unit 1: Effective Planning and Management System
The sessions in this unit address Principle 1 of the 2017 Sustainable Agriculture Standard: “Effective Planning and Management System.” The overall goal of this principle is to help farmers become more productive by better managing the many social, environmental, and economic aspects of their farms. To achieve that, the certified operation implements an integrated farm planning and management system that establishes procedures and systems to ensure continuous improvement on its path towards sustainability.
As a result, this planning and management system supports increased farm productivity and efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and an increased capacity to adapt to climate change. Further, it results in the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices through increased efficiencies in the use of land, water, fertilizers, and pesticides, thereby facilitating climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Unit 2: Biodiversity Conservation
The sessions in this unit address Principle 2 of the 2017 Sustainable Agriculture Standard: “Biodiversity Conservation.” This principle aims to help prevent deforestation and to protect biodiversity, natural ecosystems, and High Conservation Value areas in and around certified farms.
Through implementation of the criteria in this principle, farms protect on-farm natural ecosystems and do not contribute to deforestation. In addition, diverse native shade canopies required for shade-tolerant crops (such as coffee and cocoa) help conserve biodiversity and increase farm resilience.
Unit 3: Natural Resource Conservation
The sessions in this unit address Principle 3 of the 2017 Sustainable Agriculture Standard: “Natural Resource Conservation.” This principle aims to ensure the health of soil and water, as well as reduce pesticide and fossil fuel use.
The careful conservation of natural resources is a foundation of sustainable farming. Minimizing pollution benefits people, pollinators, animals, and much more. The implementation of criteria in this principle support farms in conserving natural resources so that positive impacts, in time, are visible at the landscape level.
Unit 4: Improved Livelihoods and Human Wellbeing
The sessions in this unit address Principle 4 of the 2017 Sustainable Agriculture Standard: “Improved Livelihoods and Human Wellbeing.” By following the criteria in this principle, the Sustainable Agriculture Standard intends to protect human and labor rights for farmworkers and their families.
All human beings have equal worth and should be treated as such. The Rainforest Alliance supports the United Nations' Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and workers’ rights are not just recognized by the Sustainable Agriculture Standard, but are protected in national and international law(s). On certified farms, workers’ rights are protected, including essential rights as defined by International Labour Organization's core conventions.
Closure
[This week is only available for participants after filling in the feedback form]
Congratulations, you have completed the e-course on Sustainable Agriculture Standard – Version 2017.
If you have any questions please contact your trainer(s). I hope to see you soon in the follow up of this course.
Kind Regards,
Reiko Enomoto