1. Certification Process for Farms
Note: This guide is purely contextual and highlights the process from a high level. If you would like guidance or more detail on the process or using MyRA and other Rainforest Alliance online systems, see these guides below:
Quick Start Guide for all users
Getting Certified for farms
1.1 High Level Overview for Farms
This is an overview of the entire process for Farms Certificate Holders detailing the preparation phase for first time certification and the subsequent cycles to maintain certification. More details can be found in the standard.
1.2 High Level Certification Process Breakdown
Step 1: Registration & Profile Creation
To begin using Rainforest Alliance online systems, you must first register in MyRA, the central hub for all Rainforest Alliance products and services.
When registering, you will follow one of two paths:
Create a New Organization – If your organization is not yet in MyRA, you’ll register your user account and set up a new organization profile.
Join an Existing Organization – If your Administrator has already set up your organization, you’ll receive an invitation link via email.
This initial registration step ensures that you and your organization are connected to the Rainforest Alliance systems and ready to carry out certification-related activities.
Once your organization profile is set up, the next step is to apply for certification. This involves:
Defining your certification scope – outlining the number and location of farms, units and crops you want covered under certification.
Reviewing your requirements – understanding the standards and criteria that apply to your organization based on its role and scope.
Completing the Certification Application Form (CAF) – providing key operational, site, and crop details that will be used for quoting, auditing, and certification decisions.
You’ll start these steps in MyRA, using the dashboard “tiles” to guide you. Some actions will take place directly in MyRA, while others will link you to our Certification Platform (RACP) where you’ll enter more detailed information.
This stage lays the foundation for the remainder of the certification process, ensuring both you and your chosen Certification Body have the information needed to move forward.
During the application process, you’ll be shown a list of authorized Certification Bodies eligible to work in your region. You can also view the full list here.
The process works as follows:
On Platform: Select potential Certification Bodies
Choose one or more authorized Certification Bodies you’d like to approach.
Off Platform: Share your Certification Application Form
Send your completed Certification Application Form to your selected Certification Body.
Request a quotation for the audit and certification services.
Off Platform: Review and sign a contract
Compare quotations and select the Certification Body that best meets your needs.
Sign a contract directly with them outside the platform.
On Platform: Confirm the contract in the Certification Platform (“Handshake”)
Return to the Certification Platform (RACP) and initiate the Handshake process by specifying the Certification Body you have contracted with.
This step confirms the contract in place and grants your Certification Body access to your data so they can proceed with audit preparation.
Once you’ve contracted with a Certification Body, the next step is to prepare for your audit. This ensures all farm and crop data is complete, accurate, and ready for verification.
You’ll work in Rainforest Alliance Certification Platform (RACP) to:
Verify the farm and crop data that was imported to MyRA in earlier steps
Fill out the Indicator Data Questionnaires with up-to-date production, workforce, and operational details
Validate inputted geodata for EUDR purposes
Your Certification Body carries out an audit based on your submitted data. You may be asked to resolve any non-conformities this could take place over a period specified in the certification rules of 10 weeks after the last day of the audit with regular contact between you and the Certification Body. Once the non-conformities are closed, the Certification Body will review and finalized the audit.
Once the certification process is complete and you receive the certificate as a Farm Certificate Holder, you may access Traceability and other Certification services in MyRA.
2. Certification Process for Supply Chain Organizations
Note: This guide is purely contextual and highlights the process from a high level. If you would like guidance on using MyRA and other Rainforest Alliance online systems, see these guides below:
Quick Start Guide for all users
Getting Certified for Supply Chain Organizations
2.1 High Level Process Overview for Supply Chain Organizations
This is an overview of the entire process for Supply Chain Organizations detailing the phases and journeys to certification for Supply Chain Organizations.
Once supply chain organizations complete their certification scope, this information is used to perform a Supply Chain Risk Assessment (SCRA).
Based on the outcomes of the SCRA, Rainforest Alliance determines the appropriate risk level and certification path described below:
Audit path– Higher-risk Supply Chain Organizations (Risk Level B-C) are required to undergo a full third-party audit of their operations by an authorized Certification Body.
Endorsement path– Low-risk Supply Chain Organizations (Risk Level A) can be certified via an internal review process that is facilitated by Rainforest Alliance through a self-assessment.
Regardless of your eventual pathway, every Supply Chain Organizations starts the certification journey in the same way by registering in MyRA, providing operational details, and submitting a Certification Scope.
Once your Certification Scope is submitted, Rainforest Alliance will email you to confirm your assigned certification pathway. For more information on expected timelines and limitations you can refer to the Certification and Auditing Rules.
Further below is a breakdown of the process for both the Audit and Endorsement path.
2.2 Certification with Audit (Path 1)
This is the standard route for Supply Chain Organizations that manage certified volumes, handle traceability, or operate at critical control points in the supply chain, and therefore receive a higher risk level (B-C).
A Certificate is issued when a Supply Chain Organizations successfully completes the full certification process including an audit by an authorised independent party known as a Certification Body. A certificate is formal recognition that your operations fully comply with the Rainforest Alliance’s certification requirements for sustainability, traceability, and social responsibility.
Step 1: Registration & Profile Creation
To begin using Rainforest Alliance online systems, you must first register in MyRA, the central hub for all Rainforest Alliance products and services.
This initial registration step ensures that you and your organization are connected to the Rainforest Alliance systems and ready to carry out certification-related activities.
For further details of how to register please see the guide “Getting Started with MyRA for All Users”
To begin your application, you’ll provide the key information needed to define your certification scope, including your sites, crops, and operations.
Once all required details are submitted, Rainforest Alliance will review your information and assign your risk level. You’ll receive this outcome by email, along with instructions to proceed with the audit for certification.
You will then follow the steps to complete the Certification Application Form (CAF) and be audited as per below.
During the application process, you’ll be shown a list of authorized Certification Bodies eligible to work in your region. You can also view the full list here.
To proceed with contracting, send your completed Certification Application Form (CAF) to one or more Certification Bodies by email and request a quotation.
Once you’ve agreed on terms you will sign a contract with your chosen Certification Body.
Finally, the contract is confirmed in the Rainforest Alliance Certification Platform (RACP) through a process known as a “Handshake”, which links your organization with the Certification Body in the system.
Once you’ve contracted with a Certification Body, the next step is to prepare for your audit. This ensures all crop and supply chain data is complete, accurate, and ready for verification.
You’ll work in Rainforest Alliance Certification Platform (RACP) to verify crop data and supply chain data.
The Certification Body will conduct the audit using the data you provided during the application phase.
If any non-conformities are identified, you may be asked to make corrections and provide additional evidence. Once these are resolved, the Certification Body will review the results and finalize the audit.
When the certification process is complete, you will receive your certificate. As a certified Supply Chain Organization, you can then continue using MyRA to access Traceability, Claims, and other Rainforest Alliance services.
2.3 Certification with Endorsement (Path 2)
This is a simplified path available to certain SCAs that receive a “low Risk” (level A) based on the Supply Chain Risk Assessment.
An Endorsement Letter is issued and therefore does not require a full audit. This letter is formal recognition that your operations meet Rainforest Alliance certification requirements for sustainability, traceability, and social responsibility.
Step 1: Registration & Profile Creation
To begin using Rainforest Alliance online systems, you must first register in MyRA as described previously.
To begin your application, you’ll provide the key information needed to define your certification scope, including your sites, crops, and operations.
Once all required details are submitted, Rainforest Alliance will review your information and assign your risk level. You’ll receive this outcome by email, along with instructions to proceed with the endorsement for certification.
You will then follow the steps to complete the self-assessment in RACP.
The self-assessment is an online questionnaire based on the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard. It asks you to review your organization’s practices and confirm whether they conform, show a non-conformity, or are not applicable. Each section includes guidance and explanations to help you answer accurately.
Your data will then be verified by the team at Rainforest Alliance and you may need to respond to any clarification requests from the Rainforest Alliance review team.
If approved, you will receive an Endorsement Letter confirming your compliance with licensing and traceability requirements.
If not approved, you may be redirected to perform an Audit to become certified.
Once endorsed, you are listed as a certified Supply Chain Organization and may use Traceability, Claims and other services in MyRA.
3. Still Need Help?
If you still need help using the Rainforest Alliance online systems or navigating the certification process you can find more information in these guides below.
User Manuals for Online Systems - Getting Started with MyRA for All Users
User Manuals for Online Systems - User & Organization Management
User Manuals for Online Systems - Getting Certified as a Farm
User Manuals for Online Systems - Getting Certified as a Supply Chain Organization
Thank you for reviewing these guides and if questions remain, please contact customersuccess@ra.org