Improving Data Quality in Certification: What’s Changing and Why

In the newest version of our standard, a key improvement is the elimination of redundant calculations to improve the reliability of the data points that matter to all Rainforest Alliance partners, while also reducing the reporting burden for farmers. For example, farm Certificate Holders were previously required to report both absolute numbers and percentages for certain indicators. These calculations will now be handled by the Rainforest Alliance, reducing unnecessary work for Certificate Holders and increasing accuracy.

We're also simplifying how we collect farm group and farm worker training data. Previously, we gathered detailed information on the number of training sessions held, topics covered, audience demographics, and attendance figures. Now, we’ll only check whether Certificate Holders meet the training requirement. While they must still record these details for their audits, they no longer need to report this data to the Rainforest Alliance.

All 45 data points are directly linked to the requirements of our standard, making the data collection process a natural part of certification for Certificate Holders.  

In the latest update, all indicators have been consolidated under a single reference—requirement 1.7.1—which directs users to the Indicator Annex. While indicators remain binding, this change makes navigation easier, ensuring that all relevant details are found in one dedicated section rather than scattered throughout different requirements of the standard. For farmers, this means a clearer, more organized approach to compliance. Instead of searching through multiple requirements, they can now refer to the annex for a centralized, easy-to-follow list of indicators.

As sustainability expectations grow, our certification program continues to evolve—and serve as a support for companies seeking compliance with key legislation like the CSRD and EUDR.

We evaluated which data points were essential for companies and farmers and ensured that those retained—such as geolocation, assess-and-address details, and fertilizer and pesticide usage—align well with both market needs and legislative requirements.

Human rights is a key focus of the updates, with approximately 30 of the 45 data points dedicated to this critical area. More specifically, human rights data points were increased to differentiate between confirmed and remediated human rights cases reported by Certificate Holders through our assess-and-address approach. Previously, confirmed and remediated cases were captured by a single data point for each topic; now they are divided into two separate data points to provide clearer insights. This emphasis reflects increasing regulatory expectations and the fundamental need for greater transparency regarding the rights and well-being of farmers and farmworkers.

In parallel, we will also keep monitoring essential environmental data on land use, tree species, shade trees, natural vegetation, fertilizer and pesticide use, energy consumption, and water use.

Some data points that were previously part of our Sustainable Agriculture Standard will now be integrated into future specialized certification solutions, unlocking the opportunity for farmers and companies to focus on the topics of critical importance to them. For example, numerical data related to living wages and youth participation will be included in a new specialized solution focused on livelihoods. Other data points previously covered by the standard will be moved to future specialized certification solutions. This flexible approach allows Certificate Holders and companies to focus on targeted impact areas  without adding unnecessary reporting complexity for farmers.  

As with previous versions of our standard, farm Certificate Holders will remain responsible for data collection. However, in order to better ensure both the quality and accuracy of the collected data, we are introducing strengthened data verification processes at the auditing stage. Previously, during audits, independent, third-party Certification Bodies only checked whether data collected by Certificate Holders was complete. Now, these Certification Bodies will verify (check the evidence) and validate (approve that the information is relevant, consistent, complete, and accurate) the data collected. By capturing all 45 data points in the Rainforest Alliance Certification Platform, and enhancing our tools used to collect the data (more on that below), audits can better support Certificate Holders to continuously improve their data reporting practices. This new system will help auditors more clearly assess the effectiveness of certification activities focused on the efficient use of resources such as fertilizers and pesticides, water, and energy. At the same time, the Rainforest Alliance will continue to assess Certification Bodies on their auditing of the Rainforest Alliance standard, including data verification practices.

The graphic below provides a clear overview of our new data verification and validation steps:

To reinforce consistent and better quality data collection from the farm onward, we will enhance training and resources for farm Certificate Holders and auditors that will support them throughout the entire process.

We are deploying additional data quality check measures to help identify and resolve issues at the point of collection. Certificate Holders will also gain access to a user-friendly digital tool for streamlined data entry, allowing them to input all 45 data points in one place and eliminating the need for additional templates. Certification Bodies will also be able to directly review each data point through this tool, giving both Certificate Holders and auditors better visibility of which points have been validated and which need more work.