Title: | Indicator Annex |
Code: | A—SRCL-B-CH |
Version: | 1.1 |
Applies to: | Farm Certificate Holders |
Enforceability: | Binding content |
Effective by: | March 1st 2026 |
Expires by: | Until further notice |
Published on: | September 17th 2025 |
Linked to | A-1-S-B-F-V1.4 Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard. A-33-R-B-FA-V1.0 Rainforest Alliance Regenerative Agriculture Standard. |
Replaces: |
What is this document about?
This annex provides additional binding information regarding the implementation of requirement 1.7.1 of the Rainforest Alliance Certification Standards. It outlines the indicators that Farm Certificate Holders are required to collect and submit annually. Unless otherwise stated, Certificate Holders must gather the same data each year covering the period between the last audit and the current audit. For example, if an audit is conducted in October 2026, the relevant data collection period would be from October, 2025 to September, 2026. This data is subject to review during the October 2026 audit.
For farms within a group that have internal inspections at various times throughout the year, the collected farm-level data should reflect 12 months preceding the month of the internal inspection. For example, for an upcoming audit in October 2026, group-level information will span from the previous audit (October 2025) to as near as possible to October 2026. If group members are inspected internally in March 2026, the relevant farm-level data should be from April 2025 to March 2026.
Additionally, where a certificate holder has multiple certified crops, the data focuses on the Rainforest Alliance certified crop with the highest volumes.
When and how to use this document?
This document provides Certificate Holders with information on the indicators required by the Rainforest Alliance Standards linked to requirement 1.7.1 and how to collect the data adequately and accurately. Certification Bodies shall refer to this document for further details on implementing the requirement.
The content is kept at a high level to ensure it is accessible. For further details, kindly refer to the Rainforest Alliance Guidance: Data Points and other referenced guidance documents. For definition of terms refer to the Rainforest Alliance Glossary Annex.
The Indicator Annex has 3 main sections:
Base Indicators
Sustainable Agriculture Indicators
Regenerative Agriculture Indicators
The Base Indicators are applicable to all Standards. Other set of indicators, however, can be found under each named Standard section and apply accordingly.
Changes in update from v1.0 to v1.1
Section | What has changed |
|---|---|
What is this document about | Adapted: updated text, made changes and clarifications to the timeline the data collected by Certificate Holders is meant to reflect. |
When & how to use this document | Adapted: added text explaining new layout |
Applicability of Indicator Data Points | Adapted: clarification on text. |
Timeline applicability description | Adapted: clarification made on the time period of indicator collection. |
Base Indicators | New: The Rainforest Alliance has categorized the different types of indicators, with base indicators applying to all standards Indicators. Note, Base Indicators are not new, they have now only been classified differently. |
Sustainable Agriculture Standard | Adapted: layout of indicators under specific standard. |
Regenerative Agriculture Standard Indicators | New: added the Regenerative Agriculture Standard Indicators. |
Regenerative Agriculture Standard Indicators | Note for Certificate Holders pursuing both the Sustainable Agricultural and Regenerative Standards, a note has been added under the Regenerative Agriculture Indicators. This note clarifies that each specific indicator should be reported once for both standards, rather than being submitted separately. |
Applicability of Indicator Data Points
The applicability of a data point is indicated by a checkmark. A checkmark generally shows which actor or level the data is collected from.
Please note that for groups, regardless of the checkmark, group management is always ultimately accountable for collecting and reporting the data on the RA platform. For groups, the indicators are reported yearly during internal inspections/self-assessments. Additionally, for groups, group management should report data for the farms with data collection sample matching the internal inspection sample.
Group certification | Ind. cert. | |||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L | |
Checkmark for small and large farms in individual certification | ||||
Small or large farms that are certified individually must collect these data points. |
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Checkmark for group management | ||||
The data point applies to the entire group, and group management staff is responsible for collecting the data points for all members of the group (both small and large) and their own operations. |
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Checkmark for large farms part of a group | ||||
The management of the large farm is responsible for collecting the data points for their farm. Group management must support the farm to do this and is ultimately responsible for submitting the data. |
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Check mark for small farms part of a group | ||||
The data point applies to small farms but must be collected by the group management. |
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Checkmark for large farms part of a group and group management | ||||
Large farm management must collect data points for their farms, while group management handles the data points for small farms within the group (if relevant) and supports large farms within the group. |
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Checkmark for small farms and large farms part of a group | ||||
The data point applies to small and large farms within a group, but for the small farms, it is to be collected by the group management. |
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Checkmark for small, large farms and group management | ||||
The data points are applicable to small farms, large farms and the group management within a group. |
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INDICATORS
Base Indicators
Estimated Certified production volume of the previous year in kilograms
Description:
Total estimated volume of the certified crop. This is estimation taken from the previous year.
Keeping track of the previous estimated certified production volumes helps producers and group management to better manage their farms, encourages the adoption of sound agricultural practices, and brings transparency to the supply chain. It is relevant in capturing trends of yield estimations for the current year. The estimates are compared to the actual harvests. It contributes to ensuring the credibility of the Rainforest Alliance certification program and traceability system.
Data collection:
Collected as a numerical value
Total kilograms of estimated certified production.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Kindly refer to the Rainforest Alliance Guidance G: Yield Estimation, which covers different crops and production contexts. Basic principles are described to enable more accurate yield estimates.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Estimated Certified production volume of the previous year in stems: Only applicable to flowers
Description:
Total estimated volume of the certified crop. This is estimation taken from the previous year.
Keeping track of the previous estimated certified production volumes helps producers and group management to better manage their farms, encourages the adoption of sound agricultural practices, and brings transparency to the supply chain. It is relevant in capturing trends of yield estimations for the current year. The estimates are compared to the actual harvests. It contributes to ensuring the credibility of the Rainforest Alliance certification program and traceability system.
Data collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Total stems of estimated certified production.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Kindly refer to the Rainforest Alliance Guidance G: Yield Estimation, which covers different crops and production contexts. Basic principles are described to enable more accurate yield estimates.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Farm size in ha
Description:
The total area of the certified farms. The objective is to keep an up-to-date record of the certified total area as part of the necessary information to confirm the certification scope for the CH/each group member. In the case of groups, you can use the Group Member Registry (GMR) form provided by Rainforest Alliance to collect this information.
Data collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Using the documents of ownership/tenure of the land, such as deeds, lease contracts, and possession certificates together with maps of the property, the producer must record the total area to be included within the scope of the certification in the forms provided by Rainforest Alliance (such as the GMR, Rainforest Alliance platform).
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Production area size in ha
Description:
The production area of the certified crops. Keep an up-to-date record of the certified crop area as part of the necessary information to confirm the certification scope for the Certificate Holder/ each group member.
Data collection:
At the beginning of the year, during the update of the annual management plan.
Verify and update any changes prior to internal inspection.
Using the documents of ownership/tenure of the land, such as deeds, lease contracts, and possession certificates together with maps of the property. The producer must record the total area to be included within the scope of the certification in the forms provided by Rainforest Alliance (GMR, platform).
Any inconsistencies between documents should be identified and recorded so that the data registered in the Rainforest Alliance formats can be validated with evidence during verification and validation by Rainforest Alliance or the CB.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Number of reported cases disaggregated by gender for: Child Labor, Forced Labor, Gender-Based Discrimination, other Discrimination, Workplace Violence and Harassment
Description:
The total number of cases by gender reported by the grievance committee, categorized as child labor, forced labor, gender-based discrimination, other discrimination, and workplace violence or harassment.
Data collection:
Data reported in the Rainforest Alliance platform is from the previous year.
For more information:
Rainforest Alliance Guidance E: Grievance Mechanism.
Rainforest Alliance Guidance R: Assess-and-Address Monitoring Guidance Tool.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Number of confirmed cases disaggregated by gender for: Child Labor, Forced Labor, Gender-Based Discrimination, other Discrimination, Workplace Violence and Harassment.
Description:
The total number of cases by gender confirmed by the grievance committee, categorized as child labor, forced labor, gender-based discrimination, other discrimination, and workplace violence or harassment.
Data collection:
Data reported in the Rainforest Alliance platform is from the previous year.
For more information:
Rainforest Alliance Guidance E: Grievance Mechanism.
For a template and tool Rainforest Alliance Guidance R: Assess-and-Address Monitoring Guidance Tool.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Number of remediated cases disaggregated by gender for Child Labor, Forced Labor, Gender-Based Discrimination, Other discrimination, Workplace Violence and Harassment
Description:
The total number of cases by gender remediated, categorized as child labor, forced labor, gender-based discrimination, other discrimination, and workplace violence or harassment.
Data collection:
Data reported in the RA platform is from the previous year.
For more information:
Rainforest Alliance Guidance S: Remediation Protocol.
For a template and tool Rainforest Alliance Guidance R: Assess-and-Address Monitoring Guidance Tool.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Sustainable Agricultural Standard Indicators
Sustainable agriculture has never been more important. The Sustainable Agriculture Standard offers a practical framework and targeted innovations to help producers grow better crops, boost productivity, access meaningful insights on their sustainability performance, and focus investments on their biggest risks. The Sustainability Agricultural Standard Indicators are designed to help certificate holders track sustainability progress, and ensure access to evolving markets, whiles providing businesses the means to respond to growing pressures on reporting on their social and environmental impact.
Number of Shade Trees Species per farm
Description:
The total number of species of shade trees present on the farm.
This is towards increasing the diversity of shade tree species per farm to enhance soil quality, conserve biodiversity, optimize water source protection, and contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Count the number of tree species being used as shade trees on the area of RA certified crop.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Number of Shade Trees per hectare
Description:
The total number of shade trees present on the farm per hectare of RA-certified crop. This indicator focuses on increasing the number of shade trees per farm to enhance soil quality, conserve biodiversity, optimize water source protection, and contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Count the number of shade trees per hectare.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Liters / Kilograms of Organic Fertilizers
Description:
This indicator tracks the annual quantities of organic fertilizer applied to the certified crop on the farm over the past year. The objective is to use this data to identify and implement measures for improving fertilizer use efficiency in the upcoming year. For this data point, Rainforest Alliance has defined organic fertilizer according to the glossary. This only considers fertilizer that is commercially sourced and does not include manure.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value reported in kilograms (kg) and/or liters (L).
Total amount of organic fertilizer used by the farm on RA certified prevalent crop.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Liters / Kilograms of Inorganic Fertilizers
Description:
To monitor the annual usage of inorganic fertilizer on the farm for the certified crop over the past year. This data is utilized to proactively identify and implement opportunities for improving fertilizer use efficiency in the upcoming year.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Total amount of inorganic fertilizer used on the RA certified prevalent crop.
Data reported, is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Liters / Kilograms of Pesticides broken down into; Insecticide, Rodenticide, Fungicide, Herbicide, and Other
Description:
The total quantity of all pesticides applied on the farm during the previous year.
The objective is to ensure sustainable pest management practices by accurately tracking annual pesticide use, promoting responsible usage, minimizing environmental impact, and reducing the use of highly toxic and prohibited products.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value in liters and/or kilograms.
Using pesticides and application records, the CH will collect information on the total amount of pesticides applied during the previous year of the certified crop. The data is categorized for insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides and other.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Water for irrigation (Liters)
Description:
Total amount of water used for irrigation.
Promoting efficient water management by tracking irrigation water usage from year 1 onwards, enabling producers to monitor consumption, optimize water resources, and support sustainable agricultural practices.
Data collection:
Note: This data point is applicable only when irrigation on the farm is reported.
Numerical value representing a total of water used in liters for irrigation.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Water for processing (Liters)
Description:
Total amount of water used for the processing of the Rainforest Alliance certified crop during the previous year. The objective is to promote efficient water management by tracking water usage for processing, enabling producers to monitor consumption, optimize water resources, and support sustainable agricultural practices.
Data collection:
Note: For Group Management, this is applicable if groups have central processing facilities.
Numerical value representing the total amount of water used in liters for processing.
Record (according to the frequency of processing) the water consumption values according to the reading of an installed metering system at the processing site. Check the unit of measurement and if necessary, make the necessary conversions to obtain the data in liters.
If a metering system is unavailable at the processing site, measure the volume collected for processing activities.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Wood use for processing
Description:
Total wood used for the processing of the Rainforest Alliance certified crop during the previous year. The objective is to promote efficient wood management by tracking wood usage, enabling producers to monitor consumption.
Data collection:
Note: For Group Management, this is applicable if groups have central processing facilities.
Numerical value representing a total of wood used in Kilograms for processing.
Record the wood consumption according to the amount bought/ used for processing purposes.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Percentage of farm area under natural vegetation
Description:
Total farm area maintained under natural vegetation cover.
The objective is to continuously maintain and monitor natural vegetation cover, with annual reporting to track progress. If natural vegetation cover falls below 10% of the total area, or below 15% for farms with shade-tolerant crops, establish improvement targets and implement actions to achieve and sustain these thresholds over time.
Data collection:
The producer shall measure (using polygons or another identified method) the area covered by natural vegetation and report this information on the Data Point Form.
Data reported is from the previous year
The Rainforest Alliance Guidance M: Natural Ecosystems and Vegetation provides guidance on how to measure natural vegetation in set-aside conservation land and in production areas (such as agroforestry shade cover).
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Total fossil fuel use annually
Description:
Measures the total fossil fuel used for the production and processing of certified products. This includes fuel sources such as diesel, petrol, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) (propane), coal, natural gas, as well as oil. It is reported in volume of fuel (Liters, cubic meters), or weight (kg), whether it is for stationary consumption (such as boilers, mechanical driers) or mobile consumption (such as tractors). The use of biofuels should not be included. The goal is to assess typical farm fuel use to find ways to improve efficiency or cut usage.
Data collection:
Note: This applies to Group Management only if groups use fossil fuel for processing
Fossil fuel usage for processing and production.
Numerical value with unit: liters, kilograms, and cubic meters
Data reported is from the previous year
The Rainforest Alliance Guidance N: Energy Efficiency provides guidelines to the Certificate Holders to assist in recording this information according to the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard Farm Requirements
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Total electricity use (kWh) annually
Description:
The total electricity use data point refers to electricity used for the production and processing of certified products, such as the use of processing machinery. This includes both on farm renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro) and electricity grid, and is reported in kWh of electricity used. The goal is to assess typical farm electricity use to find ways to improve efficiency or reduce consumption.
Data collection:
Note: This applies to Group Management only if groups use energy for processing
Collected as a numerical value in kilowatt-hour (kWh)
Data reported is from the previous year
The Rainforest Alliance Guidance N: Energy Efficiency provides guidelines to the Certificate Holders to assist in recording this information according to the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard Farm Requirements.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Type of renewable energy source: solar, wind, hydro, biofuels
Description:
Use of renewable energy (yes or no) and types used (solar, wind, hydro, or biofuels). The objective is to report or identify the opportunity to adopt renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, contributing to climate change mitigation and the well-being of surrounding communities.
Data Collection:
Identify if the farm(s) use any renewable energy sources and record them.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Regenerative Agriculture Standard (RAS) Indicators
Regenerative agriculture is a way of farming that works with nature to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and boost productivity, ensuring long-term sustainability. It helps producers build more resilient farms, better equipped to face climate change and economic challenges.
The data collected through the RAS can be used to inform planning, progress redesign of farms, and supply chain engagement, while highlighting areas for continuous improvement across environmental health, farm management, and farmer livelihoods.
Key outcomes tracked through Regenerative Agriculture Certification:
Soil health: improved organic matter, structure, and fertility, with potential yield gains.
Input efficiency: reduced use of external inputs and better nutrient cycling, leading to cost savings.
Climate resilience: stronger ability to withstand climate variability, pests, and diseases.
Market opportunities: access to differentiated markets and supply chain recognition.
Farmer well-being and networks: improved livelihoods and stronger connections with peer producers.
Number of Shade Trees Species per farm
Description:
The total number of species of shade trees present on the farm.
This is towards increasing the diversity of shade tree species per farm to enhance soil quality, conserve biodiversity, optimize water source protection, and contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Count the number of tree species used as shade within the area of RA-certified crop.
Data reported is from the previous year.
*If the Certificate Holder is certified under the Sustainable Agricultural Standard, the Indicator is reported once.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Number of Shade Trees per hectare
Description:
The total number of shade trees present on the farm per hectare of RA-certified crop. It focuses on increasing the number of shade trees per farm to enhance soil quality, conserve biodiversity, optimize water source protection, and contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Count the number of shade trees per hectare within the RA-certified crop area.
Data reported is from the previous year.
*If the Certificate Holder is certified under the Sustainable Agricultural Standard, the Indicator is reported once.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Number of species of native trees on farm
Description:
This indicator measures the total number of different native tree species present on a farm, whether naturally occurring or intentionally planted. It reflects on-farm tree diversity and the extent to which local ecosystems are being preserved or restored, while also promoting biodiversity conservation and strengthening farm resilience. Native trees may be found in agroforestry systems, along field borders, in woodlots, or integrated into production systems such as silvopasture.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Count the total number of different native tree species on the farm. .
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Percentage of farm area under agroforestry
Description:
This indicator measures the proportion of a farm's total area managed under agroforestry systems. It reflects the extent to which agroecological practices are being implemented to enhance biodiversity, soil health, protect water sources, and strengthen overall farm resilience.
Data Collection:
Collected as a percentage of the total farm area.
For groups of small farms, report the average percentage across all farms within the group data collection.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Percentage of farm area under natural vegetation
Description:
Total farm area maintained under natural vegetation cover.
This indicator measures the proportion of total farm area that is maintained or restored as natural vegetation. This includes native forests, agroforestry systems, riparian buffers, or any non-cultivated areas that have not been significantly altered or degraded by agricultural activities. Maintaining natural vegetation supports biodiversity conservation, improves soil and water health, and strengthens overall farm resilience.
Data Collection:
Collected as a percentage of total farm area.
For groups of small farms, report the average percentage across all farms within the group data collection.
The producer shall measure the area covered by natural vegetation using polygons or other acceptable methods, and report this in the indicator survey on RACP.
Data reported is from the previous year.
*If the Certificate Holder is certified under the Sustainable Agricultural Standard, the Indicator is reported once.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Liters or kilograms of inorganic fertilizers
Description:
Quantity of inorganic (synthetic) fertilizers applied to the prevalent certified crop during the previous year, expressed in Kilograms (Kg) or liters (L). Monitoring this helps producers optimize nutrient management, reduce excessive input use, and support soil and environmental health
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value reported in kilograms (kg) and/or liters (L).
Total amount of inorganic fertilizer used on the prevalent crop.
Data reported, is from the previous year.
*If the Certificate Holder is certified under the Sustainable Agricultural Standard, the Indicator is reported once.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Liters or kilograms of organic fertilizers
Description:
The amount of organic fertilizer used per hectare during the previous year.
Organic fertilizers include substances from plant or animal sources that provide nutrients to crops, such as compost, manure, peat, and slurry. Monitoring organic fertilizer use supports responsible nutrient management, enhances soil health, and promotes sustainable farm practices.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value reported in kilograms (kg) and/or liters (L).
Total amount of inorganic fertilizer used on the prevalent crop.
Data reported, is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Number of pesticide applications
Description:
This indicator measures how many times pesticides are applied to the crop during the previous year. Tracking the frequency of pesticide use helps producers make informed decisions and adopt practices like Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which promote natural pest control and support healthier, more resilient crops and soils.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Frequency of pesticide applications per active ingredient.
Data reported, is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | |||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L | |
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Amount of applied pesticide (g or kg/ha, disaggregated per active ingredient)
Description:
This indicator measures the amount of pesticide applied to the crop, disaggregated per active ingredient, during the previous year.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Total amount of pesticide applied per active ingredient.
Reported in Grams (g) or Kilograms (Kg) per hectare.
Data reported, is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Number of active Ingredients used under exceptions
Description:
This indicator measures the number of active pesticide ingredients authorized under RA Exceptional Use Policy (EUP) and/or the Emergency Use Request that were applied to the crop during the previous year. Tracking EUP use helps ensure responsible pesticide management, supports compliance with the Regenerative Agriculture Standard, and promotes safer and more sustainable pest control practices.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Total number of EUP-listed active ingredients and/or Emergency Use Requests that were granted and used.
Data reported is from the previous year.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Percentage of production area with renovation or rehabilitation practices
Description:
This indicator measures the proportion of productive area where renovation or rehabilitation practices are applied, including pruning, tailored to the farm’s conditions. Monitoring these practices supports improved crop health, productivity, and long-term farm resilience.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Average percentage of production area with renovation and/or rehabilitation practices.
Reported in percentage.
Data reported is from the previous year
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Percentage of production area covered with cover crops, mulch and/or soft weeds
Description:
The proportion of production area that maintains soil cover through cover crops, organic mulch, or naturally occurring soft weeds. Maintaining and monitoring soil cover supports soil health, prevents erosion, conserves moisture, and demonstrates the producer’s commitment to regenerative practices that enhance long-term farm resilience.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Average percentage of production area covered with cover crops, mulch, and/or soft weeds.
Reported in percentage.
Data reported is from the previous year
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Percentage of soil erosion
Description:
This indicator measures the proportion of production area affected by soil erosion.
Monitoring soil erosion helps evaluate the effectiveness of soil conservation practices such as contour planting, mulching, agroforestry, and cover cropping, supporting improved soil health and long-term farm resilience.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Average percentage of production area affected by soil erosion
Reported in percentage.
Data reported is from the previous year
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Percentage of soil organic matter and/or Earthworm count, and/or Microorganism count
Description:
To monitor soil health within a regenerative agriculture approach, producers can select to report on one or more of the following indicators: soil organic matter, earthworm count, and/ or microorganism count. These indicators each reflect essential aspects of a healthy, living soil system.
Data Collection:
Collected as a numerical value.
Report soil organic matter as a percentage.
Report earthworm count as volume (Kg/ha).
Report microorganism count as number per gram of soil. •For groups of small farms, it should be the average of any of the chosen indicator(s) they are reporting on.
Data reported is from the previous year
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Water use for irrigation in total (Liters)
Description:
Total amount of water used for irrigation on the farm (in Liters). Promoting efficient water management by tracking irrigation water usage from year 1 onwards, enabling producers to monitor consumption, optimize water resources, and supports sustainable agricultural practices.
Data collection:
Note: Applicable only when irrigation is practiced and reported on the farm.
Numerical value representing a total of water used in liters for irrigation.
Data reported is from the previous year.
*If the Certificate Holder is certified under the Sustainable Agricultural Standard, the Indicator is reported once.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Water use for processing in total (Liters)
Description:
Total water used for the processing of the Rainforest Alliance certified crop during the previous year. Tracking water usage for processing promotes efficient water management, enables producers to monitor consumption, optimize water resources, and support sustainable agricultural practices.
Data collection:
Note: For Group Management, this is applicable if groups have central processing facilities.
Numerical value in liters.
Record total water used according to management recording system installed at the processing site(s). Check the unit of measurement and convert to liters if needed.
If no recording system is available, measure the volume of water collected for processing activities.
Data reported is from the previous year.
*If the Certificate Holder is certified under the Sustainable Agricultural Standard, the Indicator is reported once.
Applicability:
Group certification | Ind. cert. | ||
S-farms | L-farms | Group mgt. | S/L |
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Other information
Date of first publication of this document (v 1.0): March 3rd, 2025.
Documents indicated as “binding” must be complied with for certification. Documents indicated as “non-binding” provide non-mandatory information to help readers understand and implement requirements and other binding content.
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For any question related to the precise meaning of the information in a translation, consult the official English version for clarification. Any errors or differences in meaning due to translation are not binding and have no effect for auditing or certification purposes.
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More information?
For help in obtaining a Rainforest Alliance certificate reach out to our Customer Success team at customersuccess@ra.org
For more information about Rainforest Alliance, visit http://www.rainforest-alliance.org contact info@ra.org or the Rainforest Alliance Amsterdam Office, De Ruijterkade 6, 1013AA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.