New report shows voluntary sustainability standards can contribute to poverty reduction

A new report from the International Institute for Sustainable Development examined 13 widely adopted voluntary sustainability standards for how they can improve access to resources, reduce poverty and provide more opportunities and voice to growers. They concluded that sustainability certifications can help reduce global poverty among small farmers by bringing them socio economic and environmental benefits, including access to educational materials and supporting practices that help farmers grow higher quality products which ultimately increases farmer income. To support these voluntary sustainability certifications, the report includes a list of recommendations for sustainability standard certification bodies, value chain actors and governments:

  1. Improve farmer knowledge of the standards
  2. Establish a living income for farmers
  3. Support smallholder access to productive and sustainable land
  4. Stimulate demand for voluntary sustainability standards compliant products
  5. Facilitate links between producers and buyers

To read more about the report, click here.

To read the full report, click here.

To learn more about The Sustainable Food Group Sustainability Standard, click here or contact us.