Prepare

Establish Food Purchasing Guidelines

Food purchasing guidelines govern and inform an institution's food procurement. Successful implementation of values-based food procurement requires deliberate and intentional creation of food purchasing guidelines.

Public & Private
FSMC & Self-Operated

Prepare:

Establish Food Purchasing Guidelines
Identify How the Product is Grown or Produced

Identify How the Product is Grown or Produced

Effective purchasing guidelines that further the institution’s goals require clarity and specificity. There are a number of values-based certifications and practices that an institution may choose to include in its food purchasing guidelines. An institution may want to require or express preference for any number or combination of certifications or practices.

In addition to official certifications, verifications, and accreditations, there are specific vendor practices an institution may prioritize in its food purchasing guidelines including food recovery practices and composting.

Values implicated by vendor food recovery and composting practices:

Climate & Sustainability
DEI
ESG & CSR
Health & Nutrition
Land Conservation & Preservation
Local Economic Investment

Model Recommendation

In institutional food purchasing guidelines, we recommend listing which certifications and practices are required and preferred for each category of food. This approach sets a baseline for purchasing while establishing the hierarchy for other certifications and practices that meet institutional values and advance institutional goals.

[Product]: [Institution] requires [product] with [insert designated certification(s) or practice(s)]. [Institution] prefers [product] with [insert preferred certifications, practices, and/or characteristics].[Institution’s] [product] requirements and preferences support and advance [Institution’s] commitment to [insert applicable values].

For example, a fish/seafood food purchasing provision guideline may read:

Fish/Seafood: Institution requires fish and seafood with Marine Stewardship Council certification or Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch [insert applicable region] Region Guide’s “Best” or “Good Alternative” designation. Institution prefers fish and seafood from local vendors and fish/seafood with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch West Coast Region Guide’s “Best” designation. Institution’s fish/seafood requirements and preferences support and further [Institution’s] commitment to climate and sustainability, DEI, local economic investment, and resilience.
[Repeat for each product]

Common Values-Based Certifications

Animal Welfare

Certification	Description	Applicability
Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW)	Animals must be pasture or range raised entirely. Approves independent farms that use sustainable, high-welfare farming practices, and audited transport and slaughter practices. AGW employs independent, trained auditors and conducts annuals visits.	Livestock Poultry Bison
Certified Grassfed by A Greener World (Animal Welfare Approved)	A supplemental certification to AGW’s Animal Welfare Approved certification that guarantees animals are fed 100% grass and forage diets and raised on outdoor pastures or ranges—in addition to meeting extensive welfare standards from birth to slaughter. Requires independent on-farm audit and annual verification visits.	Farms and ranches must already meet Animal Welfare Approved certification. Meat and Dairy: cattle; sheep; goats; bison
American Grassfed Association	A certification that requires animals are fed 100% forage diet and maintain continuous access to pasture. Does not allow antibiotics or growth hormone treatment. All animals are born and raised on American family farms. Requires membership and farm inspection.	Meat: cattle; sheep; goats; bison; pigs Dairy: cattle
Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified	A certification that provides species-based standards for fish and seafood farms. The standards focus on protecting biodiversity, regulating products used as feed, measuring pollution, minimizing disease and reducing antibiotics use, and following labor requirements based on the principles of the International Labor Organization. The Council also provides standards for feed and chain of custody. As of 2023, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council is in the process of developing a single “Farm Standard” to apply across species that focuses on three principles: effective business management; environmental responsibility; and social responsibility. Species-specific supplemental requirements will be applied as necessary.	Fish and seafood farms and aquaculture.
Bird Friendly Certified	Bird Friendly certified coffee farms adhere to rigorous habitat standards. Certifications standards differentiate between coffee farmers and importers/distributors. Bird Friendly seeks to provide access to gourmet markets for producers, mitigate climate change, and promote healthier environments for farm workers.	Coffee
Certified Naturally Grown	Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) seeks to promote the highest ideals of organic movement, uphold transparency, and promote sustainable agriculture. No synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. Livestock must be primarily pasture raised. Production operations are verified through annual peer reviews. Certified producers have public profiles on the CNG website.	Produce Livestock Apiary Aquaponics Mushrooms
Certified Non-GMO by A Greener World	Certified Non-GMO guarantees that the food products are produced without genetically modified or engineered feed or ingredients. All meat, dairy, and eggs come from animals raised with high animal welfare standards. If the product is derived from an animal, it must be certified in conjunction with the AGA’s Animal Welfare Approved Certification.	Crops Meat Dairy Eggs Ingredients used in the product of food products (processing aids)
Certified Regenerative by A Greener World	Promotes regenerative agriculture, to produce healthier food, more biodiverse ecosystems, a cleaner planet, and better treatment of workers and animals. Requires a comprehensive plan developed with qualified experts, annual audits with possible additional seasonal visits, and demonstration of measurable improvement in soil equilibrium or maintenance of equilibrium. AGW defines “regenerative as “[a] set of planned agricultural practices that ensure the holding is not depleted by agriculture practices, and over time the soil, water, air and biodiversity are improved or maintained to the greatest extent possible.”	Food Systems (applies to an entire farm holding and all processes)
Food Alliance Certified	Criteria for comprehensive food systems demonstrate a commitment to traceability, transparency, and social and environmental responsibility. Requires third-party site inspection of safe and fair working conditions, humane treatment of animals, and environmental stewardship.	Crops Livestock Shellfish Farms Nursery and Greenhouse Packing, Processing, and Distribution Beverage Field Grown Hemp and Cannabis
Humane Farm Animal Care: Certified Humane	Humane Farm Animal Care is an international organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of farm animals in food production. Certification ensures that animals are not kept in cages, crates, or tie stalls. Animals must be able to do what comes naturally, for instance, chickens have the ability to flap their wings. Animals must have a diet of feed free from antibiotics or growth hormones.	Beef Cattle Chickens Egg Laying Hens Dairy Cattle Goats: Dairy, Fiber, and Meat Sheep, including Dairy Sheep Pigs Turkeys Bison Young Dairy Beef Red Deer
Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch	The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch is a robust and comprehensive rating program that evaluates fisheries and aquaculture operations to provide and create sustainability recommendations. It offers specific standards for salmon fisheries in addition to general wild-capture fish standards due to unique conservation concerns and characteristics. Standards focus on requirements to promote sustainability, adherence to local and national laws, and effective management. Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch provides seafood guides by species and U.S. geographic region. Recommendations are designated: Choice, Certified, Good Alternative, Avoid.	Wild-capture Fish and Seafood Salmon-specific Fisheries Aquaculture
Salmon Safe	Salmon Safe is a practice-based accreditation based on implementation of salmon-safe practices to protect water quality, restore habitat, and advance climate resiliency. The accreditation is available to farms, development projects, golf courses, corporate and university campuses, and infrastructure. Salmon Safe’s mission is to evolve land management practices to support water quality protection and climate resiliency for Pacific salmon health in West Coast watersheds.	U.S. West Coast farms

Climate & Sustainability

Certification	Description	Applicability
Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW)	Animals must be pasture or range raised entirely. Approves independent farms that use sustainable, high-welfare farming practices, and audited transport and slaughter practices. AGW employs independent, trained auditors and conducts annuals visits.	Livestock Poultry Bison
Certified Grassfed by A Greener World (Animal Welfare Approved)	A supplemental certification to AGW’s Animal Welfare Approved certification that guarantees animals are fed 100% grass and forage diets and raised on outdoor pastures or ranges—in addition to meeting extensive welfare standards from birth to slaughter. Requires independent on-farm audit and annual verification visits.	Farms and ranches must already meet Animal Welfare Approved certification. Meat and Dairy: cattle; sheep; goats; bison
American Grassfed Association	A certification that requires animals are fed 100% forage diet and maintain continuous access to pasture. Does not allow antibiotics or growth hormone treatment. All animals are born and raised on American family farms. Requires membership and farm inspection.	Meat: cattle; sheep; goats; bison; pigs Dairy: cattle
Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified	A certification that provides species-based standards for fish and seafood farms. The standards focus on protecting biodiversity, regulating products used as feed, measuring pollution, minimizing disease and reducing antibiotics use, and following labor requirements based on the principles of the International Labor Organization. The Council also provides standards for feed and chain of custody. As of 2023, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council is in the process of developing a single “Farm Standard” to apply across species that focuses on three principles: effective business management; environmental responsibility; and social responsibility. Species-specific supplemental requirements will be applied as necessary.	Fish and seafood farms and aquaculture.
Bird Friendly Certified	Bird Friendly certified coffee farms adhere to rigorous habitat standards. Certifications standards differentiate between coffee farmers and importers/distributors. Bird Friendly seeks to provide access to gourmet markets for producers, mitigate climate change, and promote healthier environments for farm workers.	Coffee
Certified Naturally Grown	Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) seeks to promote the highest ideals of organic movement, uphold transparency, and promote sustainable agriculture. No synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. Livestock must be primarily pasture raised. Production operations are verified through annual peer reviews. Certified producers have public profiles on the CNG website.	Produce Livestock Apiary Aquaponics Mushrooms
Certified Non-GMO by A Greener World	Certified Non-GMO guarantees that the food products are produced without genetically modified or engineered feed or ingredients. All meat, dairy, and eggs come from animals raised with high animal welfare standards. If the product is derived from an animal, it must be certified in conjunction with the AGA’s Animal Welfare Approved Certification.	Crops Meat Dairy Eggs Ingredients used in the product of food products (processing aids)
Certified Regenerative by A Greener World	Promotes regenerative agriculture, to produce healthier food, more biodiverse ecosystems, a cleaner planet, and better treatment of workers and animals. Requires a comprehensive plan developed with qualified experts, annual audits with possible additional seasonal visits, and demonstration of measurable improvement in soil equilibrium or maintenance of equilibrium. AGW defines “regenerative as “[a] set of planned agricultural practices that ensure the holding is not depleted by agriculture practices, and over time the soil, water, air and biodiversity are improved or maintained to the greatest extent possible.”	Food Systems (applies to an entire farm holding and all processes)
Fair for Life	Certifies fair trade and responsible supply chains. Commitment to incorporate fair practices in the business model, respect for human rights by promoting their well-being, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, promoting local development, durability of supply chains, labor rights, and informed purchasing decisions.	Natural Products including agriculture, wild collection, aquaculture, livestock, beekeeping Food Products
Fairtrade International	The Fairtrade standards aim to guarantee fair terms of trade between farmers and buyers, protect workers’ rights, and develop frameworks for thriving farms and organizations. Objectives include producers receiving prices that adequately cover their average costs of production, conditions of production are socially and economically fair, and production is environmentally responsible. Forced labor and child labor are prohibited. Environmental specifications include minimal or safe use of agrochemicals and no use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Fairtrade specifies different requirements for small-scale producer organizations and hired labor situations.	Bananas Cacao Coffee Flowers Sugar Tea Fruit/Juices Herbs/Spices Honey Nuts/Oils Quinoa Rice Vegetables
Fair Trade Federation	Fair Trade Federation’s principles include cultivating new market opportunities, equitable distributions of power, supporting producers’ self-sustainability, awareness about the role of trade, fair and true pricing frameworks, safe and healthy working conditions, no exploitative child labor, and responsible environmental stewardship. The Fair Trade Federation’s mission is commitment to developing equitable and sustainable relationships that establish structures and practices to facilitate a dignified and decent livelihood for all.	Trading organizations that meet eligibility requirements. ·
Fair Trade USA/Certified	Fair Trade Certified seeks to build a model of responsible business, conscious consumerism, eliminate poverty, and ensure sustainable development. Invests in technological innovation to monitor transparency and traceability of their supply chains. Fair Trade Certified seeks to create opportunities, bold innovation, passion for learning, and uphold high standards of ethical sustainability.	Seafood Coffee Factory Floral Produce Consumer Packaged Goods Dairy
Food Alliance Certified	Criteria for comprehensive food systems demonstrate a commitment to traceability, transparency, and social and environmental responsibility. Requires third-party site inspection of safe and fair working conditions, humane treatment of animals, and environmental stewardship.	Crops Livestock Shellfish Farms Nursery and Greenhouse Packing, Processing, and Distribution Beverage Field Grown Hemp and Cannabis
Food Justice Certified	The Food Justice Certification was created by the Agricultural Justice Project, a group of farmers and farmworkers who sought to collaborate to improve their situations. Agricultural Justice Project strives to act as an intuitional partner to build broader movements for justice in food systems. Food Justice Certified entities prioritizes dignity and respect for human rights, fair wages, fair working conditions, safe working conditions, environmental stewardship, and truth in labeling. The certification is available to farms, food businesses, and retailers. Buyers who are certified must provide prices that cover the entire cost of production, fair compensation, and investments in the farm’s future.	Food Systems
Marine Stewardship Council	The Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) certification processes apply to wild-capture fisheries, chain of custody, and seaweed. Certification is conducted through independent assessors based on the MSC standards. The Fisheries Standard ensures that wild-capture fish or seafood come from a certified sustainable source, are harvested legally, and maintain traceability through the supply chain. MSC monitors the integrity, testing samples, and runs investigations to trace products back through the supply chain.	Wild-capture Fish Seafood Seaweed
Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch	The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch is a robust and comprehensive rating program that evaluates fisheries and aquaculture operations to provide and create sustainability recommendations. It offers specific standards for salmon fisheries in addition to general wild-capture fish standards due to unique conservation concerns and characteristics. Standards focus on requirements to promote sustainability, adherence to local and national laws, and effective management. Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch provides seafood guides by species and U.S. geographic region. Recommendations are designated: Choice, Certified, Good Alternative, Avoid.	Wild-capture Fish and Seafood Salmon-specific Fisheries Aquaculture
Non-GMO Project Verified	The Non-GMO Project offers rigorous product verification and public education about non-GMO food production and supply. The verification confirms that inputs and ingredients are not derived from biological organisms and are not susceptible to genetic modification and meet their standard. All Non-GMO Project Verified products must have accurate and clear product labeling, maintain operational consistency, meet input procurement requirements, meaningful testing of risk inputs and ingredients, and supply chain traceability.	Seed and Vegetating Propagation Materials Wholesale or Retail Goods Livestock, Poultry, Bee, Seafood Feed, and Supplements
Protected Harvest	Protected Harvest focuses on reducing the harmful impact of toxic pesticides in agricultural production of winegrapes and citrus. Growers must stay below an established Pesticide Risk Units per acre based on the Pesticide Environmental Assessment System (PEAS). The most highly toxic pesticides are strictly prohibited. All chemical choices are scrutinized to get verified. Standards are adapted to fit crop and geographical contexts.	Winegrapes Citrus
Rainforest Alliance-Certified	Rainforest Alliance Certified promotes best practices for protecting standing forests. This includes preventing the expansion of cropland into forestland, promoting the health of trees, soils, and waterways, and protecting native forests. They promote responsible land management methods to avoid deforestation. Advancement of the rights of rural people, guarantee against human rights abuses, and indigenous land rights.	Agricultural Products Herbs and Spices Forestry Products (Paper, Cardboard)

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Certification	Description	Applicability
Fair for Life	Certifies fair trade and responsible supply chains. Commitment to incorporate fair practices in the business model, respect for human rights by promoting their well-being, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, promoting local development, durability of supply chains, labor rights, and informed purchasing decisions.	Natural Products including agriculture, wild collection, aquaculture, livestock, beekeeping Food Products
Fairtrade International	The Fairtrade standards aim to guarantee fair terms of trade between farmers and buyers, protect workers’ rights, and develop frameworks for thriving farms and organizations. Objectives include producers receiving prices that adequately cover their average costs of production, conditions of production are socially and economically fair, and production is environmentally responsible. Forced labor and child labor are prohibited. Environmental specifications include minimal or safe use of agrochemicals and no use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Fairtrade specifies different requirements for small-scale producer organizations and hired labor situations.	Bananas Cacao Coffee Flowers Sugar Tea Fruit/Juices Herbs/Spices Honey Nuts/Oils Quinoa Rice Vegetables
Fair Trade Federation	Fair Trade Federation’s principles include cultivating new market opportunities, equitable distributions of power, supporting producers’ self-sustainability, awareness about the role of trade, fair and true pricing frameworks, safe and healthy working conditions, no exploitative child labor, and responsible environmental stewardship. The Fair Trade Federation’s mission is commitment to developing equitable and sustainable relationships that establish structures and practices to facilitate a dignified and decent livelihood for all.	Trading organizations that meet eligibility requirements.
Fair Trade USA/Certified	Fair Trade Certified seeks to build a model of responsible business, conscious consumerism, eliminate poverty, and ensure sustainable development. Invests in technological innovation to monitor transparency and traceability of their supply chains. Fair Trade Certified seeks to create opportunities, bold innovation, passion for learning, and uphold high standards of ethical sustainability.	Seafood Coffee Factory Floral Produce Consumer Packaged Goods Dairy
Food Justice Certified	The Food Justice Certification was created by the Agricultural Justice Project, a group of farmers and farmworkers who sought to collaborate to improve their situations. Agricultural Justice Project strives to act as an intuitional partner to build broader movements for justice in food systems. Food Justice Certified entities prioritizes dignity and respect for human rights, fair wages, fair working conditions, safe working conditions, environmental stewardship, and truth in labeling. The certification is available to farms, food businesses, and retailers. Buyers who are certified must provide prices that cover the entire cost of production, fair compensation, and investments in the farm’s future.	Food Systems
Rainforest Alliance-Certified	Rainforest Alliance Certified promotes best practices for protecting standing forests. This includes preventing the expansion of cropland into forestland, promoting the health of trees, soils, and waterways, and protecting native forests. They promote responsible land management methods to avoid deforestation. Advancement of the rights of rural people, guarantee against human rights abuses, and indigenous land rights.	Agricultural Products Herbs and Spices Forestry Products (Paper, Cardboard)
USDA Certified Grass Fed Small & Very Small Producer Program	The USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small Producers creates opportunities for smaller-scale livestock producers. Ruminant animals are fed only grass and forage. Animals cannot be fed grain or grain by-products. Animals must have continuous access to pasture during growing season. Producers must market 49 cattle or less each year/lamb produced from 99 ewes or less.	Livestock Red Meat Poultry

Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Certification	Description	Applicability
Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW)	Animals must be pasture or range raised entirely. Approves independent farms that use sustainable, high-welfare farming practices, and audited transport and slaughter practices. AGW employs independent, trained auditors and conducts annuals visits.	Livestock Poultry Bison
Certified Grassfed by A Greener World (Animal Welfare Approved)	A supplemental certification to AGW’s Animal Welfare Approved certification that guarantees animals are fed 100% grass and forage diets and raised on outdoor pastures or ranges—in addition to meeting extensive welfare standards from birth to slaughter. Requires independent on-farm audit and annual verification visits.	Farms and ranches must already meet Animal Welfare Approved certification. Meat and Dairy: cattle; sheep; goats; bison
American Grassfed Association	A certification that requires animals are fed 100% forage diet and maintain continuous access to pasture. Does not allow antibiotics or growth hormone treatment. All animals are born and raised on American family farms. Requires membership and farm inspection.	Meat: cattle; sheep; goats; bison; pigs Dairy: cattle
Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified	A certification that provides species-based standards for fish and seafood farms. The standards focus on protecting biodiversity, regulating products used as feed, measuring pollution, minimizing disease and reducing antibiotics use, and following labor requirements based on the principles of the International Labor Organization. The Council also provides standards for feed and chain of custody. As of 2023, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council is in the process of developing a single “Farm Standard” to apply across species that focuses on three principles: effective business management; environmental responsibility; and social responsibility. Species-specific supplemental requirements will be applied as necessary.	Fish and seafood farms and aquaculture.
Certified Regenerative by A Greener World	Promotes regenerative agriculture, to produce healthier food, more biodiverse ecosystems, a cleaner planet, and better treatment of workers and animals. Requires a comprehensive plan developed with qualified experts, annual audits with possible additional seasonal visits, and demonstration of measurable improvement in soil equilibrium or maintenance of equilibrium. AGW defines “regenerative as “[a] set of planned agricultural practices that ensure the holding is not depleted by agriculture practices, and over time the soil, water, air and biodiversity are improved or maintained to the greatest extent possible.”	Food Systems (applies to an entire farm holding and all processes)
Fair for Life	Certifies fair trade and responsible supply chains. Commitment to incorporate fair practices in the business model, respect for human rights by promoting their well-being, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, promoting local development, durability of supply chains, labor rights, and informed purchasing decisions.	Natural Products including agriculture, wild collection, aquaculture, livestock, beekeeping Food Products
Fairtrade International	The Fairtrade standards aim to guarantee fair terms of trade between farmers and buyers, protect workers’ rights, and develop frameworks for thriving farms and organizations. Objectives include producers receiving prices that adequately cover their average costs of production, conditions of production are socially and economically fair, and production is environmentally responsible. Forced labor and child labor are prohibited. Environmental specifications include minimal or safe use of agrochemicals and no use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Fairtrade specifies different requirements for small-scale producer organizations and hired labor situations.	Bananas Cacao Coffee Flowers Sugar Tea Fruit/Juices Herbs/Spices Honey Nuts/Oils Quinoa Rice Vegetables
Fair Trade Federation	Fair Trade Federation’s principles include cultivating new market opportunities, equitable distributions of power, supporting producers’ self-sustainability, awareness about the role of trade, fair and true pricing frameworks, safe and healthy working conditions, no exploitative child labor, and responsible environmental stewardship. The Fair Trade Federation’s mission is commitment to developing equitable and sustainable relationships that establish structures and practices to facilitate a dignified and decent livelihood for all.	Trading organizations that meet eligibility requirements.
Fair Trade USA/Certified	Fair Trade Certified seeks to build a model of responsible business, conscious consumerism, eliminate poverty, and ensure sustainable development. Invests in technological innovation to monitor transparency and traceability of their supply chains. Fair Trade Certified seeks to create opportunities, bold innovation, passion for learning, and uphold high standards of ethical sustainability.	Seafood Coffee Factory Floral Produce Consumer Packaged Goods Dairy
Food Alliance Certified	Criteria for comprehensive food systems demonstrate a commitment to traceability, transparency, and social and environmental responsibility. Requires third-party site inspection of safe and fair working conditions, humane treatment of animals, and environmental stewardship.	Crops Livestock Shellfish Farms Nursery and Greenhouse Packing, Processing, and Distribution Beverage Field Grown Hemp and Cannabis
Food Justice Certified	The Food Justice Certification was created by the Agricultural Justice Project, a group of farmers and farmworkers who sought to collaborate to improve their situations. Agricultural Justice Project strives to act as an intuitional partner to build broader movements for justice in food systems. Food Justice Certified entities prioritizes dignity and respect for human rights, fair wages, fair working conditions, safe working conditions, environmental stewardship, and truth in labeling. The certification is available to farms, food businesses, and retailers. Buyers who are certified must provide prices that cover the entire cost of production, fair compensation, and investments in the farm’s future.	Food Systems
Marine Stewardship Council	The Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) certification processes apply to wild-capture fisheries, chain of custody, and seaweed. Certification is conducted through independent assessors based on the MSC standards. The Fisheries Standard ensures that wild-capture fish or seafood come from a certified sustainable source, are harvested legally, and maintain traceability through the supply chain. MSC monitors the integrity, testing samples, and runs investigations to trace products back through the supply chain.	Wild-capture Fish Seafood Seaweed
Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch	The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch is a robust and comprehensive rating program that evaluates fisheries and aquaculture operations to provide and create sustainability recommendations. It offers specific standards for salmon fisheries in addition to general wild-capture fish standards due to unique conservation concerns and characteristics. Standards focus on requirements to promote sustainability, adherence to local and national laws, and effective management. Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch provides seafood guides by species and U.S. geographic region. Recommendations are designated: Choice, Certified, Good Alternative, Avoid.	Wild-capture Fish and Seafood Salmon-specific Fisheries Aquaculture
Protected Harvest	Protected Harvest focuses on reducing the harmful impact of toxic pesticides in agricultural production of winegrapes and citrus. Growers must stay below an established Pesticide Risk Units per acre based on the Pesticide Environmental Assessment System (PEAS). The most highly toxic pesticides are strictly prohibited. All chemical choices are scrutinized to get verified. Standards are adapted to fit crop and geographical contexts.	Winegrapes Citrus
Rainforest Alliance-Certified	Rainforest Alliance Certified promotes best practices for protecting standing forests. This includes preventing the expansion of cropland into forestland, promoting the health of trees, soils, and waterways, and protecting native forests. They promote responsible land management methods to avoid deforestation. Advancement of the rights of rural people, guarantee against human rights abuses, and indigenous land rights.	Agricultural Products Herbs and Spices Forestry Products (Paper, Cardboard) ·
Salmon Safe	Salmon Safe is a practice-based accreditation based on implementation of salmon-safe practices to protect water quality, restore habitat, and advance climate resiliency. The accreditation is available to farms, development projects, golf courses, corporate and university campuses, and infrastructure. Salmon Safe’s mission is to evolve land management practices to support water quality protection and climate resiliency for Pacific salmon health in West Coast watersheds.	U.S. West Coast farms
USDA Certified Grass Fed Small & Very Small Producer Program	The USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small Producers creates opportunities for smaller-scale livestock producers. Ruminant animals are fed only grass and forage. Animals cannot be fed grain or grain by-products. Animals must have continuous access to pasture during growing season. Producers must market 49 cattle or less each year/lamb produced from 99 ewes or less.	Livestock Red Meat Poultry
USDA Organic	USDA Organic seeks to integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that promote ecological balance, the cycling of resources, and the conservation of biodiversity. The certification provides subject-specific (e.g., crops, dairy, meat, food handling) standards and requires verification by USDA-accredited certifying agents.	Food, Feed, Fiber Crops Dairy Eggs Meat Processed Products Specialty Products

Food Safety

Certification	Description	Applicability
Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified	A certification that provides species-based standards for fish and seafood farms. The standards focus on protecting biodiversity, regulating products used as feed, measuring pollution, minimizing disease and reducing antibiotics use, and following labor requirements based on the principles of the International Labor Organization. The Council also provides standards for feed and chain of custody. As of 2023, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council is in the process of developing a single “Farm Standard” to apply across species that focuses on three principles: effective business management; environmental responsibility; and social responsibility. Species-specific supplemental requirements will be applied as necessary.	Fish and seafood farms and aquaculture.
Certified Non-GMO by A Greener World	Certified Non-GMO guarantees that the food products are produced without genetically modified or engineered feed or ingredients. All meat, dairy, and eggs come from animals raised with high animal welfare standards. If the product is derived from an animal, it must be certified in conjunction with the AGA’s Animal Welfare Approved Certification.	Crops Meat Dairy Eggs Ingredients used in the product of food products (processing aids)
Marine Stewardship Council	The Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) certification processes apply to wild-capture fisheries, chain of custody, and seaweed. Certification is conducted through independent assessors based on the MSC standards. The Fisheries Standard ensures that wild-capture fish or seafood come from a certified sustainable source, are harvested legally, and maintain traceability through the supply chain. MSC monitors the integrity, testing samples, and runs investigations to trace products back through the supply chain.	Wild-capture Fish Seafood Seaweed
Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch	The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch is a robust and comprehensive rating program that evaluates fisheries and aquaculture operations to provide and create sustainability recommendations. It offers specific standards for salmon fisheries in addition to general wild-capture fish standards due to unique conservation concerns and characteristics. Standards focus on requirements to promote sustainability, adherence to local and national laws, and effective management. Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch provides seafood guides by species and U.S. geographic region. Recommendations are designated: Choice, Certified, Good Alternative, Avoid.	Wild-capture Fish and Seafood Salmon-specific Fisheries Aquaculture
Non-GMO Project Verified	The Non-GMO Project offers rigorous product verification and public education about non-GMO food production and supply. The verification confirms that inputs and ingredients are not derived from biological organisms and are not susceptible to genetic modification and meet their standard. All Non-GMO Project Verified products must have accurate and clear product labeling, maintain operational consistency, meet input procurement requirements, meaningful testing of risk inputs and ingredients, and supply chain traceability.	Seed and Vegetating Propagation Materials Wholesale or Retail Goods Livestock, Poultry, Bee, Seafood Feed, and Supplements
Protected Harvest	Protected Harvest focuses on reducing the harmful impact of toxic pesticides in agricultural production of winegrapes and citrus. Growers must stay below an established Pesticide Risk Units per acre based on the Pesticide Environmental Assessment System (PEAS). The most highly toxic pesticides are strictly prohibited. All chemical choices are scrutinized to get verified. Standards are adapted to fit crop and geographical contexts.	Winegrapes Citrus
USDA Certified Responsible Antibiotics Use (CRAU)	The Certified Antibiotic Use standards seek to minimize the use of veterinary antibiotics that parallel human use drugs. Producers are prohibited from using human use medicine routinely, without clear justification, or unprescribed.	Livestock Poultry
USDA Organic	USDA Organic seeks to integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that promote ecological balance, the cycling of resources, and the conservation of biodiversity. The certification provides subject-specific (e.g., crops, dairy, meat, food handling) standards and requires verification by USDA-accredited certifying agents.	Food, Feed, Fiber Crops Dairy Eggs Meat Processed Products Specialty Products
USDA Process Verified	USDA’s Process Verified Program seeks to promote transparency and accountability in product labeling. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service audits all phases of production, marketing, and distribution. The product standard must be “verifiable, repeatable, auditable, feasible, and factual.”	Livestock Poultry Seed

Health & Nutrition

Certification	Description	Applicability
Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW)	Animals must be pasture or range raised entirely. Approves independent farms that use sustainable, high-welfare farming practices, and audited transport and slaughter practices. AGW employs independent, trained auditors and conducts annuals visits.	Livestock Poultry Bison
Certified Grassfed by A Greener World (Animal Welfare Approved)	A supplemental certification to AGW’s Animal Welfare Approved certification that guarantees animals are fed 100% grass and forage diets and raised on outdoor pastures or ranges—in addition to meeting extensive welfare standards from birth to slaughter. Requires independent on-farm audit and annual verification visits.	Farms and ranches must already meet Animal Welfare Approved certification. Meat and Dairy: cattle; sheep; goats; bison
American Grassfed Association	A certification that requires animals are fed 100% forage diet and maintain continuous access to pasture. Does not allow antibiotics or growth hormone treatment. All animals are born and raised on American family farms. Requires membership and farm inspection.	Meat: cattle; sheep; goats; bison; pigs Dairy: cattle
Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified	A certification that provides species-based standards for fish and seafood farms. The standards focus on protecting biodiversity, regulating products used as feed, measuring pollution, minimizing disease and reducing antibiotics use, and following labor requirements based on the principles of the International Labor Organization. The Council also provides standards for feed and chain of custody. As of 2023, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council is in the process of developing a single “Farm Standard” to apply across species that focuses on three principles: effective business management; environmental responsibility; and social responsibility. Species-specific supplemental requirements will be applied as necessary.	Fish and seafood farms and aquaculture.
Certified Naturally Grown	Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) seeks to promote the highest ideals of organic movement, uphold transparency, and promote sustainable agriculture. No synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. Livestock must be primarily pasture raised. Production operations are verified through annual peer reviews. Certified producers have public profiles on the CNG website.	Produce Livestock Apiary Aquaponics Mushrooms
Certified Non-GMO by A Greener World	Certified Non-GMO guarantees that the food products are produced without genetically modified or engineered feed or ingredients. All meat, dairy, and eggs come from animals raised with high animal welfare standards. If the product is derived from an animal, it must be certified in conjunction with the AGA’s Animal Welfare Approved Certification.	Crops Meat Dairy Eggs Ingredients used in the product of food products (processing aids)
Certified Regenerative by A Greener World	Promotes regenerative agriculture, to produce healthier food, more biodiverse ecosystems, a cleaner planet, and better treatment of workers and animals. Requires a comprehensive plan developed with qualified experts, annual audits with possible additional seasonal visits, and demonstration of measurable improvement in soil equilibrium or maintenance of equilibrium. AGW defines “regenerative as “[a] set of planned agricultural practices that ensure the holding is not depleted by agriculture practices, and over time the soil, water, air and biodiversity are improved or maintained to the greatest extent possible.”	Food Systems (applies to an entire farm holding and all processes)
Food Alliance Certified	Criteria for comprehensive food systems demonstrate a commitment to traceability, transparency, and social and environmental responsibility. Requires third-party site inspection of safe and fair working conditions, humane treatment of animals, and environmental stewardship.	Crops Livestock Shellfish Farms Nursery and Greenhouse Packing, Processing, and Distribution Beverage Field Grown Hemp and Cannabis
Humane Farm Animal Care: Certified Humane	Humane Farm Animal Care is an international organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of farm animals in food production. Certification ensures that animals are not kept in cages, crates, or tie stalls. Animals must be able to do what comes naturally, for instance, chickens have the ability to flap their wings. Animals must have a diet of feed free from antibiotics or growth hormones.	Beef Cattle Chickens Egg Laying Hens Dairy Cattle Goats: Dairy, Fiber, and Meat Sheep, including Dairy Sheep Pigs Turkeys Bison Young Dairy Beef Red Deer
Marine Stewardship Council	The Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) certification processes apply to wild-capture fisheries, chain of custody, and seaweed. Certification is conducted through independent assessors based on the MSC standards. The Fisheries Standard ensures that wild-capture fish or seafood come from a certified sustainable source, are harvested legally, and maintain traceability through the supply chain. MSC monitors the integrity, testing samples, and runs investigations to trace products back through the supply chain.	Wild-capture Fish Seafood Seaweed
Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch	The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch is a robust and comprehensive rating program that evaluates fisheries and aquaculture operations to provide and create sustainability recommendations. It offers specific standards for salmon fisheries in addition to general wild-capture fish standards due to unique conservation concerns and characteristics. Standards focus on requirements to promote sustainability, adherence to local and national laws, and effective management. Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch provides seafood guides by species and U.S. geographic region. Recommendations are designated: Choice, Certified, Good Alternative, Avoid.	Wild-capture Fish and Seafood Salmon-specific Fisheries Aquaculture
Non-GMO Project Verified	The Non-GMO Project offers rigorous product verification and public education about non-GMO food production and supply. The verification confirms that inputs and ingredients are not derived from biological organisms and are not susceptible to genetic modification and meet their standard. All Non-GMO Project Verified products must have accurate and clear product labeling, maintain operational consistency, meet input procurement requirements, meaningful testing of risk inputs and ingredients, and supply chain traceability.	Seed and Vegetating Propagation Materials Wholesale or Retail Goods Livestock, Poultry, Bee, Seafood Feed, and Supplements
Protected Harvest	Protected Harvest focuses on reducing the harmful impact of toxic pesticides in agricultural production of winegrapes and citrus. Growers must stay below an established Pesticide Risk Units per acre based on the Pesticide Environmental Assessment System (PEAS). The most highly toxic pesticides are strictly prohibited. All chemical choices are scrutinized to get verified. Standards are adapted to fit crop and geographical contexts.	Winegrapes Citrus
USDA Certified Grass Fed Small & Very Small Producer Program	The USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small Producers creates opportunities for smaller-scale livestock producers. Ruminant animals are fed only grass and forage. Animals cannot be fed grain or grain by-products. Animals must have continuous access to pasture during growing season. Producers must market 49 cattle or less each year/lamb produced from 99 ewes or less.	Livestock Red Meat Poultry
USDA Certified Responsible Antibiotics Use (CRAU)	The Certified Antibiotic Use standards seek to minimize the use of veterinary antibiotics that parallel human use drugs. Producers are prohibited from using human use medicine routinely, without clear justification, or unprescribed.	Livestock Poultry
USDA Organic	USDA Organic seeks to integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that promote ecological balance, the cycling of resources, and the conservation of biodiversity. The certification provides subject-specific (e.g., crops, dairy, meat, food handling) standards and requires verification by USDA-accredited certifying agents.	Food, Feed, Fiber Crops Dairy Eggs Meat Processed Products Specialty Products
USDA Process Verified	USDA’s Process Verified Program seeks to promote transparency and accountability in product labeling. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service audits all phases of production, marketing, and distribution. The product standard must be “verifiable, repeatable, auditable, feasible, and factual.”	Livestock Poultry Seed

Land Conservation & Preservation

Certification	Description	Applicability
Bird Friendly Certified	Bird Friendly certified coffee farms adhere to rigorous habitat standards. Certifications standards differentiate between coffee farmers and importers/distributors. Bird Friendly seeks to provide access to gourmet markets for producers, mitigate climate change, and promote healthier environments for farm workers.	Coffee
Certified Regenerative by A Greener World	Promotes regenerative agriculture, to produce healthier food, more biodiverse ecosystems, a cleaner planet, and better treatment of workers and animals. Requires a comprehensive plan developed with qualified experts, annual audits with possible additional seasonal visits, and demonstration of measurable improvement in soil equilibrium or maintenance of equilibrium. AGW defines “regenerative as “[a] set of planned agricultural practices that ensure the holding is not depleted by agriculture practices, and over time the soil, water, air and biodiversity are improved or maintained to the greatest extent possible.”	Food Systems (applies to an entire farm holding and all processes)
Food Alliance Certified	Criteria for comprehensive food systems demonstrate a commitment to traceability, transparency, and social and environmental responsibility. Requires third-party site inspection of safe and fair working conditions, humane treatment of animals, and environmental stewardship.	Crops Livestock Shellfish Farms Nursery and Greenhouse Packing, Processing, and Distribution Beverage Field Grown Hemp and Cannabis
Protected Harvest	Protected Harvest focuses on reducing the harmful impact of toxic pesticides in agricultural production of winegrapes and citrus. Growers must stay below an established Pesticide Risk Units per acre based on the Pesticide Environmental Assessment System (PEAS). The most highly toxic pesticides are strictly prohibited. All chemical choices are scrutinized to get verified. Standards are adapted to fit crop and geographical contexts.	Winegrapes Citrus
Rainforest Alliance-Certified	Rainforest Alliance Certified promotes best practices for protecting standing forests. This includes preventing the expansion of cropland into forestland, promoting the health of trees, soils, and waterways, and protecting native forests. They promote responsible land management methods to avoid deforestation. Advancement of the rights of rural people, guarantee against human rights abuses, and indigenous land rights.	Agricultural Products Herbs and Spices Forestry Products (Paper, Cardboard)
Salmon Safe	Salmon Safe is a practice-based accreditation based on implementation of salmon-safe practices to protect water quality, restore habitat, and advance climate resiliency. The accreditation is available to farms, development projects, golf courses, corporate and university campuses, and infrastructure. Salmon Safe’s mission is to evolve land management practices to support water quality protection and climate resiliency for Pacific salmon health in West Coast watersheds.	U.S. West Coast farms

Resilience

Certification	Description	Applicability
Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified	A certification that provides species-based standards for fish and seafood farms. The standards focus on protecting biodiversity, regulating products used as feed, measuring pollution, minimizing disease and reducing antibiotics use, and following labor requirements based on the principles of the International Labor Organization. The Council also provides standards for feed and chain of custody. As of 2023, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council is in the process of developing a single “Farm Standard” to apply across species that focuses on three principles: effective business management; environmental responsibility; and social responsibility. Species-specific supplemental requirements will be applied as necessary.	Fish and seafood farms and aquaculture.
Certified Regenerative by A Greener World	Promotes regenerative agriculture, to produce healthier food, more biodiverse ecosystems, a cleaner planet, and better treatment of workers and animals. Requires a comprehensive plan developed with qualified experts, annual audits with possible additional seasonal visits, and demonstration of measurable improvement in soil equilibrium or maintenance of equilibrium. AGW defines “regenerative as “[a] set of planned agricultural practices that ensure the holding is not depleted by agriculture practices, and over time the soil, water, air and biodiversity are improved or maintained to the greatest extent possible.”	Food Systems (applies to an entire farm holding and all processes)
Fair for Life	Certifies fair trade and responsible supply chains. Commitment to incorporate fair practices in the business model, respect for human rights by promoting their well-being, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, promoting local development, durability of supply chains, labor rights, and informed purchasing decisions.	Natural Products including agriculture, wild collection, aquaculture, livestock, beekeeping Food Products
Fairtrade International	The Fairtrade standards aim to guarantee fair terms of trade between farmers and buyers, protect workers’ rights, and develop frameworks for thriving farms and organizations. Objectives include producers receiving prices that adequately cover their average costs of production, conditions of production are socially and economically fair, and production is environmentally responsible. Forced labor and child labor are prohibited. Environmental specifications include minimal or safe use of agrochemicals and no use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Fairtrade specifies different requirements for small-scale producer organizations and hired labor situations.	Bananas Cacao Coffee Flowers Sugar Tea Fruit/Juices Herbs/Spices Honey Nuts/Oils Quinoa Rice Vegetables
Fair Trade Federation	Fair Trade Federation’s principles include cultivating new market opportunities, equitable distributions of power, supporting producers’ self-sustainability, awareness about the role of trade, fair and true pricing frameworks, safe and healthy working conditions, no exploitative child labor, and responsible environmental stewardship. The Fair Trade Federation’s mission is commitment to developing equitable and sustainable relationships that establish structures and practices to facilitate a dignified and decent livelihood for all.	Trading organizations that meet eligibility requirements.
Fair Trade USA/Certified	Fair Trade Certified seeks to build a model of responsible business, conscious consumerism, eliminate poverty, and ensure sustainable development. Invests in technological innovation to monitor transparency and traceability of their supply chains. Fair Trade Certified seeks to create opportunities, bold innovation, passion for learning, and uphold high standards of ethical sustainability.	Seafood Coffee Factory Floral Produce Consumer Packaged Goods Dairy
Food Justice Certified	The Food Justice Certification was created by the Agricultural Justice Project, a group of farmers and farmworkers who sought to collaborate to improve their situations. Agricultural Justice Project strives to act as an intuitional partner to build broader movements for justice in food systems. Food Justice Certified entities prioritizes dignity and respect for human rights, fair wages, fair working conditions, safe working conditions, environmental stewardship, and truth in labeling. The certification is available to farms, food businesses, and retailers. Buyers who are certified must provide prices that cover the entire cost of production, fair compensation, and investments in the farm’s future.	Food Systems
Marine Stewardship Council	The Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) certification processes apply to wild-capture fisheries, chain of custody, and seaweed. Certification is conducted through independent assessors based on the MSC standards. The Fisheries Standard ensures that wild-capture fish or seafood come from a certified sustainable source, are harvested legally, and maintain traceability through the supply chain. MSC monitors the integrity, testing samples, and runs investigations to trace products back through the supply chain.	Wild-capture Fish Seafood Seaweed
Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch	The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch is a robust and comprehensive rating program that evaluates fisheries and aquaculture operations to provide and create sustainability recommendations. It offers specific standards for salmon fisheries in addition to general wild-capture fish standards due to unique conservation concerns and characteristics. Standards focus on requirements to promote sustainability, adherence to local and national laws, and effective management. Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch provides seafood guides by species and U.S. geographic region. Recommendations are designated: Choice, Certified, Good Alternative, Avoid.	Wild-capture Fish and Seafood Salmon-specific Fisheries Aquaculture
Rainforest Alliance-Certified	Rainforest Alliance Certified promotes best practices for protecting standing forests. This includes preventing the expansion of cropland into forestland, promoting the health of trees, soils, and waterways, and protecting native forests. They promote responsible land management methods to avoid deforestation. Advancement of the rights of rural people, guarantee against human rights abuses, and indigenous land rights.	Agricultural Products Herbs and Spices Forestry Products (Paper, Cardboard)
USDA Certified Responsible Antibiotics Use (CRAU)	The Certified Antibiotic Use standards seek to minimize the use of veterinary antibiotics that parallel human use drugs. Producers are prohibited from using human use medicine routinely, without clear justification, or unprescribed.	Livestock Poultry
USDA Certified Grass Fed Small & Very Small Producer Program	The USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small Producers creates opportunities for smaller-scale livestock producers. Ruminant animals are fed only grass and forage. Animals cannot be fed grain or grain by-products. Animals must have continuous access to pasture during growing season. Producers must market 49 cattle or less each year/lamb produced from 99 ewes or less.	Livestock Red Meat Poultry
Salmon Safe	Salmon Safe is a practice-based accreditation based on implementation of salmon-safe practices to protect water quality, restore habitat, and advance climate resiliency. The accreditation is available to farms, development projects, golf courses, corporate and university campuses, and infrastructure. Salmon Safe’s mission is to evolve land management practices to support water quality protection and climate resiliency for Pacific salmon health in West Coast watersheds.	U.S. West Coast farms
USDA Organic	USDA Organic seeks to integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that promote ecological balance, the cycling of resources, and the conservation of biodiversity. The certification provides subject-specific (e.g., crops, dairy, meat, food handling) standards and requires verification by USDA-accredited certifying agents.	Food, Feed, Fiber Crops Dairy Eggs Meat Processed Products Specialty Products
USDA Process Verified	USDA’s Process Verified Program seeks to promote transparency and accountability in product labeling. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service audits all phases of production, marketing, and distribution. The product standard must be “verifiable, repeatable, auditable, feasible, and factual.”	Livestock Poultry Seed

Workers’ Rights & Welfare

Certification	Description	Applicability
Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified	A certification that provides species-based standards for fish and seafood farms. The standards focus on protecting biodiversity, regulating products used as feed, measuring pollution, minimizing disease and reducing antibiotics use, and following labor requirements based on the principles of the International Labour Organisation. The Council also provides standards for feed and chain of custody. As of 2023, the Aquaculture Stewardship Council is in the process of developing a single “Farm Standard” to apply across species that focuses on three principles: effective business management; environmental responsibility; and social responsibility. Species-specific supplemental requirements will be applied as necessary.	Fish and seafood farms and aquaculture.
Bird Friendly Certified	Bird Friendly certified coffee farms adhere to rigorous habitat standards. Certifications standards differentiate between coffee farmers and importers/distributors. Bird Friendly seeks to provide access to gourmet markets for producers, mitigate climate change, and promote healthier environments for farm workers.	Coffee
Certified Regenerative by A Greener World	Promotes regenerative agriculture, to produce healthier food, more biodiverse ecosystems, a cleaner planet, and better treatment of workers and animals. Requires a comprehensive plan developed with qualified experts, annual audits with possible additional seasonal visits, and demonstration of measurable improvement in soil equilibrium or maintenance of equilibrium. AGW defines “regenerative as “[a] set of planned agricultural practices that ensure the holding is not depleted by agriculture practices, and over time the soil, water, air and biodiversity are improved or maintained to the greatest extent possible.”	Food Systems (applies to an entire farm holding and all processes)
Fair for Life	Certifies fair trade and responsible supply chains. Commitment to incorporate fair practices in the business model, respect for human rights by promoting their well-being, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, promoting local development, durability of supply chains, labor rights, and informed purchasing decisions.	Natural Products including agriculture, wild collection, aquaculture, livestock, beekeeping Food Products
Fairtrade International	The Fairtrade standards aim to guarantee fair terms of trade between farmers and buyers, protect workers’ rights, and develop frameworks for thriving farms and organizations. Objectives include producers receiving prices that adequately cover their average costs of production, conditions of production are socially and economically fair, and production is environmentally responsible. Forced labor and child labor are prohibited. Environmental specifications include minimal or safe use of agrochemicals and no use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Fairtrade specifies different requirements for small-scale producer organizations and hired labor situations.	Bananas Cacao Coffee Flowers Sugar Tea Fruit/Juices Herbs/Spices Honey Nuts/Oils Quinoa Rice Vegetables
Fair Trade Federation	Fair Trade Federation’s principles include cultivating new market opportunities, equitable distributions of power, supporting producers’ self-sustainability, awareness about the role of trade, fair and true pricing frameworks, safe and healthy working conditions, no exploitative child labor, and responsible environmental stewardship. The Fair Trade Federation’s mission is commitment to developing equitable and sustainable relationships that establish structures and practices to facilitate a dignified and decent livelihood for all.	Trading organizations that meet eligibility requirements.
Fair Trade USA/Certified	Fair Trade Certified seeks to build a model of responsible business, conscious consumerism, eliminate poverty, and ensure sustainable development. Invests in technological innovation to monitor transparency and traceability of their supply chains. Fair Trade Certified seeks to create opportunities, bold innovation, passion for learning, and uphold high standards of ethical sustainability.	Seafood Coffee Factory Floral Produce Consumer Packaged Goods Dairy
Food Alliance Certified	Criteria for comprehensive food systems demonstrate a commitment to traceability, transparency, and social and environmental responsibility. Requires third-party site inspection of safe and fair working conditions, humane treatment of animals, and environmental stewardship.	Crops Livestock Shellfish Farms Nursery and Greenhouse Packing, Processing, and Distribution Beverage Field Grown Hemp and Cannabis
Food Justice Certified	The Food Justice Certification was created by the Agricultural Justice Project, a group of farmers and farmworkers who sought to collaborate to improve their situations. Agricultural Justice Project strives to act as an intuitional partner to build broader movements for justice in food systems. Food Justice Certified entities prioritizes dignity and respect for human rights, fair wages, fair working conditions, safe working conditions, environmental stewardship, and truth in labeling. The certification is available to farms, food businesses, and retailers. Buyers who are certified must provide prices that cover the entire cost of production, fair compensation, and investments in the farm’s future.	Food Systems
Rainforest Alliance-Certified	Rainforest Alliance Certified promotes best practices for protecting standing forests. This includes preventing the expansion of cropland into forestland, promoting the health of trees, soils, and waterways, and protecting native forests. They promote responsible land management methods to avoid deforestation. Advancement of the rights of rural people, guarantee against human rights abuses, and indigenous land rights.	Agricultural Products Herbs and Spices Forestry Products (Paper, Cardboard)

Relevant values-based certifications or practices for each product are listed in the table below. Refer back to Common Values-Based Certifications for more details.

Product		Applicable Certifications or Practices
Coffee & Tea	Coffee	· Bird Friendly
		· Fairtrade International,
		· Fair Trade USA/Certified
	Tea	· Fairtrade International
		· Fair Trade USA/Certified
Dairy		· Animal Welfare Approved Grassfed by A Greener World
		· American Grassfed Association
		· Certified Grassfed by A Greener World
		· Certified Non-GMO by A Greener World
		· Fair Trade USA/Certified
		· Food Alliance
		· Humane Farm Animal Care: Certified Humane
		· USDA Organic
Eggs		· Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World
		· Certified Non-GMO by A Greener World
		· Food Alliance
		· Humane Farm Animal Care: Certified Humane
		· USDA Organic
Fish and Seafood	Fish	· Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified
		· Fair Trade USA/Certified
		· Marine Stewardship Council
		· Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch
	Salmon	· Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified
		· Fair Trade USA/Certified
		· Marine Stewardship Council
		· Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch
	Shellfish	· Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified
		· Fair Trade USA/Certified
		· Food Alliance
		· Marine Stewardship Council
		· Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch
Fruits & Vegetables		· Certified Naturally Grown
		· Certified Non-GMO by a Greener World
		· Fair for Life
		· Fairtrade International
		· Fair Trade USA/Certified
		· Food Alliance
		· Food Recovery and Waste Reduction Practices
		· Rainforest Alliance-Certified
		· Salmon Safe
		· USDA Organic
Meat		· Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World
		· American Grassfed Association
		· Certified Grassfed by A Greener World
		· Certified Naturally Grown
		· Certified Non-GMO by A Greener World
		· Fair for Life (no meat producers are currently certified)
		· Food Alliance
		· Humane Farm Animal Care: Certified Humane
		· USDA Certified Grass Fed Small & Very Small Producer Program
		· USDA Certified Responsible Antibiotics Use
		· USDA Organic
		· USDA Process Verified
		· Salmon Safe
Plant-based Proteins		· Certified Naturally Grown
		· Certified Non-GMO by A Greener World
		· Fair for Life
		· Fairtrade International
		· Fair Trade USA/Certified
		· Food Alliance
		· USDA Organic
Processed/Grocery		· Certified Non-GMO by A Greener World
		· Fair for Life
		· Fairtrade International
		· Fair Trade USA/Certified
		· Food Alliance
		· USDA Organic

Alternative: Vendor Certification/Practice Preference

Rather than requiring a certification or practice, institutions may instead only express preferences in their food purchasing guidelines. If an institution only expresses preference, purchasing reviews and evaluation of the values-based procurement program should focus on whether the preference is adhered to. The institution may later consider revising its food purchasing guidelines to incorporate requirements.

Option for Vendor Certification/Practice Preference:

[Institution] prefers the following certifications for [insert product]: [list certification(s)/practice(s)]
[Institution] prioritizes purchasing [product] that meet the following: [list certification(s)/practice(s)]

Alternative: Allowing Alternative/Comparable Practices

Food purchasing guidelines can reflect a broad range of values and goals the institution seeks to demonstrate through its purchasing. Prioritizing only one value or goal may increase difficulty in achieving other values and goals. Institutions should consider providing flexibility with vendors where appropriate by allowing for alternative or comparable certifications and practices. This flexibility will require additional oversight by the institution to ensure that the provided alternative practice meets expectations. Institutions should consider the tradeoffs and importance of the certification or practice when utilizing this option.

For example, obtaining USDA Organic certification is a long process with hurdles that may pose a major challenge to new producers, or producers with minimal resources. An institution may still want to procure food from a producer that uses organic practices—such as growing produce without any synthetic chemical input—even if the producer is not officially certified. The institution may develop a relationship with the farm, visit the farm, or otherwise obtain sufficient information to determine that the producer is an appropriate values-based vendor and include this alternative practice as an acceptable approach.

Option for allowing an alternative/comparable practice:

[Institution] prefers [product] that are certified [insert certification] or, with the approval of [Institution], [grown/raised/produced/cultivated] using [insert comparable practice(s)].
- Example: [Institution] prefers vegetables that are certified USDA Organic or, with the approval of [Institution], grown using ecologically-based pest controls and biological fertilizers.

Real-World Examples: Institutions Identifying Values-Based Certifications & Practices

Real-World Example
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Boston University Commits to Purchasing Humane Animal Products

When considering animal products Boston University is committed to purchasing products certified by either Certified Humane, or Global Animal Partnership. For seafood, they prioritize food certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, Best Aquaculture Practices, and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

FSMC-Operated
Private Institution
Purchasing Commitment
University
Vendors

Real-World Example
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Duke Dining Purchasing Standards Prefer Foods with Specific Values-Based Certifications

Duke’s Sustainability Standards and Policies prefer foods that have met strict third-party certifications, which demonstrate that they were “responsibly grown, raised, and/or processed.” Among the certifications are USDA Organic, Certified Humane, Animal Welfare Approved, Global Animal Partnership, Fair Trade, Marine Stewardship Council, and Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.

FSMC-Operated
Private Institution
Purchasing Commitment
University

Real-World Example
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Emory University Specifies Desirable Vendor Certifications

Emory specifies for each kind of food their desired certifications. Additionally, the guidelines explain the rationale for designated purchasing priorities.

FSMC-Operated
Private Institution
Purchasing Commitment
University