Certifiably Sustainable? The Role of Third-Party Certification Systems: Report of a Workshop (2010) / Chapter Skim
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7 Optimizing Certification as a Tool
7 Optimizing Certification as a Tool
Pages 57-66
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From page 57... ...
Suggestions covered the evolution of a certification scheme, from conception to its eventual "sunsetting" or handoff to a regulatory agency. In particular, discussions focused on improving our understanding of what certification can and cannot accomplish, introducing systems that could be more inclusive while promoting innovation, and thinking through the interface with complementary programs and institutions.
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From page 58... ...
Several participants also remarked that international trade will not be a sufficient lever to impose sustainability. To date, certification schemes have focused on northern export markets, primarily the United States and the European Union.
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From page 59... ...
It is becoming increasingly evident that certification programs are relying on some corollary improvements -- namely market demand and capacity building -- that fall outside the domain of the typical certifying scheme. As one participant put it, certification schemes need an intention with clear goals and due consideration of potential impacts, trade-offs, and sound (or at least transparent)
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From page 60... ...
In other words, many sustainability challenges are not product-specific and so not adequately addressed by product-based certification programs. TIERED APPROACHES With some exceptions, certification schemes have been pass/fail systems -- producers making the grade receive a certified seal, and those who do not meet the requirements are left out.
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From page 61... ...
BUILDING CAPACITy THROUGHOUT THE VALUE CHAIN One criticism of existing certification schemes is that they provide for little if any capacity building to aid producers in becoming compliant. As participants noted, certifiers are often prohibited from offering advice or assistance.
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From page 62... ...
Because supermarkets see an increasing demand for organic capacity building, and so the burden falls back to governments (many of which were deemed ineffective to begin with) to provide support.
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From page 63... ...
Some participants wondered if new institutions are necessary to support certification efforts. The International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labeling Alliance (ISEAL)
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From page 64... ...
has emerged as an alliance of public and private stakeholders, to reconcile the various competing sustainability standards and move the industry forward. Part of 4C's mission is to provide support mechanisms to farmers and put them on a path of continual improvement, bolstered by an extensive outreach network and training modules.
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From page 65... ...
Many participants emphasized that there ultimately must be a business case for certification schemes. Compliance costs are expected, and not insurmountable, but should be put alongside considerations of product quality improvements and potential as a "customer-facing" innovation designed to help move products.
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