Farmer Bankability and Sustainable Finance: Farm-Level Metrics that Matter

Researchers commissioned by the Rainforest Alliance compared financial record keeping variables between Rainforest Alliance Certified farms and non-certified farms; they also surveyed social lenders and local, in-country financial institutions. The study established a common minimum set of metrics for producers to record/report in order to apply for credit, showed that certified producers are better at tracking financial metrics, demonstrated that certified producers have better access to credit, and confirmed that although lenders prefer to lend to small and medium-sized enterprises, they also value farm-level metrics.