What Does “Rainforest Alliance Certified” Mean?
Last updated November 6, 2024
When you see our frog on your favorite foods and beverages, you can feel confident that these products support a better world. And you don’t have to take our word for it: Our robust verification system includes checks by independent auditors to be sure the farms that grow these crops, and the companies that source them, are meeting our strict certification requirements—which are all expertly designed to improve farmer incomes and well-being, while protecting the land.
The Rainforest Alliance Certification Program
Many people think sustainability refers only to the environment. But at the Rainforest Alliance, we believe that sustainability extends to people, too. A product with our seal contains one or more key ingredients produced with social, economic, and environmental sustainability requirements.
Our certification program is committed to protecting and improving the following:
Forests
Forests are critical to the survival of every living thing on Earth. Our certification program requires best practices for protecting forests and fighting deforestation. Cutting down trees to expand farmland is not allowed; in fact, farmers are encouraged to plant more trees on Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.
Climate
Standing forests are also excellent at storing carbon and keeping it out of our atmosphere (which is a powerful way to alleviate climate change). That’s why our certification program promotes responsible land management methods that increase and conserve the number of trees. In addition, the farming practices embedded in our training help farmers face climate-related disasters like droughts and flooding.
Human Rights
Certification supports the rights of farmworkers and their communities. Our program provides robust tools for preventing child labor, forced labor, poor working conditions, low wages, gender inequality, and the violation of Indigenous land rights—and identifying and addressing these issues when they do occur.
Livelihoods
People and nature need each other. Improving opportunities for smallholder farmers and forest communities is the most effective way to lift rural people out of poverty and protect critically important landscapes. Our certification program is a useful tool to help improve farmer incomes.
What does it take to become Rainforest Alliance Certified?
It’s not enough for a company to just place our seal on their products—they must prioritize sustainability in their supply chains, starting with the farms they source from.
Our certification program is based on the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard, which has different sets of requirements for farmers and companies
For Farmers
The requirements help them make a better living while enriching—rather than harming—the land through sustainable farming. Certified farms are required to provide safe and fair working conditions for their workers.
For Companies
The requirements encourage responsible business practices and transparency from farm to shelf. In turn, this helps them build stronger supply chains, strengthen consumer loyalty, and achieve their sustainability goals.
Mass Balance
Like all major sustainability initiatives, we use a sourcing method called mass balance.
Our commitments
As a forward-thinking organization, we have proudly evolved our certification program and the appearance of our world-famous frog. You may see one of two seals on products—and you can rest assured that both represent our strict requirements for sustainability. Keep an eye out for our Forest Allies mark, too. Companies who belong to this program support community forestry in some of the world’s most precious landscapes.
Get to Know Our Sustainability Symbols
As a forward-thinking organization, we have proudly evolved our certification program and the appearance of our world-famous frog.
You may see one of two seals on products—and you can rest assured that both meet our strict requirements for sustainability. Keep an eye out for our Forest Allies mark, too. Companies who belong to this program support community forestry in some of the world’s most precious landscapes.
Using Our Labels and Seals
To use the Rainforest Alliance marks, including the Forest Allies logo, a company or operation must meet the applicable criteria, as defined in our Labeling & Trademarks Policy.
Together, we can make a difference
We know that no certification program alone can solve the daunting issues facing our world—most of which result from hundreds of years of colonialism. It will take all of us working together to overcome human rights abuses, deforestation, and the climate emergency. Those with the most power—governments and corporations—have the most significant role to play.
But individuals can make an enormous impact by demanding that companies do better. One way to send that message is to buy products with the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal.
That’s why the Rainforest Alliance is not just a certification program, but a global movement for positive change. When it comes to envisioning a better world, we’re all in. And we hope you’re with us!
Together, we’re building a future where people and nature thrive. Sign up to learn how you can help.