The Rainforest Alliance, an international conservation organization, works in collaboration with its partners in the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) to set standards for the responsible production of farm products. These standards protect biodiversity as well as the rights and welfare of farm workers, their families and communities. Farms that meet the standards earn the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal. By sourcing products from certified farms and displaying the seal, companies around the world are providing a guarantee to consumers that their purchases are environmentally and socially responsible.

The Rainforest Alliance began working in tropical agriculture in the early 1990’s, beginning with the certification of banana farms. Since then the program has expanded to include other crops including coffee, fruit and flowers. In 1997 the Rainforest Alliance awarded its seal to cocoa producers in Ecuador. More recently, cocoa farms in Ivory Coast and Ghana have met the SAN standards for sustainable production.

Rainforest Alliance does not require a premium to be paid for certified cocoa but expects that in practice premiums up to $200/ton may be paid.

For more information visit www.rainforest-alliance.org