FAQs For Farmers & Ranchers

How long does the certification process take?

Who has access to the information in the certification application or inspector's report?

How much does the certification program cost?

How will I benefit from Food Alliance Certification?

Who does Food Alliance site inspections?

Do I have to be present during the site visit?

Who creates the standards for Food Alliance certification?

What happens if I don't pass the inspection?

Q: How long does the certification process take?

A: Once Food Alliance receives a complete application, the certification process generally takes 4 to 8 weeks. During this period, Food Alliance reviews the application materials, then assigns a site inspector who schedules and conducts the inspection. Once we receive the site inspector's report, we make the certification decision  and inform the applicant by mail. The process can take  longer than 8 weeks if the application is incomplete and requires us to contact you for more information, or when we receive it in a season when weather or production cycles make itdifficult or impossible to observe and evaluate management systems, practices and outcomes. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Q: Who has access to the information in the certification application or inspector's report?

A: Food Alliance and its inspectors hold all documentation and information obtained during the certification process  in strict confidence. Only Food Alliance certification program staff  and site inspectors will have access to application records and documents. Food Alliance staff will not discuss applications or the details of an individual certification inspection with any individual or agency. Food Alliance site inspectors sign a binding confidentiality agreement.

Q: How much does the certification program cost?

A: Fees are based on gross sales of Food Alliance Certified products. Rates depend on who is making and benefiting from the certification claims. In general, a minimum fee of $400 is payable at the time of application. The balance for year one is invoiced upon completion of the inspection and is payable in 30 days. Certification is valid for 3 years. Learn more about certification fees here.

Q: How will I benefit from Food Alliance Certification?

A: Our certification clients commonly cite the following benefits:

• Product Differentiation: Food Alliance certification helps differentiate products in a crowded marketplace. Food Alliance certification is an inexpensive way to add value to your products and to strengthen your brand.
  
• Improved Public Relations: Food Alliance certification helps farmers, ranchers and the food industry businesses communicate their commitments to social and environmental responsibility.
  
• Access to New Markets: Certification has helped many producers develop relationships with the growing number of commercial food buyers that support Food Alliance’s mission. These buyers include processors, distributors, restaurant chains, food service operators, and retail groceries.
  
• Market Share: Food Alliance certification can help producers  retain or expand market share. Participants report positive customer feedback and increased customer loyalty. Food Alliance certification has also helped producers to capture a share of the rapidly growing market for more  environmentally and socially responsible food products.

Q: Who does Food Alliance site inspections?

A: Food Alliance uses qualified private contractors to perform on-site inspections for the certification program. We train inspectors in the use of our own detailed evaluation documents and inspection procedures. These are designed to verify on-farm practices and help inspectors make fully informed decisions regarding the approval or denial of an application. Qualifications for site inspectors include working expertise, educational background, and significant knowledge of sustainable/conservation agriculture management for specific production systems. Inspectors often also work as IPM or crop consultants, production managers for food processors, or scientists for research institutions.  In some cases, site inspectors may be retired from university extension, NRCS or another agency.

Q: Do I have to be present during the site visit?

A: Yes. We ask that all farm and ranch decision makers be present at the time of the site inspection. In addition, we recommend the following to prepare for a site visit:

• Make sure that you have ample time for the inspection. It is important that both managers and personnel responsible for record keeping be present. Site inspections typically take from 2-6, depending on the number of crops evaluated.
• Have records ready to show the site inspector. This includes pesticide records, scouting records, records of irrigation activities, harvest records, and reports of all inputs.
• Be prepared to describe your strategies as they relate to Food Alliance’s Guiding Principles, with special emphasis on pest management, soil and water conservation, human resource management, and wildlife habitat/natural areas management.
• Be prepared to walk or drive around your property to show pesticide storage sheds, on-site housing, machinery, significant vantage points, riparian areas and other aspects of your operation relevant to the Guiding Principles.
  

Q: Who creates the standards for Food Alliance certification?

A: Food Alliance often contracts with independent consultants to create standards. The concepts and practices found in the standards generally come from “best management practices” identified through research at public agencies and land grant universities. In additions to consultants, Food Alliance staff are advised in the standards development process by our Stewardship Council, a volunteer group of farmers, ranchers and other representatives of the food industry university and agency researchers, and advocates for farm labor, animal welfare, the environment and consumer affairs. 

Q: What happens if I don't pass the inspection?

A: If a farm or ranch fails the certification inspection, Food Alliance provides a detailed report describing changes needed to meet the certification criteria. Applicants then have up to one year to make required changes and request a follow-up inspection at no additional cost.  When the changes have been made, the applicant can contact Food Alliance to schedule another inspection. In some cases,  compliance can be verified without the need for a follow up inspection.