The Rainforest Initiative Certification™
The Rainforest Initiative Certification believes in fostering a sustainable future in the world of agriculture.
To ensure and encourage this, The Rainforest Initiative has set up a certification system that identifies the right farming practices. A stamp of approval from them indicates that the company involved in agriculture is following the guidelines laid out by The Rainforest Initiative. These are in place to make sure that the practices being implemented are not harmful to the environment.
One of the first tenets of this certification system is that the cultivation has to be rainfed and not irrigated, for Millets. This is done so that not just agriculture, but water is safeguarded for the future. The Rainforest Initiative Certification™ is not against the use of fertilisers or pesticides if you choose to use them. But if you are thinking about it, the percentage of these substances should be less than 5%. When either of the substances is used in excess, it can damage the soil. Also, the grains being cultivated need to be traditional or indigenous to the region. Additionally, they can be used for sowing purposes.
Taking into account the quality of the soil and how it can be secured, brings us to the question of hybrid seeds. If a company has to be get The Rainforest Initiative Certification™, these kinds of seeds cannot be used. They also keep an eye on how the people around these agricultural areas are being treated. Hence, they encourage firms/organisations to source their grains from the tribal population and farmers of such regions.
When talking about the environment, it naturally brings us to the act of recycling. Something that not we are not doing enough at the moment but one that The Rainforest Initiative would like to promote through their Certification Process. What is cultivated needs to be packed and that has to be in the form of a reusable package. Ultimately, this should lead to it being recycled. People who buy the products would be more tempted to purchase them if they are sure that the packaging is recyclable. Another reason why they encourage this practice.
This Certification can be for your products too
Talking about the package being used and its impact is to look at the carbon footprint that is left behind. Keeping this to a minimum is not only possible but also our responsibility. This becomes even more important when we are in the supply chain stage of an operation. It is an area where there is a real chance for a carbon footprint to be increased. Efforts made to reduce this will reflect well on your company. It extends to any quality assurance measures you have taken as well. All of these are small ways by which we can repay nature.
This Certification aims to bring about a new generation of cultivators and cultivation practices around us. By following these guidelines, you are helping yourself and the environment around you. They have a dedicated portal that is ready to help you at all times.