1st Draft of the Standard video MO

Introduction to the Small Holder Standard

Overview of Presentation

• Mike Og introduces himself and his role in the Standards Working Group, mentioning team members involved in developing the Small Holder Standard.

• The presentation aims to provide background information on the Small Holder Standard before discussing its indicators, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and future opportunities for questions.

Strategic Context

• The Bonsucro strategic plan is highlighted as a guiding framework, with a focus on supporting growers and mills at various sustainability stages.

• A commitment to a stepwise approach was made in response to stakeholder consultations from 2021, aimed at helping stakeholders understand sustainability requirements incrementally.

Stepwise Approach and Certification Process

Key Questions Addressed

• Discussion on how the stepwise approach integrates with the Plan Do Check Act cycle, raising questions about insurance roles, key enablers, and incentivizing change.

• The standard revision is positioned within a broader strategy that includes support mechanisms for smallholders beyond just certification.

Roadmap for Smallholders

• Emphasis on smallholders as vital constituents within Bonsucro; development of a roadmap and theory of change two years prior is mentioned.

• Activities like standard revision and implementing a stepwise approach are crucial components of this roadmap.

Support Mechanisms for Implementation

Building Knowledge and Resources

• Importance of understanding farmers' needs through consultations is stressed as part of developing effective standards.

• A comprehensive support program involving guidance, training, partnerships, mentors, and resources is essential for driving certification value.

Expected Outcomes

• Successful implementation will lead to improved practices in fields, more resilient supply chains, enhanced environmental impact, strengthened human rights, and overall value creation across supply chains.

Development of the New Standard

Future-Proofing Standards

• Anticipation of reviewing current production standards by 2027 leads to considerations for structuring the new Small Holder Standard accordingly.

Structure of New Standard

• The new standard will be based on three pillars: economic, social, and environmental. Adjustments have been made while maintaining core principles from previous standards.

Consultation Feedback Integration

• Insights gained from initial consultation sessions have informed design decisions for the first draft of the new standard.

Stepwise Approach to Certification

Overview of the Stepwise Approach

• The stepwise approach is a key element in the strategic plan, validated through consultations, emphasizing pre-certification support.

• Bonsucro recognizes the need for additional guidance and training for operators, particularly regarding human rights issues as a significant risk for smallholders.

• Incentives are crucial to motivate stakeholders on their certification journey; efficiency and productivity improvements are highlighted as primary incentives.

Key Issues Identified

• Human rights concerns emerged as a top priority during stakeholder discussions, alongside waste management and cost factors affecting certification.

• Feedback indicated that the standard should avoid complexity and excessive data requirements; a balance between must-haves and non-essential elements was suggested.

Phases of Pre-Certification

Structure of Pre-Certification

• The pre-certification process consists of three phases: group formation, human rights due diligence, and full compliance with certification indicators.

Phase A: Group Formation

• This initial phase focuses on forming groups consisting of known members with spatial representation.

Phase B: Human Rights Due Diligence

• Emphasizes addressing human rights risks through action plans and potential verification processes to ensure compliance.

Phase C: Verification Process

• Groups undergo gap assessments against standards to identify areas needing improvement before moving towards certification readiness.

Certification Cycle Steps

Detailed Steps Towards Certification

• After group formation, members will receive resources such as guidance and training to assist in closing gaps identified in assessments.

Verification Before Certification

• A verification process may occur prior to full certification; this can be third-party verified off-site to manage costs while providing recognition of progress.

Definition of a Group

• Smallholder certification relies on group structures comprising farmers managed by an organization with appointed managers overseeing internal control systems.

Group Management and Internal Control Systems

Importance of Internal Control Systems (ICS)

• The internal control system is essential for effective group management, providing a feedback mechanism between farmers and group managers.

• It facilitates data collection, identifies non-compliance issues, and highlights areas for improvement within the group.

Concept of Group Footprint

• The "group footprint" refers to the area surrounding farms that is influenced by or influences farm operations.

• This concept is crucial when discussing various plans such as water stewardship, environmental management, and biodiversity management.

Project Management Progress

• Thanks to effective project management led by Paolo, the project remains on schedule for timely delivery.

• Participants will receive the first draft along with a video shortly after their departure.

Feedback and Public Consultation Phases

• There will be opportunities for feedback during December and January before moving into a more focused public consultation phase.

• This next phase will involve in-person discussions aimed at understanding how well the story and indicators resonate with stakeholders.

Finalization of Standards

• The process includes adjustments based on feedback, piloting phases, and aims to develop a final version of standards by year-end.

• Pillar one focuses on group formation; reading these indicators will provide deeper insights into this foundational aspect.