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Technical Modules
Module 3: NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION
Sustainable Agriculture Standard
July, 2017Version 1
D.R. © 2017 Red de Agricultura Sostenible, A.C.
This document is provided by Red de Agricultura Sostenible, A.C. (also known as Sustainable
Agriculture Network) to Rainforest Alliance, Inc. and/or to its successors, under the terms and
subject to the limitations set forth in the perpetual, exclusive, non-transferrable license granted
by Red de Agricultura Sostenible, A.C. in favor of Rainforest Alliance, Inc., or its successors under
the terms and conditions set forth in an agreement between the parties (the “Agreement”), in the
understanding that:
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national and / or international laws. The Rainforest Alliance name and trademarks are the
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3. Under no circumstance shall it be understood that a license, of any kind, over this
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Table of contents
Module 3 - Page 2
Contributions of this module …………………………..……………………………………….. 3
Principle III: What are its objectives? ……………………..…………………….…………….. 4
Soil management and conservation ………………………………………………………..… 5
Related criteria …………………..…………………………………………………………………………..………... 8
Good auditing practices …………………….……………………………………………...……………..……... 10
Water management and conservation …….…..………………………………….……….… 15
Binding Terms and Definitions …..…………………………………………………………………..…….… 17
Related criteria ………………………..………………………………..….……………………………………..… 19
Management and conservation of water resources……………………….....................….….… 20
Good auditing practices ……...………………………………………..….………………………………….… 27
Waste management …………………………………………………………………...…….…… 29
Binding Terms and Definitions ………………………………………………………….……….……………31
Related criteria …………………………………………………………………………………………….…………. 32
Waste management plan …………………………………………………………………………………….… 34
Good auditing practices ………………………………………………………………………...……………… 37
integrated pest management …………………………………………………………….…… 39
Binding Terms and Definitions …………………………………………………………………………….… 43
Integrated Pest Management Plan ……………………………………………………………….….…… 48
Related criteria ……………………………………………………………………………..…………………… 49
How are the criteria audited?…………………………….……………………………….……………… 51
Mitigation of pesticide-associated risks ……………………………………………………………...… 52
Related criteria ………………………………………………………………………………………..………… 53
How are the criteria audited?………………………………………..…………………………………… 54
Mitigation of risk and environmental impact …………………………………………………… 55
Mitigation of risks to health ……………………………………………………………………..……… 61
Contributions of thismodule
Module 3 - Page 3
Principle 3 of the 2017 Standard establishes
requirements for:
• Soil conservation and management
• Water conservation and management
• Waste management
• Integrated pest management and pesticide
handling
This module provides the following tools to optimize the work of the technical community:
• Graphics that explain the objectives and key topics of Principle 3;
• Information on related Rainforest Alliance Terms and Definitions and their correct
interpretation;
• Tables showing the interrelationships between criteria (for all the standards), which enable a
comprehensive understanding all the requirements related to natural resource conservation;
• Recommendations for auditing complex topics;
• Cases and illustrative examples of complex topics.
The Guide to the 2017
Standard is a key tool for the
implementation and evaluation of
its requirements.
The conservation and proper management of natural resources is basic to sustainable agriculture.
Its purpose is to minimize the negative impacts that agricultural practices can have on the
environment, make rational and sustainable use of natural resources, and avoid having effects on
workers, their families and communities.
Principle IIIWhat are its objectives?
Climate Smart Agriculture
Optimize the fertilization
and soil health plan
Natural Resource
Conservation
Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide
Handling
Soil conservation and
management
Water Management
and conservation
Water conservation and rational
use
Non-contamination
of aquatic ecosystems
with wastewater
Water Quality and
RA Parameters
Module 3 - Page 4
Waste Management IPM as
work plan
Prohibited and Restricted
Pesticides with mitigation measures
Minimizing negative
impacts on soil
Soil conservation and management
Module 3 - Page 6
Soil management is a key element for enhancing
farm productivity and conserving ecosystems.
The farms implement good practices for the
rational management of the resource and
improving soil health.
This implies that the soil of every farm is
managed using a preventive approach for
conservation and continuous improvement.
As a result of the implementation of Rainforest
Alliance criteria, soil management aims to
minimize the negative impacts on this resource
and improve its health and functions.
For the 2017 Standard, proper soil
management and use must address the
following key aspects:
1. Planning activities taking soil
characteristics into account to achieve
greater productivity and sustainable
production.
2. Including soil management in the
productivity plan.
3. Implementing measures and practices to
conserve soil.
4. Minimizing negative impacts on soils
(erosion, salinization, compaction).
5. Minimizing the environmental impact of
poorly managed soils.
6. Restoring the soil.
7. Optimizing soil health.
Key topicsin soil management
Module 3 - Page 7
• Soil health:
It is the objective of the 2017 Standard that
producers carry out practices to increase soil health,
such as:
1. Incorporation of organic matter.
2. Use of cover crops and compost or mulches.
3. Promotion of biodiversity.
4. Minimum tillage.
5. Introduction of nitrogen-fixing plants
(provided they do not compete with the
crop).
• Soil erosion
This is a very common problem for tropical soils,
where the rainy periods are very intense. The
Standard emphasizes that producers must avoid
and minimize the erosion of soils on their farms,
through effective strategies and management
practices.
• Compaction
If practices that increase soil compaction are
implemented, preventive measures must be taken
to avoid this; for already compacted soils, practices
are carried out to remedy this soil problem.
• Management of soil fertility
Soil fertility is monitored and the nutrients
extracted by the crop are restored through a
fertilization plan based on crop needs and soil
conditions.
Soil conservation and managementRelated criteria (1 of 2)
Module 3 - Page 8
CRITERIA
Critical 2.3Production activities do not degrade any protected area.
Note: the definition of degradation includes no soil removal
C - 1.7
The farm management and group administrator develop and update regularly a
farm management plan to optimize productivity, input use efficiency, and
compliance with this standard. The plan includes soil health and erosion.
Note: non-soil related aspects of this criterion have been omitted.
C - 3.8
Farms reduce water and wind erosion through practices such as ground covers,
mulches, re-vegetation of steep areas, terracing, filter strips, or minimization of
herbicide use.
C - 3.9
Fire may be used only for pest control, only as prescribed by the IPM plan and
only if it creates less negative environmental impact than other pest control
measures. To protect nearby natural ecosystems, infrastructure, and
communities, fire is applied only by trained workers with fire suppression tools,
personal protective equipment, and access to water for firefighting, and only
when wind speed and direction create minimal risk of uncontrolled burning. If fire
is used, fire use areas and history are indicated on updated farm maps.
B - 3.10
Farms implement practices such as crop rotation, planting of nitrogen-fixing
ground covers or cover crops, or application of compost or mulch to maintain or
enhance soil health.
B 3.11
Nutrient management practices are implemented based on assessment of crop
needs, regular monitoring of soil fertility and crop nutrient status, or
recommendations from local agronomic experts. Organic fertilizers are
preferentially used where locally available.
Soil conservation and managementRelated criteria (2 of 2)
Module 3 - Page 9
CRITERIA
B 3.12
Farms apply fertilizers precisely to make nutrients available when and where
crops need them and to minimize loss to or contamination of the environment.
Equipment for mixing and applying fertilizer is calibrated annually, after
maintenance, or whenever the product type is changed.
B 3.13Farms reduce soil compaction through no-till or reduced-tillage farming, low
pressure tires, or restrictions on vehicle size and access times.
B 5.19
The farm management and group administrator develop and implement a
pasture management plan including:
• Selection of forage species considering agro-ecological conditions, production
rates, nutritional value, non-invasiveness, resistance to pests, and climatic
variability;
• Periodic evaluation of pasture condition and level of weed infestation; and
• Actions to avoid overgrazing and pasture degradation.
B 5.22
Urine and manure from cattle stables and enclosures are collected, composted or
treated to reduce pathogens and minimize methane emissions. Composted solids
are reused as part of the production system.
A 3.14
Based on record-keeping (see 1.11), the farm management and group
administrator demonstrate that nutrient inputs to crops and soils are sufficient
to compensate for production-related uptake and losses, but do not contribute to
eutrophication through excessive application.
Module 3 - Page 10
• In new farms and new productive areas, it is important to ensure that the company has
considered the characteristics of the crop and the soil in the design and establishment of the
productive operation and for the construction of infrastructure.
• Which documents can be requested?:
a) Previous soil studies on soil depth and physical-chemical characteristics as well as crop
requirements.
b) Studies of land use and capacity have confirmed the suitability of the site.
c) In the case of small producers that do not have the information mentioned: conduct an
interview to confirm the criteria that took into account the selection of the terrain,
accompanied by a visual audit.
d) If an ESIA was done for the farm, a soil evaluation is part of this study.
From these studies it is concluded that the soils are suitable for the activities and corrective
measures or management actions are established to minimize the negative impacts, if any exist.
• Soil management is documented as part of the productivity plan:
‒ The practices and measures to conserve, improve and restore the soil are detailed.
‒ Soil problems (physical-chemical, erosion, compaction, salinization, etc.), problematic sites
on the farm, and the measures taken for the sustainable management of this resource are
identified.
Soil conservation and managementGood auditing practices
RELEVANT INFORMATION TO REVIEW
Module 3 - Page 11
• Verify that the soil is managed in a
planned way as part of the productivity
plan and that measures to conserve,
restore and improve the soils in the
medium to long term are taken into
account and include measures to offset
sensitive or risk aspects that were found
in the ESIA (if applicable).
• Evaluate whether actions are taken to
remedy problems that require soil
restoration, such as problems of
salinization, acidification, or loss of
organic matter.
• Confirm the implementation of soil
conservation measures and remediation
actions in areas that require them; areas
that require remediation may be detected
in previous studies or during a visual
inspection.
• If the farm is required to have an ESIA:
verify whether the aspects related to soil
quality and management were evaluated.
• Check the proposed fertilization and
nutrition plan and confirm that this covers
the needs of the crop, and that dosages
are in accordance with the physical and
chemical characteristics of the soil.
Before going to the field
• Verify the use of practices and techniques to
prevent erosion and runoff on the farm, such as:
green cover crops, contour crops, runoff water
diversion channels, use of sewers, water cuts on
roadways, and measures to lower the speed of
water in channels, among others.
• For those crops with intensive use of
machinery: check that soil management
includes measures to avoid or remedy
compaction problems. For example, in crops
such as sugarcane, pineapple, grains, orange,
melon and watermelon.
• Verify that the use of fire is limited only to the
technical specifications contained in the IPM
Plan and the requirements established in
Criterion C-3.9 are met.
• Verify that harvest residues are treated or
incorporated into the soil, where possible.
• Analyze whether measures are implemented to
prevent eroded crop soil from contaminating
aquatic ecosystems.
• Analyze the progress in meeting the established
goals.
• Verify that there is coherence between what is
observed in the field and what is documented in
the management plan (bear in mind that
measures for remediation generally show
results over the long term).
Auditing in the field
Soil conservation and managementGood auditing practices
Module 3 - Page 12
• Check the farm maps and locate areas with high erosion potential: terrain or plots with steep
slopes, soils with sandy structures, and areas with no canopy cover.
• According to the management plan data, check the measures that have been implemented and
their progress.
• Confirm that the measures taken by the farm are sufficient to control erosion.
• Confirm that no soil has been removed from protection zones and conservation areas.
• In grazing areas: check the animal load, grass cover conditions, soil quality, and weather
conditions.
• Inspect the farm’s machinery and its dimensions and confirm whether the farm(s) implement
measures to prevent compaction; for example: the implementation of agricultural practices such
as subsoiling.
Visual inspection
During the audit process, it is important to
determine the degree of soil erosion on the
farm.
The most obvious symptoms of erosion are:
‒ Landslides;
‒ Exposed roots;
‒ Sedimentation in water channels,
streams and rivers;
‒ Pedestals under stones, crops and/or
other geological formations.
Take into account the time of year and the
presence or absence of rains in the season
of the inspection.
Erosion symptoms
Soil conservation and managementGood auditing practices
Pedestals caused by soil erosion
Module 3 - Page 13
There are some productive systems whose characteristics facilitate soil erosion; and in these cases it
is necessary to pay more attention to signs of erosion.
Some of these characteristics are:
• Crops fully exposed on sloping soils (whether gentle, moderate or steep);
• Crops that rely extensively on machinery;
• Crops with hydric needs that are met by rainfall; and
• Crops where there is intensive use of herbicides.
Crops that show some of the characteristics mentioned above are: sugarcane, vegetables, pineapple,
coffee, cocoa, and others.
Important notes
Soil compaction is a problem that in some cases is not observed at first glance. It even occurs in low
soil layers more than 40 cm deep.
High intensity use of agricultural machinery in the fields is the main cause of compaction. In crops
such as pineapple, sugarcane, grains, melon, and watermelon, mechanized agricultural practices are
commonly used.
Some tips for auditing the criteria related to this concept are:
• In the crop management plan, check which tasks are done using machinery.
• Confirm whether there are any limitations on the transit of machinery under special conditions
such as rain, and check whether these limitations are respected.
• Make an estimate of the number of machinery passes through the crop field and take into
account the dimensions of the equipment and the use of mitigation measures for equipment, such
as:
‒ Tire type and size.
‒ Tire inflation pressure.
‒ Weight distribution of the equipment.
• Check whether the farm takes measures to reverse the process with subsoiling practices or
biological strategies such as crop rotation.
Compaction
Soil conservation and managementGood auditing practices
Module 3 - Page 14
Good soil management must take soil fertility into account; therefore, as a minimum, the farms must
replace the nutrients the crop extracts from the soil to maintain its balance and health. Under this
premise, the fertilization plan must be a function of productivity.
During the audit it is important to:
• Confirm the realization of soil and/or foliar analyses as a monitoring mechanism for soil
nutritional quality.
• Check that there is a nutrition and fertilization plan for the crop.
• Check that the fertilization plan and the recommended fertilizer doses cover the needs of the
crop according to its yield (crop needs are determined through theoretical estimates based on
research and on the site’s climatic characteristics, crop variety and edaphological conditions).
• Confirm that the fertilizer application mechanisms are appropriate and take into account the
phenological status of the crop and the climatic conditions of the area.
• Check that there are regular procedures for the calibration of the fertilizer application
equipment.
Management of soil fertility
Soil conservation and managementGood auditing practices
Water management and conservationContributions of this section
Module 3 - Page 16
Water is a vital and necessary resource for life and
agricultural and livestock production.
The 2017 Standard aims to ensure that the farms
and their productive systems make efficient use of
the resource, care for water sources, and prevent
contamination.
Good water management under the 2017 Standard
implies:
1. That the producers, workers and their families
have access to sufficient potable water to cover
their essential needs.
2. Minimizing the volume of water used in all farm
activities and processes.
3. Preventing the contamination of water sources
and bodies present on the farm, and in
protected or conservation areas.
4. Managing wastewater so that it does not
pollute, or it can be exploited or reused.
5. In the event the wastewater cannot be used, it
is disposed of in compliance with the various
Rainforest Alliance Parameters or the
applicable law, whichever is more strict.
6. Establishing a water conservation plan, with
records and information on the source and the
volume used in each activity. These records
allow efficient management, verify the legal
operation of the sources, and demonstrate
compliance with the Rainforest Alliance
parameters.
Objective of water management
To optimize water resource management by
minimizing water use and eliminating the
risk of contamination of the sources, water
bodies and natural ecosystems that could be
receivers of wastewater.
Criteria and requirements
The 2017 Standard establishes criteria and
requirements for:
1. The management of water and its
sources.
2. Water for human consumption:
producers, workers and their families
3. Water for animal consumption.
4. Water for irrigation.
5. Water for agro-industrial use.
6. Disposal of wastewater (industrial,
sewage and greywater).
In this section you will find:
• Related Rainforest Alliance Terms and
Definitions and their correct
interpretation.
• Tables that show the interrelationships
between criteria for an integral
understanding of all the requirements
related to water management.
• Recommendations for auditing complex
topics.
Water management and conservationBinding terms and definitions
Module 3 - Page 17
• Aquatic ecosystems: Flowing and still water bodies and other wetlands, as further defined
within the definition of natural ecosystems.
• Eutrophication: A form of water pollution that occurs when excessive nutrients stemming
from fertilizers runoff from the land into aquatic ecosystems. This encourages dense growth of
algae (algal bloom) and other aquatic plants and may result in the death of animal life from lack
of oxygen.
• Greywater: Wastewater generated from housing or other infrastructure that is free from
fecal contamination from toilets. Sources of greywater include sinks, showers, baths, clothes
washing or dish washing. Wastewater from agricultural processing operations is not considered
greywater for the purpose of this standard.
• Sewage: Wastewater and waste solids that contain fecal matter. Any wastewater stream that
includes discharge from toilets is considered as sewage, whether or not it is mixed with
greywater.
• Wastewater from processing operations: Water that has been adversely affected in
quality by industrial processes and originating from processing operations such as mills (such as
coffee wet mills, palm oil mills, sugar cane mills), washing operations (such as fruit or vegetable
or milking facilities), packing plants or factories (such as juice or puree factories).
• Water contamination risk: Alteration of water treatment systems and associated pipes, or
natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, tremors or landslides.
• Water for cattle: drinkable and safe water is of a pH between 5.5 to 8.5 and contains less
than 3,500 ppm (mg/L) of Total Dissolved Solids. Coliforms counts are below 50 per millimeter
of water; chloride content is of less than 1,600 mg/l for dairy cattle and less than 4,000 mg/l for
beef cattle; and temperature is below 30°C.
Because these Terms and Definitions are binding, we emphasize their importance to a correctunderstanding of the different criteria and requirements
Water management and conservationBinding terms and definitions
Module 3 - Page 18
• Rainforest Alliance safe drinking water parameters: safe drinking water
parameters are based on WHO parameters as follows:
• Rainforest Alliance industrial wastewater parameters for irrigation:
• Rainforest Alliance industrial wastewater parameters:
The Rainforest Alliance Parameters related to water quality should be implemented in the absenceof an applicable law or when the law is less strict than the 2017 Standard. The following parametersare established for evaluation:
Parameter Value
E. coli or thermo-tolerant coliform
bacteriaNot detectable in any 100-ml sample
Chlorine residue or residue from other
treatment disinfectantsMaximum 0.5 mg/L
pH 6.5 to 8.5
Sodium Maximum 20 mg/L
Nitrates Maximum 10 mg/L as nitrates
Sulfates Maximum 250 mg/L
TurbidityLess than or equal to 5 NTU
(Nephelometric Turbidity Unit)
Water Quality Parameter Value
Intestinal nematodes (arithmetic mean No. or eggs per liter) <1
Fecal coli forms (geometric mean No. per 100 ml) <1000
Water Quality Parameter Value
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (DBO5) Less than 150 mg/l
Total suspended solidsLess than 50 mg/l
Grease and oils
pH Between 5.5 – 9.0
Water management and conservationRelated criteria
Module 3 - Page 19
Criteria
C - 1.7 The farm management and group administrator develop and update regularly a
farm management plan to optimize productivity, input use efficiency, and
compliance with this standard. The plan includes ….
b) Water management (including estimated use of irrigation water);
C - 3.15 Farms comply with applicable law for the withdrawal of surface or groundwater
for agricultural, domestic or processing purposes.
C - 3.16 Any new irrigation system is designed to optimize crop or pasture productivity
while minimizing water waste, erosion and salinization.
B - 1.10 The farm management and group administrator keep up-to-date records of
inputs and production data for at least the crops or cattle production system
covered by the Rainforest Alliance certificate scope. These records include ….
For cattle production systems, the quantity, type, and origin of feed produced outside the farm.
B - 3.17For operations that irrigate or that use water for processing or cattle production,
the farm management and group administrator develop and implement a water
conservation plan to reduce water use per unit of product produced or processed.
The plan documents current water consumption, evaluates future water needs
and water availability, and establishes targets for improving water use efficiency.
B - 3.18 Existing irrigation and water distribution systems are managed and maintained to
optimize crop or pasture productivity and minimize water waste, erosion and
salinization.
A - 3.19 Based on record-keeping (see 1.10), the farm demonstrates reductions in water
used for irrigation, processing, or cattle production per unit of product produced
or processed.
Management and conservationof Water Resources
Module 3 - Page 20
The 2017 Standard requires that the farm
administrator and group administrator manage
water resources well.
There are productive regions where water is a
limited resource and others where the resource
is abundant. In both scenarios the objective of
the 2017 Standard is the same, saving as much
of the liquid as possible through efficient
management.
The activities that use water on agricultural and
livestock farms (which may vary according to
the crop), in order of importance in terms of the
volume consumed are:
a. Crop irrigation.
b. Processing or industrialization of the final
product. Packing plants for banana,
pineapple, coffee processing centers, sugar
mills.
c. Consumption and use by workers for
nutritional and personal hygiene purposes.
d. Pesticide and foliar fertilizer applications
and spraying.
e. Cleaning of animal pens.
f. Animal consumption.
Management implies:
Establishing an efficient use plan
(Criterion 1.7)
Complying with laws applicable to water
extraction (concessions and exploitation
of natural sources).
Implementing activities and
technologies that enable savings and
reductions in water consumption.
Compliance with the Rainforest Alliance
Parameters and applicable law for
wastewater discharge.
Generating records on consumption for
operations that use water for irrigation,
processing and livestock; and
demonstrating reductions in
consumption over time.
Good Water Management ensures the availability of the resource in the medium and
long term
Planningwater use
Module 3 - Page 21
The planning criteria in the 2017 Standard require the inclusion of water as part of the plan for
optimizing productivity (1.7) and records on inputs and production (1.10). The farm must ensure
that it efficiently plans the use of the resource and that it has the volume and quality of water
necessary for each of its needs.
Planning the use of water involves:
a. Identifying available sources and the quality of their waters.
b. Estimating the water needs of the productive systems and farm activities.
c. Implementing measures to maximize efficiency in the use of water resources.
d. Establishing wastewater treatment systems.
According to Criterion B-3.17, those operations that use water for irrigation, processing or cattle
production, must also:
a. Quantify the water needs of each activity according to the technology applied.
b. Establish mechanisms for recording water consumption.
c. Implement a water conservation plan, with goals and deadlines for reductions in use and
consumption.
d. Establish activities for monitoring the performance of the irrigation process and the proper
operation of the system.
Water forhuman consumption
Module 3 - Page 22
Critical Criterion 4.12
Farmers, workers, and their families are afforded access to potable water through one of the
following means:
• Access to a public potable water system is provided;
• Potable water provided by the farm management and group administrator complies with
Rainforest Alliance safe drinking water parameters based on testing preceding each
certification audit and any time that new water contamination risks have occurred. Potable
water sources are protected and water distribution mechanisms are maintained to avoid
contamination; and
• In the case of smallholder groups, the group administrator implements and documents a
training program to instruct smallholder members on potable water treatments, such as
boiling, filtering or chlorinating and the prevention of water contamination.
The requirements of this critical
criterion ensure access to potable water
from the public system or water that
meets the Rainforest Alliance
parameters for workers, producers and
their families. The producers and group
administrators implement actions to
maintain the potability of the sources,
prevent contamination and also teach
producers how to make water potable.
For more information, review the
recommendations for evaluating this
criterion in the Technical Module for
Principle 4
Water foranimal consumption
Module 3 - Page 23
Criterion C - 5.11
Water for cattle is continuously available to animals in quantities sufficient to avoid dehydration.
The farm management and group administrator develop and implement a water quality
monitoring plan to comply with Rainforest Alliance parameters for cattle water
In water management for cattle:
It is important to ensure that cattle
always have access to water that
meets the Rainforest Alliance
parameters on water for cattle.
Water quality is monitored to ensure
animal hydration.
For more information, review the
recommendations for evaluating this
criterion in the Technical Module for
Principle 5.
Water for cattle: drinkable and safe water has a pH between 5.5 and 8.5 and contains less than
3,500 ppm (mg/L) of Total Dissolved Solids. Coliform counts are below 50 per millimeter of
water; chloride content is of less than 1,600 mg/l for dairy cattle and less than 4,000 mg/l for beef
cattle; and temperature is below 30°C.
Waterfor irrigation
Module 3 - Page 24
Rainforest Alliance industrial wastewater parameters for irrigation:
Criteria
C 3.16Any new irrigation system is designed to optimize crop or pasture productivity whileminimizing water waste, erosion and salinization.
B 3.17
For operations that irrigate or that use water for processing or cattle production, the farm management and group administrator develop and implement a water conservation plan to reduce water use per unit of product produced or processed. The plan documents current water consumption, evaluates future water needs and water availability, and establishes targets for improving water use efficiency.
B 3.18Existing irrigation and water distribution systems are managed and maintained to optimize crop or pasture productivity and minimize water waste, erosion and salinization.
A 3.19Based on record-keeping (see 1.10), the farm demonstrates reductions in water used for irrigation, processing, or cattle production per unit of product produced or processed.
Water Quality Parameter Value
Intestinal nematodes (arithmetic mean No. or eggs per liter) <1
Fecal coli forms (geometric mean No. per 100 ml) < 1000
Irrigation Management
The implementation of irrigation optimizes
production
Achieves savings in water resource use
Prevents salinization, erosion and
contamination
The water conservation plan includes irrigation
Water managementand contamination
Module 3 - Page 25
CRITERIA
Critical 2.3 Production activities do not degrade any protected area.
(T&D Degradation: Dumping solid waste or untreated wastewater).
Critical 3.1 Wastewater from processing operations is not discharged into aquaticecosystems unless it has undergone treatment to meet Rainforest Allianceindustrial wastewater parameters. Wastewater from processing operations is notapplied to land with very sandy or highly permeable soils, where slopes exceed8%, or where the water table is seasonally or permanently high. Wastewater fromprocessing operations may not be applied to soil unless it has undergonetreatment to remove particulates and toxins and to reduce acidity and complieswith additional Rainforest Alliance industrial wastewater parameters forirrigation. Wastewater from processing operations may not be mixed with cleanwater for the purpose of meeting Rainforest Alliance industrial wastewaterparameters.
Critical 3.2 Untreated sewage is not discharged into aquatic ecosystems.
Critical 3.7 Farms do not use human sewage in production or processing activities.
C - 3.20 Greywater is collected and managed through treatment or drainage systems, andis not discharged into aquatic ecosystems.
B - 3.21 Farms map all pit latrines and sewage disposal sites and their drainage systems.These systems are sited, designed and managed to minimize risks to aquaticecosystems and drinking water supplies.
B - 3.22 Treated sewage meets the water quality parameters as defined by applicable lawprior to discharge.
A - 3.43 The farm management and group administrator check service providers whoremove oil, plastic and sewage waste and ensure that the contractors’ disposaland recycling methods do not pose risks to natural ecosystems, drinking watersupplies, or the health and safety of people living near the disposal sites.
Several criteria of the 2017 Standard address the relationship between water management and
environmental contamination.
The 2017 Standard establishes measures for the protection of ecosystems and regulates the
discharge of wastewater that potentially affects ecosystems adversely.
Water management and conservationWhat can or cannot be done?
Module 3 - Page 26
Type of wastewater
Permitted actions Prohibited actions
Industrial -resulting from
processing operations
• Discharge into aquatic ecosystems once it istreated and only if it meets the RainforestAlliance parameters for industrialwastewater (3.1)
• Discharge into soil if it was treated andparticles and toxins were removed, theacidity was lowered and the RainforestAlliance parameters for industrialwastewater for irrigation are met (3.1). Thedischarge can be done in fallow fields,grasslands, natural ecosystems andproduction lots as long as:‒ Soils are not sandy or highly permeable;‒ Slopes do not exceed 8%‒ Water table is not seasonally or
permanently high (3.1).
• NO discharge of untreatedwastewater into aquatic ecosystemsor the soil (3.1)
• NO application of wastewater onlands with (3.1):‒ Sandy or highly permeable soils;‒ Slopes greater than 8%;‒ High water tables (seasonal or
permanent).
• NO mixing with clean water to dilutethem to comply with the RainforestAlliance parameters for industrialwastewater (3.1)
• NO dumping of untreatedwastewater into natural ecosystemsso as not to degrade them (T&DDegradation)
Greywater
• Collected and managed by a treatment or drainage system (3.20).
• Discharge into a non-aquatic ecosystem, provided it has been treated.
• NO discharge of greywater into aquatic ecosystems (3.20), not even if it has been treated.
Sewage
• Sewage disposal sites and latrines aremapped; they are sited and managed tominimize contamination of aquaticecosystems and potable water (3.21)
• Prior to discharge, sewage water meets thelegally required standards for quality (3.22).Once treated and the applicable legalrequirements are met, it can be dischargedinto any kind of ecosystem.
• For sewage waters of animal origin,criterion B-5.22 requires the collection ofurine and manure and their subsequenttreatment or composting. These waters canbe used to produce biogas, organicfertilizers, and biols (bio-fermentedsubstances).
• No discharge of untreated sewageinto aquatic ecosystems (3.2)
• Human sewage water is not used inproduction or processing activities(3.7)
Water management and conservationGood auditing practices
Module 3 - Page 27
Before going to the field
Before visiting the field, it is important to:
1. Check the applicable water law in the region
where the farm is located.
2. Request the map or sketch of the farm where
the water bodies are located, the infrastructure
that makes use of the resource and the sites
receiving wastewater.
3. Request evidence confirming compliance with
the applicable law regarding water extraction
and exploitation of natural sources.
4. Check the list of activities that require water
use, and ask for the records or estimates of
consumption.
5. On the farm map, plan or sketch, indicate the
infrastructure and activities that generate
wastewater.
6. On farms with irrigation systems: request the
system installation plan, the irrigation plan and
the records on consumption.
7. Verify compliance with the Rainforest Alliance
parameters for water, using the corresponding
analyses for each source and use.
8. For operations that use water for irrigation,
processing or cattle production: verify progress
in meeting the goals established in the water
conservation plan.
In the field
Once you are in the field, we recommend:
1. Locating and inspecting the water sources
used. Verify the absence of potential
contamination activities or risks.
2. Inspecting the packing plants, housing,
wet mills, sanitary services, and
wastewater treatment plants. Verify that
the waters receive adequate treatment
prior to their release to the environment
or water bodies, and comply with the
different parameters established by
Rainforest Alliance .
3. Inspecting the septic tanks and drains.
Confirm that these are located in
appropriate sites. In cases where there is
discharge into soils, confirm that the soils
have the proper texture so as not to allow
direct infiltration into water bodies (% of
sandy silts and clays), and the slope does
not facilitate landslides toward natural
water bodies. Check the soil water table
and note the implementation of additional
practices such as treatment with lime.
Water managementGood auditing practices
Module 3 - Page 28
In the interviews
During interviews with farm workers and community neighbors, it is important to ask for
information on:
1. Sources of potable water.
2. Design and capacity of water treatment systems: Can they handle the volumes generated by the
farm, especially during peak activity?
3. Studies or analyses done for community water sources, to rule out contamination with
substances coming from farm activities, including the presence of agrochemicals.
4. If there are workers living on the farm: presence of diseases normally caused by poor water
quality.
5. Problems of wastewater management in rainy seasons: overflow of septic tanks or collapse of
treatment plants.
Special cases
Certain crops are prone to conflict situations due to the generation of wastewater and the
contamination of water sources:
• Sugarcane: this industry requires large
amounts of water for the initial stages of
processing, and it produces wastewaters
that require treatment.
• Pineapple: The packing plants use water to
wash the fruit and they produce
wastewaters and liquid mixtures of
agrochemicals from post-harvest treatment,
which are potential contaminants of water
bodies or sources if not managed properly.
• Cattle production: requires water for
washing the facilities and for animal
hydration. Animals accessing the sources of
water or water bodies such as rivers, can
contaminate the water.
• Cocoa: The large processing plants for fresh
cacao (in pulp) produce leachates that are
potential contaminants and they must be
managed in a way that prevents the
contamination of different ecosystems.
• Coffee: in countries where coffee is processed in
large plants or mills, liquid and solid wastes are
produced that are potential contaminants of
water bodies. The coffee milling process is water
demanding in most cases; however, there is now
a wide range of technology used in processing
equipment that is increasingly less demanding of
water. In countries where coffee is processed by
the producer, each farm must have a system for
collecting the pulp waters and wastewater from
the mill.
Wastemanagement
Module 3 - Page 30
The 2017 Standard requires the integrated
management of wastes generated at the farm level.
In general, waste management is organized around
these topics:
• An integrated waste management plan is
developed and implemented;
• Environmental contamination is avoided;
• Risks to human health are avoided;
• Suppliers of products that minimize wastes
from their own products are preferred;
• Waste management done by service
providers is evaluated.
Proper waste management includes all types of
wastes generated on the farm:
• Wastewater (industrial, sewage and
greywater);
• Solid wastes (organic and inorganic);
• Hazardous and bio-infectious materials;
• Greenhouse gas emissions.
Avoid
Reject
Reuse
Recycle
Compost
The objective of proper waste management
is to minimize negative impacts to the
environment and to the health of the farm
workers and communities.
Avoid and reduce the consumption of inputs, materials and products
Avoid waste generation
Waste managementBinding Terms and Definitions
Module 3 - Page 31
• Hazardous materials: Used lead acid batteries, asbestos, energy saving mercury lamps, E-
waste, electric transformers with POPs (PCBs), medical equipment, radioactive material,
pesticides, expired human and veterinary medicines, used oils, bio-infectious waste,
disinfectants, animal parts and carcasses, and particles (ashes, dust, pesticide drifts).
• Service provider: Organizations, businesses, individuals or their subcontractors who carry
out activities on behalf of the farm or group administrator, whether these activities take place
on or off the subject farm(s), such as hiring of workers on the farm, pesticide application, waste
treatment or disposal, transport of products or workers, and providing worker housing in the
name of the farm or group administrator. Service providers include those providers furnishing
the farm or group administrator with fuelwood, timber, or any product originating from local
natural ecosystems. However, providers of other types of goods or inputs to the farm are not
considered service providers.
• Risk to the woman’s, fetus's and infant’s health: The following activities pose risks to
the woman’s, fetus's or infant’s health: manual handling of loads; activities subject to shocks,
vibrations or movement; work environment exposed to extremes of heat or cold or to hazardous
materials.
• Waste: Waste is an unwanted or undesired material or substance. It is also referred to as
rubbish, trash, garbage, or junk depending upon the type of material and the regional
terminology. Most waste is comprised of paper, plastic, metals, glass, food waste, organic
material, feces and wood. Includes hazardous materials. It covers domestic or industrial waste,
rejected products, construction debris or rubble, soil and stones from excavations, rubbish and
soil from cleaning or preparing land.
Waste managementrelated criteria
Module 3 - Page 32
Criteria
Critical 1.4
An independent environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) isconducted prior to land conversion or the development or expansion of farminfrastructure when required by applicable law or when these proposedchanges will exceed Rainforest Alliance ESIA parameters. The ESIA includeswritten plans and procedures for minimizing and mitigating any negativeimpacts and enhancing positive impacts. The farm management and groupadministrator implements and monitors ESIA plans during the installation andoperation phases of the new development.
Critical 2.3Production activities do not degrade any protected area.
Note: Including waste management.
C-3.37Waste storage, treatment and disposal practices do not pose health or safetyrisks to farmers, workers, other people, or natural ecosystems.
C-3.38
The farm management and group administrator develop and implement a wastemanagement plan including:• Documentation of the origin, approximate volume, and current means of
disposal for all waste streams; and• Activities to segregate different waste types to facilitate re-use, recycling or
composting.
B-3.39Waste is not burned, except in incinerators technically designed for the specificwaste type.
B-3.40
Waste is segregated based on available waste management and disposaloptions. Recyclable wastes are separated and recycled. Organic waste iscomposted or otherwise processed for use as organic fertilizer. Scrap materialsthat can feasibly be reused are stored in designated areas away from processingplants and housing.
B-3.41Farms and infrastructure are kept clean and free of waste accumulationsoutside of designated storage and disposal sites.
Waste management and suppliersrelated criteria
Module 3 - Page 33
Criteria
Critical 1.5 The farm management and group administrator document and implementmechanisms for the selection, monitoring, and management of service providers toensure that service providers comply with applicable critical criteria of this standardfor work conducted within the certification scope. When the service providerprocesses, stores, packages, and/or labels products on behalf of a farm or groupadministrator, the service provider holds an active Rainforest Alliance Chain ofCustody Certificate.
A-3-42 The farm management and group administrator give priority to product suppliers thatminimize the waste associated with their products, and that accept used packagingand containers for recycling.
A-3-43 The farm management and group administrator check service providers who removeoil, plastic and sewage waste and ensure that the contractors’ disposal and recyclingmethods do not pose risks to natural ecosystems, drinking water supplies, or thehealth and safety of people living near the disposal sites.
Key questions in the audit
1. Has the service been selected taking
into account its management of the
wastes it generates?
2. Why were the attributes selected?
3. Is there an evaluation of the
supplier?
4. Has the supplier implemented an
environmental management or
waste management system?
Waste managementplan (C-3.38)
Module 3 - Page 34
Agricultural, agro-industrial and livestock
production activities generate diverse types
of wastes, for which the 2017 Standard
requires that the farm administration or
group administrator have a waste
management plan.
The waste management plan should have an
approach that first establishes strategies for
reducing waste generation. Once this is
achieved, wastes are managed in ways that
include their reuse, recycling or composting
in order to have the minimum impact
possible on the environment.
The waste management plan:
a. Identifies and documents the origin, approximate volume, and measures for the disposal of all
wastes.
• Identification of origin: some examples are harvest wastes, crop wastes, cattle, chemical
input and agrochemical containers, packaging, machinery, gases from furnaces, etc.
• Volume estimation: this can be done directly by weighing wastes, or by using an
estimation method (extrapolation from samples taken at different times) and information
generated on the farm.
• Disposal measures: each waste is subjected to a treatment such as reusing, recycling or
composting, in order to maximally reduce the waste stream to a disposal site.
b. Identifies the activities for separating waste types for reuse and recycling.
c. Establishes an information baseline (based on identification and quantification) for evaluating
continuous improvement year by year in terms of consumption and reduction.
d. Establishes goals, responsible management and completion dates for each one.
Waste generationand management
Module 3 - Page 35
Identifies the different types of wastes by
origin and type (domestic, agricultural or
industrial)
Locates the areas where the identified
wastes are generated (packing plant,
warehouses, field)
The farm:
Characterizes wastes to define volumes
according to type of waste (example:
agrochemical containers or harvest
wastes)
Quantifies the volume and frequency of
the generation of wastes
Implements measures for disposal
(temporary or final) and use of wastes
according to the characteristics and
volume of the wastes generated
Considers applicable law and
regulatory requirements regarding
natural ecosystems and human health
Reduce Reuse Recycle Compost
+ Implementation of practices...
Which practices should not be presenton certified farms?
Module 3 - Page 36
NO storage of wastes for any purpose
in a way that is hazardous to the health
of workers and the environment.
Suppliers whose products or services
generate more wastes and have no
waste collection and recycling
services are NOT selected.
NO organic wastes are disposed of in
open dumps without any type of
management, generating outbreaks of
pests harmful to animals and people.
NO wastes are disposed of near water
sources, protection zones or natural
ecosystems in ways that would pose a
risk to the environment.
Workers are NOT allowed to dispose of
wastes in the field. Ex.: agrochemical
containers.
NO wastes are burned unless there is
an incinerator with technical
specifications that are appropriate for
the types of wastes burned.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials such as pesticides, lead acid batteries, and asbestos
pose health risks in general and to pregnant women and their children in
particular. It is important to verify that:
• The farm identifies these materials in the waste management plan;
• Risks are identified and addressed;
• Protective equipment is used when they are handled;
• Staff are trained on proper management and protective measures;
• Workers at risk are relocated.
Waste managementGood auditing practices
Module 3 - Page 37
Before going to the field
1. In the Management Plan, check that all
farm-generated wastes are identified, the
wastes are accounted for and measured,
there are actions for handling them, and
those responsible for these functions are
identified.
2. Review the list of suppliers, identify the
materials, inputs or services that the
company provides, and check the
evaluation of the supplier; confirm that the
suppliers are committed to the
management of waste generated from the
use of the acquired input or service.
3. On the farm map, plan or sketch, indicate
the areas for waste storage.
4. In cases where the farm(s) had to develop
an ESIA: check that the risks identified with
the wastes are taken into account; and
review the Waste Management Plan, which
should identify and develop the important
topics identified in the ESIA regarding
waste management.
In the field
1. Verify the way in which wastes are
managed; confirm that there is no
unmanaged waste. We recommend making
a visual inspection of all places where
wastes are stored.
2. Check and confirm that waste storage
mechanisms do not affect or pose a risk to
workers, water sources and ecosystems.
3. Verify that wastes are separated by type for
their subsequent reuse, recycling, return to
the supplier, or composting.
4. Visit the organic waste composting site, the
waste trench, or the biodigester to evaluate
their management and possible risks of
contamination.
5. If there is an incinerator: confirm its legality
of operation and the measures taken to
avoid contamination.
6. In the case of crop wastes: verify that these
are incorporated into the soil or composted
in ways that do not generate pest problems
for crops or for their surroundings.
7. Is the farm ‘visually clean’?
Waste managementGood auditing practices
Module 3 - Page 38
In the interviews
We recommend:
1. Visit the people of the community in the
farm’s area of influence and check
whether waste management problems
that affect the community have been
identified, i.e. dumps, bad odors, pests,
leachates or smoke.
2. Confirm with the workers whether waste
management is causing health problems
or contamination at the farm or housing
area.
3. If the farm provides housing to its
workers, investigate how domestic
wastes are managed, who collects them,
and how often.
4. Ask the workers if the farm has places
where wastes are stored or disposed of
temporarily, and make the respective
inspection if appropriate.
5. Ask the workers whether the farm has
had problems with the neighbors due to
waste management.
6. Make visual inspections of worker
housing and the surroundings to confirm
that domestic wastes are managed
properly and there is no burning of
wastes.
Special cases
Certain crops are prone to conflict situations due
to waste generation and its associated
contamination:
• Coffee: in countries where coffee is processed
in large plants or mills with no plan to process
or dispose of coffee plant debris or fruit pulp,
bad odors and house flies can be generated.
• Sugarcane: in some countries, sugarcane is
burned prior to harvest. This generates smoke
that negatively impacts the neighboring
communities.
• Pineapple: Mismanagement of crop wastes in
old or non-productive plantations generates
pests, such as flies (Stomoxys calcitrans).
• Melon and Watermelon: the accumulation of
fruit in the field that does not meet quality
standards generates bad odors and the
proliferation of rodents and flies.
• Packing and processing plants: Different types
of wastes are generated in these facilities and
they should always be visually inspected.
Packing materials, waste fruit, wastewater, and
generation of gases from combustion are
examples of situations that could occur.
• Cattle production: The management of manure,
dead animals, and bio-infectious wastes, are
high risk and dangerous factors.
Integrated Pest ManagementContributions of this section
Module 3 - Page 40
The management of pests and diseases in
agricultural production generates impacts on
human health, biodiversity, water sources
and ecosystems, mainly due to the use of
pesticides for their control.
It is the objective of the 2017 Standard that
the farms carry out technical management of
pests and diseases to minimize the use of
pesticides and their negative impacts.
If their use is necessary, the Standard limits
the type of pesticides authorized and
requires good agricultural practices (GAP)
and good agrochemical handling practices
(GAHP) in order to avoid negative effects
from the use of these inputs.
In this module you will find:
• Graphics that organize the objectives and
elements of pest and pesticide
management
• All the Terms and Definitions related to
this topic that contain binding elements
• Tables that organize the criteria according
to the major topics of this section: IPM
Plan; general risk mitigation, the
environment and human health.
• Good auditing practices.
The 2017 Standard has an innovative approach for
pest and pesticide management. The following
documents have all the information you need to
understand, implement and evaluate this topic.
1. Rainforest Alliance Lists for pesticide
management: Rainforest Alliance lists of
prohibited pesticides and pesticides for use
with risk mitigation
2. Key Concepts of the 2017 Standard:
integrated pest management and pesticide
management. This new approach is explained
in detail.
3. The Guide to the 2017 Standard: relevant
information for each criterion related to
pesticide management
4. Procedures for exceptional pesticide use:
establishes the conditions for requesting
temporary exceptional use of certain generally
prohibited pesticides.
5. Technical Module for Principle 4: Occupational
health and safety for safe pesticide
management.
The analysis of these documents is key to
understanding, implementing and
evaluating the requirements the 2017
Standard.
Integrated Pest Managementand Pesticide Management
Module 3 - Page 41
MITIGATING OVERALL RISK
• Use only legallyregistered pesticides.
• Rainforest Alliance Listof prohibited pesticides.
• Storage conditions.
• Final disposal ofcontainers, expired andprohibited products (ifthese existed prior tocertification).
• Selection of equipment,application techniquesand optimal PPE for thetype of agrochemicaland crop.
• Conditions forinfrastructure andservices available toworkers.
MITIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Rainforest Alliance list ofpesticides for use with riskmitigation
• These substances are restricteddue to risks to aquaticorganisms, wildlife andpollinators. They can only beapplied with measures toreduce their risk.
• Rainforest Alliance parameters:
– No application zones.
– Plant barriers.
– Aerial fumigation.
– Rules for the use ofnematicides androdenticides.
• Measures to reduce risk topollinators.
• Reduce aerial drift to naturalecosystems.
MITIGATING RISKS TO HEALTH
• Occupational health and safety plan; risk analysis includes those associated with hazardous substances.
• Pre-harvest intervals (MSDS) and reentry intervals (REI).
• Warn affected communities about applications.
• Reduce aerial drift to areas with human activity.
• PPE (according to the MSDS), application techniques and equipment maintenance.
• Children are prohibited from working with pesticides.
• Training on safer pesticide use.
• Bathroom and shower facilities for workers.
• Health checkups for workers based on detected risks.
The 2017 Standard requires an IPM plan that prioritizes practices for:
• Prevention of pest outbreaks and their spread;
• Pest monitoring;
• Pest control using biological agents, cultural practices and the use of low toxicity substances;
• Reducing the use of pesticides; and
• Training for all persons involved in the implementation of the plan.
If pesticides are used (only as part of an IPM plan)
Mitigation of risks to health and the environment
Integrated Pest Managementand Pesticide Management
Module 3 - Page 42
The implementation of the related requirements in the 2017 Standard produce the following results
in the management of the farm:
Minimization of risks and impacts to human health
Reduction of negative impacts on ecosystems, pollinators, wildlife and
aquatic life.
Efficiency in productionReduction in the use of pesticides
In accordance with the Rainforest Alliance Terms
and Definitions, integrated pest management
consists of:
“careful analysis of all available pest control
techniques and the subsequent integration of
appropriate measures to hamper the
development of pest populations and maintain
pesticides and other interventions at
economically justified levels while reducing or
minimizing the risks to human health and the
environment. IPM emphasizes the growth of
healthy crops with the least possible disturbance
of agro-ecosystems and promotes natural pest
control mechanisms. Pesticide application is
based on documented thresholds of economic
damage from diseases or pest infestations”.
The 2017 Standard requires that the farm
implement an IPM plan that prioritizes
practices for:
Prevention to avoid the outbreak and
spread of pests;
Pest monitoring;
Pest control using biological means,
cultural practices, and the use of low
toxicity substances;
Conservation of habitats for parasitoids or
other biological controllers that live in the
native vegetation;
Reduction in the use of pesticides in
general; and
Training for any person involved in the
implementation of the plan.
Integrated Pest Management Binding Terms and Definitions
Module 3 - Page 43
The T&D are binding and therefore should be considered for a comprehensive understanding of the
criteria of the 2017 Standard. The following are the T&D related to integrated pest management
and pesticide management:
• Active ingredient: A pesticide consists of several substances. The active ingredient is the
chemical that triggers in the treated organisms (e.g. fungi, insects, and mice) the specific toxic
effect. The other substances can assist this effect, directly or indirectly.
• Aircraft: Helicopters, planes, drones or other aerodynes that can carry liquids for aerial
fumigation.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): The careful consideration of all available pest
control techniques and subsequent integration of appropriate measures that discourage the
development of pest populations and keep pesticides and other interventions to levels that are
economically justified and reduce or minimize risks to human health and the environment. IPM
emphasizes the growth of healthy crops and cattle with the least possible disruption to agro-
ecosystems and encourages natural pest control mechanisms. Application of pesticides is based
on documented thresholds for disease or pest infestations.
• Natural pest control substances: Chemicals with non-toxic modes of action such as insect
pheromones, and insect attractants derived from plant extracts; mineral substances that irritate
or cause mechanical disruption to pests; and microbial pesticides, including bacteria, fungi,
viruses and protozoa.
• Pest: An organism that is detrimental to humans or their crops, cattle, or property, typically by
causing economic damage.
• Pesticide: Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying or
controlling any pest, including vectors of human or animal disease, and including unwanted
species of plants or animals causing harm during or otherwise interfering with the production,
processing, storage, transport or marketing of food, agricultural commodities, wood and wood
products or animal feedstuffs, and also include substances administered to animals for the
control of insects, arachnids or other pests on their bodies.
Integrated Pest Management Binding Terms and Definitions
Module 3 - Page 44
• Restricted entry interval (REI): Minimum amount of time that shall pass between
pesticide application to an area or crop and the moment that people can enter that area without
personal protective equipment.
• Rainforest Alliance non-application zones: The distance in meters indicates the width
of the non-application zone between pesticide applied crops and areas of human activity, or
aquatic and terrestrial natural ecosystems:
‒ 5 meters, if applied by mechanical, hand-assisted and targeted application methods, such
as for example knapsack sprayers, banding, baiting, specific granule placement, soil or
plant injection, seed treatments and weed wiping;
‒ 10 meters, if applied by broadcast or pressurized spray application methods, such as for
example motorized sprayers or spray booms10 , air blast sprayers, foggers (Ultra Low
Volume fogging machines) depending on the equipment’s technical specifications.
• Rainforest Alliance parameters for vegetative barriers:
‒ Barriers are as high as the crop height or the height of the equipment’s application valves
over the ground, whichever is higher.
‒ Barriers are composed of plants that maintain their foliage all year, but which are
permeable to airflow, allowing the barrier to capture pesticide drops.
‒ Preference is given to native species.
• Spray booms: Structure mobilized by a tractor to apply pesticides or fertilizers consisting of
two arms suspended over the crop and which apply pesticides or fertilizers through their nozzles
in atomized or dusty form.
• Spray drift: The quantity of applied product –representing an active ingredient of a pesticide -
which is deflected from the treated area by the action of air currents during the application
process.
Integrated Pest Management Binding Terms and Definitions
Module 3 - Page 45
• Rainforest Alliance restoration parameters: Restoration parameters for adjacent
zones of aquatic ecosystems are:
‒ Remnant or restored vegetation is primarily native, e.g. agroforestry systems that comply
with Rainforest Alliance canopy cover and species diversity parameters; and
‒ Minimum widths of restored areas adjacent to aquatic ecosystems (water course width is
defined as the width of the normal flow during the rainy season but not during flood
conditions) are;
• 5 m horizontal width along both sides of water courses less than 5 meters wide;
• 8 m horizontal width along both sides of water courses 5-10 meters wide, and
around springs, wetlands, and other water bodies; and
• 15 m horizontal width along both sides of rivers wider than 10 m;
• Rainforest Alliance rodenticide risk management requirements:
1. Only formulated rodenticides baited traps classified as moderately toxic (blue label) or
slightly toxic (green label) are used;
2. Rodenticide traps are only used, if rodent monitoring demonstrates that mechanic control
methods are not effective;
3. Signs of rodent activity (droppings, tracks, gnaw marks, burrows) are monitored and the
results recorded. Traps are inspected daily and bait stations and installations weekly;
4. Bait stations are tamper-resistant, anchored, and constructed in such a manner and size as to
permit only the entrance of rodents;
5. Food sources attracting rodents and debris are eliminated;
6. Rodent carcasses are handled with gloves and buried in locations that do not pose risk to
human health or water contamination; and
7. Bait stations are removed and the amount of stations diminished when there are no longer
signs of rodent feeding or there is evidence of use by non-target wildlife.
Integrated Pest Management Binding Terms and Definitions
Module 3 - Page 46
• Rainforest Alliance requirements for aerial fumigation::
1. Aerial fumigations are recommended by a competent professional;
2. Spray drift next to natural ecosystems and areas of human activity is reduced through non-applicationzones or vegetative barriers:a) Non-application zones are at minimum:
i. 30 meter wide next to public roads and housing areas if application is parallel to the non-application zone with half wing applications (outer boom off) to minimize drift to high risk areas.
ii. In the case of rivers, a 15 m non-application zone for each river bank.
b) Vegetative barriers are reforested with non-crop trees whose canopy is higher than the crop heightbut not higher than 6 meters;
3. Aircraft:a) Are equipped with Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS) with automatic shut-off valves connected
to the GPS system;b) The flight altitude is maximum 5 meter above the crop canopy; andc) The length of the application boom is at maximum 80% of the aircraft’s wingspan;
4. Nozzle type and number of drops are calibrated every six months and the application doses are calibratedbefore each application;
5. Hoses, nozzles, valves, GPS system and automatic flow meter are checked before and after each flights;
6. Weather conditions are:a) Wind speeds are less than 10 kilometers per hour (km/h);b) Inversion conditions are avoided; andc) Maximum temperature is 29 °C;;
7. Each aerial fumigation is documented with an operational report, including :a) Location of the property;
b) Type of service performed;
c) Treated crop and area (in hectare) with sketch of the area indicating its boundaries, barriers, roads,power grids, watery, buildings, magnetic north and geographic coordinates at least one point);
d) Pesticide applications, including all receipts for purchases, label names of products applied, activeingredient (AI) name, and concentration (volume per liter, mass per kg, or %AI) in each product,quantity of each formulated product applied, and the application dates, location, and land area overwhich each product is applied, type of application equipment, name of pesticide handlers;
e) Flight and application parameters: height of the flight, width of the effective deposition range,temperature range, wind speed and direction; model, prefix, type and angle of used aircraft;
f) Date and time of application (beginning and end of application); and
g) Direction of application ranges (shots); location of the flight track through geo-referencing, specifyingwhether the application was performed with the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS);
Integrated Pest Management Binding Terms and Definitions
Module 3 - Page 47
• Work harmful to children: Work that may harm children’s’ health, safety or morals,
including:
a) Handling of pesticides, hazardous substances or residues;
b) Operating, assisting to operate, or cleaning power machinery or tools;
c) Activities requiring physical exertion beyond the child’s safe capacity, such as heavy lifting
of loads greater than 20% of a minor’s body weight;
d) Work on steep slopes of more than 50%, near cliffs or drop-offs, or on roofs or ladders;
e) Work in storage areas, silos and construction sites; and
f) Night work.
The Integrated PestManagement Plan
Module 3 - Page 48
Integrated Pest Management involves a variety of agronomic and farm zoning activities to achieve
effective pest control with the least impact on the environment and health.
Criteria 3.3 and 3.23 require the development of an IPM plan.
A good plan considers the following elements:
a. Objectives.
i. Minimize the effects of the pest or disease
on production.
ii. Minimize risks to health and the
environment related to pest and disease
control.
b. Identification and detailed characterization
of the biology and etiology of each pest and
disease.
c. Establishment of the monitoring method for
each pest or disease.
d. Establishment of the monitoring method for
climate variables.
e. Establishment of records on pest and disease
monitoring results.
f. Establishment of economic thresholds for
action to initiate pesticide application.
g. Identification and scheduling of preventive
and avoidance measures to apply for a pest or
disease.
g. Identification of non-chemical control
methods, such as biological or botanical
ones.
h. Choosing the type or types of pesticides
and the rotation, by pest and/or disease.
i. Records and quantification of pesticides
and the applications implemented.
j. Training and training records for the
established Integrated Pest Management
Plan.
k. Complete implementation of the
Integrated Pest Management Plan.
l. Verification of internal or external
compliance.
Integrated Pest
Management
1. Preventing infestation
2. Avoiding propagation
3. Monitoring occurrence
4. Suppression
Integrated Pest Management Planrelated criteria
Module 3 - Page 49
Criteria
Critical 2.4 Animals that are endangered or protected are never hunted or killed. Animals are
not hunted on the farm, with the following exceptions:
• Smallholders may hunt non-endangered species for non-commercial use only; and
• Vertebrate pest wildlife may be hunted only in accordance with the farm’s
integrated pest management (IPM) plan, and only as a measure of last resort.
Explosives or toxic substances are never used for hunting, fishing, or control of
wildlife pests. Control of rodents follows Rainforest Alliance rodenticide risk
management requirements.
Critical 3.3 The farm management develops and implements an integrated pest management
(IPM) plan that is based upon the prevention and monitoring of pests and aims to
avoid economically significant crop losses while reducing pesticide risks. The farm
management determines pest management steps based on the analysis of pest
monitoring records. Pests are managed using biological controls or other non-
chemical methods where feasible. When pesticides are used, preference is given to
non-restricted low toxicity pesticides, and pesticides are applied only to the parts of
the crop affected by pests. All workers involved in pest management activities are
trained about the contents of the IPM plan.
C-3.9 Fire may be used only for pest control, only as prescribed by the IPM plan and only if
it creates less negative environmental impact than other pest control measures. To
protect nearby natural ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities, fire is applied
only by trained workers with fire suppression tools, personal protective equipment,
and access to water for firefighting, and only when wind speed and direction create
minimal risk of uncontrolled burning. If fire is used, fire use areas and history are
indicated on updated farm maps.
C-3.23 In the case of groups, the group administrator develops an integrated pest
management (IPM) plan for the group, according to the contents of Critical Criterion
3.3. The group administrator trains and supports its members to implement this plan
on the member farms.
Integrated Pest Management Planrelated criteria
Module 3 - Page 50
Criteria
C-3.24 The farm management and group administrator record pest infestations with the
following parameters:
• Pest type;
• Infestation dates, area and location, and degree of damage; and
• Weather during the infestation.
B-3.10 Farms implement practices such as crop rotation, planting of nitrogen-fixing ground
covers or cover crops, or application of compost or mulch to maintain or enhance
soil health.
B-3.25 Smallholders record pest infestations with the following parameters:
• Pest type;
• Infestation dates, area and location, and degree of damage; and
• Weather during the infestation.
B-3.26 The farm management and group administrator analyze pesticide application and
pest monitoring records, document any significant reductions or increases in pest
severity and pesticide use, and update the IPM plan annually considering the
effectiveness of past pest management approaches and any new pest control
challenges or opportunities.
How do we audit the criteriarelated to the IPM Plan?
Module 3 - Page 51
Before going to the field
We recommend:
a. Requesting the IPM plan and checking
that the document contains at least the
aforementioned points.
b. Checking and cross-checking the
information from the IPM plan with:
i. Records on applications and
monitoring of pests in the field,
ii. Monitoring of environmental
conditions,
iii. Threshold for action, and
iv. Records on pesticide applications.
c. Comparing planned versus implemented
activities.
d. Confirming that the persons responsible
for implementation have been trained on
the activities established in the plan.
e. Analyzing whether there is annual
progress in accordance with specific
indicators or indices of efficiency, such as:
amount of Active Ingredient used per
hectare or per kg of crop produced and/or
exported; farm productivity; incidence of
pests and diseases.
f. Identifying whether fire is used in IPM;
and review of the technical criteria that
justify this.
In the field
Once in the field, it is important to:
a. Interview the persons in charge and those
responsible for implementing preventive
actions, interventions or chemical control. In
this way you confirm that all the planned
activities are being carried out, especially
those aimed at avoiding and preventing the
pest or disease.
b. Visually verify activities such as: pest
trapping, measurement of climatological
variables, field infestation, and possible
symptoms of nutrient deficiency in crop
plants.
c. Visually verify the effectiveness of the control
mechanisms implemented by the farm.
Mitigation of risksin pesticide management
Module 3 - Page 52
In the 2017 Standard, there is a series of criteria
whose objective is that the farms implement good
management, storage, handling and use of pesticides;
thus reducing the risks associated with their
management.
The criteria and provisions related to risk mitigation
in the use of pesticides are addressed by two
different approaches, and they apply only to
pesticides included on the corresponding lists:
1. The requirements associated with the use of
pesticides included on the Rainforest Alliance List
of Pesticides for Use with Risk Mitigation, which
includes mitigation measures for:
• Substances hazardous to aquatic life, according
to mitigation criterion 3.27;
• Substances hazardous to pollinators, according
to mitigation criterion 3.29;
• Substances with inhalation risk in accordance
with the mitigation requirements of Critical
Criterion 4.15.
2. The requirements associated with the use of
pesticides included on the Rainforest Alliance List
of Prohibited Pesticides whose use has been
authorized by the Rainforest Alliance Procedure
for Exceptional Pesticide Use, which includes:
• Rainforest Alliance requirements for the
management of risks from rodenticides;
• Rainforest Alliance requirements for the
management of reproductive toxicity risk.
Some good practices to mitigate the risk
associated with pesticide handling are:
1. The farm has a training program on the
use, management, handling, and
application of pesticides, and calibration
of the application equipment.
2. Pesticide storage is safe, orderly, and
well demarcated with good signage for
the pesticides.
3. Use of appropriate mix preparation and
measuring equipment.
4. Presence of specialized infrastructure for
the mixing and storage of pesticides
(warehouses, mixing areas and
equipment for filling retention
mechanisms).
5. Presence of materials to soak up spills in
pesticide storage and preparation sites.
6. Presence of safety information (MSDS) in
areas where pesticides are stored and
handled.
7. Triple washing is carried out when
mixtures are prepared and application
equipment is filled.
8. Empty containers are handled safely so
as not to contaminate the environment
with their remnant residues or expose
humans to them.
Risk mitigation in pesticide management –related criteria
Module 3 - Page 53
Criteria
Critical
3.4
The use of substances included in the Rainforest Alliance List of Prohibited Pesticides is
prohibited. Only pesticides that are legally registered in the production country are used.
The use of agriculture mineral oils is only allowed, if these contain less than 3% of
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) residues.
Critical
3.5
Pesticide application by aircraft complies with Rainforest Alliance requirements for
aerial fumigation. Workers are not present in areas during aerial fumigation with
pesticides. In the case of primary and secondary drainage canals with permanent water, a
plan is developed and implemented to cover these water bodies with vegetation or other
effective physical means.
C-1.8 The farm management and group administrator develop and implement a training plan to
train workers on the competencies required to carry out their work and to comply with
this standard.
B-1.11 The farm management and group administrator document all training according to
training topic, name, organization and title of the trainer, focal crop, number of women
and men trained, and an attestation of each worker or group member that s/he
participated in the training.
C-3.30 All pesticides are stored in a safely locked storage facility. Only people trained in
pesticide risks and management have access to the pesticide storage facility.
C-3.31 Pesticides listed in the Rainforest Alliance Prohibited Pesticides List and expired
products that were in use before farms applied for certification are returned to the
supplier or, if the supplier does not accept these products, these are labeled and stored
separately from other products until disposed of safely.
C-3.33 Empty pesticide containers and application equipment are triple washed, and the rinse
water is returned back to the application mix for re-application. Empty pesticide
containers are kept in a locked storage area until safely returned to the supplier or, if the
supplier does not accept empty containers, they are cut or perforated to prevent other
uses. Containers may be re-used only for the original contents and only when labeled
accordingly.
B-3.34 Farms select the optimum pesticide application equipment and techniques for the crop
and pesticide type to reduce spray drift.
B-3.36 The farm management and group administrator calibrate equipment for mixing and
applying pesticides, at least annually, after maintenance, and whenever the type of
product is changed.
How are the criteria forrisk mitigation audited?
Module 3 - Page 54
Before going to the field
We recommend:
a. Request and review the IPM Plan. Requestthe notes on technical criteria that justify theuse of the substances that are applied.
b. Request the farm map that shows existinginfrastructure and the distribution of nativevegetation, and locate the pesticide storageand preparation areas.
c. Check the training records of pesticideappliers and other workers involved withpesticide handling.
d. Request a list of the application equipmentused and check the records on calibrationsand adjustments made and their frequency.
e. Confirm that the materials used in traininginclude all the necessary safety informationfor implementing safe applications.
f. Confirm that training for the workers hasbeen provided by a person with a mastery ofthe topic and adequate preparation.
g. Confirm that the measures for riskmitigation are included in the IPM plan andalso meet the parameters and requirementsprescribed by the 2017 Standard.
In the field
Once in the field, it is important to:
a. Inspect all the facilities andinfrastructure where pesticides arestored and prepared. Check theircondition to rule out any risks.
b. Verify the presence of emergency eye-washes and showers in the event ofaccidental contamination throughcontact.
c. Also verify the presence of materialsand equipment for cleaning up spills ofpesticides and pesticide mixtures.
d. Visually confirm the way workershandle pesticides and triple-wash theempty containers.
e. Confirm that the risk mitigationmeasures for the use of pesticidescomply with the parameters andrequirements established by the 2017Standard.
Interviews with workers
During the interviews:
a. Confirm that the workers understand theimportance of safe pesticidemanagement. It is important to ask aboutthe basic concepts of safe management.
b. Confirm the use of personal protectiveequipment, try to identify aspects thatworkers consider negative in its use, suchas goggles that fog up and excessive heat,and confirm that there are measures tomitigate these effects.
Training on the use, handling, preparation, and application of pesticides is key to meeting the objective of the different
criteria. Training should include all the Rainforest Alliance concepts, as an
example. Rainforest Alliance lists of pesticides, areas for exclusion from
application, the IPM Plan, and mitigation measures.
Risk mitigation and relatedenvironmental impact criteria
Module 3 - Page 55
Criteria
Critical
3.4
The use of substances included in the Rainforest Alliance List of Prohibited Pesticides is
prohibited. Only pesticides that are legally registered in the production country are used. The use
of agriculture mineral oils is only allowed, if these contain less than 3% of Dimethyl Sulfoxide
(DMSO) residues.
Critical
3.5
Pesticide application by aircraft complies with Rainforest Alliance requirements for aerial
fumigation. Workers are not present in areas during aerial fumigation with pesticides. In the case of
primary and secondary drainage canals with permanent water, a plan is developed and
implemented to cover these water bodies with vegetation or other effective physical means.
C-3.27 Farms apply substances listed in the Rainforest Alliance List of Pesticides for Use with Risk
Mitigation as having risk to aquatic life only if Rainforest Alliance non-application zones around
aquatic natural ecosystems are enforced or vegetative barriers are established compliant with
Rainforest Alliance parameters for vegetative barriers or other effective mechanisms to reduce
spray drift. Farms apply substances listed in the Rainforest Alliance List of Pesticides for Use with
Risk Mitigation as having risk to wildlife only if Rainforest Alliance non-application zones around
natural ecosystems are enforced or vegetative barriers are established compliant with Rainforest
Alliance parameters for vegetative barriers or other effective mechanisms to reduce spray drift.
C-3.29 Farms apply substances listed in the Rainforest Alliance List of Pesticides for Use with Risk
Mitigation as having risks for pollinators only if:
• Less toxic, efficacious pesticides are not available;
• Exposure to natural ecosystems is minimized by complying with Rainforest Alliance non-
application zones or by establishing vegetative barriers compliant with Rainforest Alliance
parameters for vegetative barriers or by implementing other effective mechanisms to reduce
spray drift; and
• Contact of pollinators with these substances is further reduced through:
– Substances are applied only when pollinators are not active; or
– Substances are not applied to flowering weeds or flowering weeds are removed; and
– Substances are applied while the crop is not in peak flowering period. Not applicable to
banana, cocoa, grapes, lemon grass, pineapple, psyllium, sugar cane, and tea.
• If bee hives are used, they are temporarily covered during application, and hive bees are
provided with a clean water source outside the treated area.
Critical
2.4
Animals that are endangered or protected are never hunted or killed. Animals are not hunted on
the farm, with the following exceptions:
• Smallholders may hunt non-endangered species for non-commercial use only; and
• Vertebrate pest wildlife may be hunted only in accordance with the farm’s integrated pest
management (IPM) plan, and only as a measure of last resort.
Explosives or toxic substances are never used for hunting, fishing, or control of wildlife pests.
Control of rodents follows Rainforest Alliance rodenticide risk management requirements.
Rainforest Alliance Requirementsfor Mitigating Risks for Pollinators
Module 3 - Page 56
Until June 30, 2020 the use of the three neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid and
thiamethoxam), and the phenylpyrazole fipronil is only permitted if the following Rainforest
Alliance pollinator risk management requirements are fully implemented::
a. Less toxic, efficacious pesticides are not available; and
b. Exposure to natural ecosystems is minimized by complying with Rainforest Alliance non-application zones or by establishing vegetative barriers compliant with Rainforest Allianceparameters for vegetative barriers or by implementing other effective mechanisms toreduce spray drift; and
c. Contact of pollinators with these substances is further reduced through:
i. Substances are applied only when pollinators are not active; or
ii. Substances are not applied to flowering weeds or flowering weeds are removed;and
iii. Substances are applied while the crop is not in peak flowering period; Notapplicable to Banana, cocoa, grapes, lemon grass, pineapple, psyllium, sugar cane,and tea.
d. If bee hives are used, they are temporarily covered during application, and hive bees areprovided with a clean water source outside the treated area..
Pesticide CAS Number Pollinator impact
1) Clothianidin 210880-92-5 P
2) Fipronil 120068-37-3 P
3) Imidacloprid 138261-41-3 P
4) Thiamethoxam 153719-23-4 P
Rainforest Alliance Requirementsfor Rodenticide Risk Management
Module 3 - Page 57
The nine rodenticides brodifacoum, bromadiolone, bromethalin, chlorophacinone,
difethialone, diphacinone, strychnine, warfarin and zinc phosphide may be used only if the
following Rainforest Alliance rodenticide risk management requirements are fully
implemented:
a. Only formulated rodenticides baited traps classified as moderately toxic (blue label) orslightly toxic (green label) are used; and
b. Rodenticide traps are only used, if rodent monitoring demonstrates that mechaniccontrol methods are not effective; and
c. Signs of rodent activity (droppings, tracks, gnaw marks, burrows) are monitored andthe results recorded. Traps are inspected daily and bait stations and installationsweekly; and
d. Bait stations are tamper-resistant, anchored, and constructed in such a manner andsize as to permit only the entrance of rodents; and
e. Food sources attracting rodents and debris are eliminated; and
f. Rodent carcasses are handled with gloves and buried in locations that do not pose riskto human health or water contamination; and
g. Bait stations are removed and the amount of stations diminished when there are nolonger signs of rodent feeding or there is evidence of use by non-target wildlife.
Pesticide CAS Number WHO Ia WHO IbGHS Repro 1A
1B
1) Brodifacoum 56073-10-0 P P
2) Bromadiolone 28772-56-7 P P
3) Bromethalin 63333-35-7 P
4) Chlorophacinone 3691-35-8 P P
5) Difethialone 104653-34-1 P
6) Diphacinone 82-66-6 P P
7) Strychnine 57-24-9 P
8) Warfarin 81-81-2 P
9) Zinc phosphide 1314-84-7 P P
Rainforest Alliance requirements for themanagement of risk from rodenticides
Module 3 - Page 58
Five nematicides (cadusafos, ethoprop, fenamiphos, oxamyl and terbufos) can only be
used with the full implementation of the following Rainforest Alliance requirements for
the management of Risk from Nematicides:
a. Lower toxicity nematicides are used as part of the rotation for nematicide riskmanagement; and
b. The application methods accurately place the product on the root zone of the plants orinject it directly into the plant. The application of uncovered granules in no applicationzones is prohibited; and
c. The maximum daily application time per operator is limited to six hours. For two shiftsand a bath for the operator to wash off pesticide residues, the total daily maximumapplication time is limited to 4 hours plus 2 hours = 6 hours; and
d. The application is done during the coolest hours of the day; and
e. Annual medical monitoring of the health of the operator (kidney and liver function) isprovided; and
f. Cholinesterase levels are analyzed for the workers who handle the cholinesteraseinhibitors cadusafos, ethoprop, fenamiphos, oxamyl or terbufos. These tests are donefor workers before they apply the substances for the first time and periodicallythereafter, for as long as they are assigned the task of applying these pesticides. Ifunacceptable cholinesterase levels are found in handlers of organophosphorus orcarbamate pesticides, they are offered other work positions that do not involve thehandling of these chemicals.
Pesticide CAS Number WHO Ia WHO Ib
1) Cadusafos 95465-99-9 P
1) Etoprophos; Ethoprop 13194-48-4 P
1) Fenamiphos 22224-92-6 P
1) Oxamyl 23135-22-0 P
1) Terbufos 13071-79-9 P
Risk mitigation related parameters
Module 3 - Page 59
Farms implementing the criteria of the 2017 Standard mitigate the effects of pesticide use on the
environment, with a special emphasis on reducing the risk of agrochemical contamination in natural
aquatic ecosystems, and reducing the negative effects on wildlife, aquatic life and pollinators.
The Standard presents a series of Mitigation Parameters, whose main objectives are mitigation of the
risk of contamination from pesticide application and reduction of spray drift.
Rainforest Alliance parameters for
restoration
Rainforest Alliance no-application zones
Rainforest Alliance requirements for aerial
fumigation
Rainforest Alliance parameters for vegetative
barriers
Prevent the degradation of aquatic ecosystems
Regulate the conditions for aerial pesticide application.
Reduce risks from the effects ofpesticides in:
- Natural ecosystems (includingaquatic ecosystems);
- Areas with pollinators present;
- Wildlife and aquatic life; and
- Areas of human activity.
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Spray drift: is the portion of the applied product that is diverted from the treated
area due to the action of air currents during the application process, and which
represents an active ingredient of the pesticide.
How do we audit the criteriaFor environmental impact mitigation?
Module 3 - Page 60
Before going to the field
We recommend:
a. Request and review the IPM Plan.
b. Review the plan’s application ofpreventive and avoidance measures.
c. Review whether the pesticide applicationswere justified in relation to the fieldmonitoring results of pest impacts(severity and % infestation).
d. Review the type and classification of thepesticides used and applied; verifywhether there is some kind of mitigationmeasure on the Rainforest Alliance List ofpesticides for use with mitigationmeasures.
e. Review the calibration and maintenancerecords for the application equipment.
f. In the application records, check the timesof application and relate these data to thetime of greatest activity of pollinators thatcould be present on the farm.
In the field
Once in the field, it is important to:
a. Interview managers and those responsiblefor implementing preventive actions andchemical interventions or control; confirmthat all planned activities are being carriedout, especially those aimed at avoiding andpreventing pest occurrence.
b. Review the mitigation measures applied atthe time of pesticide application.
c. Review the ecosystem protectionmeasures, setbacks from water sources,buffer zones, and no application zones.
d. Verify the presence of pollinators in thecrop.
e. In temporary water passages or drainagechannels, check the waterway protectionpractices (covers on drains, for example).
f. In aquatic ecosystems, observe wildlifepresent to confirm the quality of the water.
Special cases
a. Pollinators are used in melon andwatermelon crops; check the measuresused to prevent contact of pesticides withbees (nocturnal applications, hiveprotection).
b. In banana crops, the extensive drainagenetworks are a source of direct andindirect contamination of ecosystems.
In general, insect pollinators in the
field are most active in the morning
hours. Nocturnal or afternoon
pesticide applications reduce the
impacts on these insects.
Mitigation of risksto health
Module 3 - Page 61
Farms that implement the criteria of the 2017
Standard mitigate the effects pesticide use has on
human health, in workers as well as passersby and
the inhabitants of communities near the farms.
Good practices to prevent risks to health are:
1. To avoid the use of pesticides
a. Conserve or plant native vegetation that
functions as habitat for parasitoids or other
biological controllers, such as insectivorous
birds.
b. Application of activities and agricultural
practices to avoid and prevent a pest, so as
not to reach the threshold of damage that
would justify pesticide application (IPM).
c. Use biological or botanical inputs or
pesticides.
2. To mitigate risks to health
a. Train personnel on all topics related to
Occupational Health, Pesticide Handling and
Application (GAPs, use of Personal Protective
Equipment, pesticide toxicity, measures to
prevent intoxication).
b. Do not use substances that are on the
Rainforest Alliance List of Prohibited
Products. Do not use substances that are not
legally registered in the country.
c. In the case of pesticides that are on the
Rainforest Alliance list of pesticides for
restricted use with risk mitigation measures,
use them in accordance with the indications
for mitigating the risk of inhalation.
d. In areas where workers or neighbors live or
frequent (areas of human activity),
establish natural barriers to contain drift.
e. Warn communities and workers in advance
about applications that could affect them.
f. Implement pre-harvest intervals.
g. Implement re-entry periods to a
production plot after an application.
h. Everyone who handles or is exposed to
contact with pesticides uses PPE.
i. The administration has measures for the
implementation of safety and emergency
procedures.
j. Prior medical check-ups of application
personnel are done to confirm their
physical and mental suitability for
implementing applications.
k. Cholinesterase analyses are done for
workers who apply organophosphorus and
carbamate compounds.
l. Annual medical monitoring is done on the
health (kidney and liver function) of
operators working with five nematicides
(see the Procedure for Exceptional Use).
m. When applicable, an Occupational Health
Commission is implemented.
n. Measures and compliance with these
criteria are verified annually.
Mitigation of risks to healthrelated criteria
Module 3 - Page 62
Criteria
Critical
3.5
Pesticide application by aircraft complies with Rainforest Alliance requirements for aerial
fumigation. Workers are not present in areas during aerial fumigation with pesticides. In the case
of primary and secondary drainage canals with permanent water, a plan is developed and
implemented to cover these water bodies with vegetation or other effective physical means.
C-3.28 Farms establish and maintain non-crop vegetative barriers compliant with Rainforest Alliance
parameters for vegetative barriers or Rainforest Alliance non-application zones between
pesticides applied crops and areas of human activity.
C-3.32 Potentially affected persons or communities are identified, alerted, and warned in advance about
pesticide applications and prevented from access to pesticide application areas.
B-3.35 Pre-harvest intervals of pesticides as stipulated in the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS), label or security tag are complied with when applying pesticides. When two or more
products with different pre-harvest intervals are used at the same time, the longest interval is
applied.
Critical
4.15
Functional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with the product’s MSDS, safety
tag or other instructions, whichever are more stringent, is provided free of cost to workers. All
persons who mix or handle pesticides, fertilizers hazardous materials, or other chemical
substances or natural pest control substances with possible dermatological or microbiological
risks use PPE. Substances listed in the Rainforest Alliance List of Pesticides for Use with Risk
Mitigation as having inhalation risks may be used only if restricted entry intervals are enforced
and respirators with an organic vapor (OV) cartridge or canister with any N, R, P, or 100 series
pre-filter are used, and only if all application sites are flagged to indicate inhalation risks to
bystanders.
Critical
4.16
The farm management trains all workers and the group administrator trains all group members
or their representatives that handle or come into contact with pesticides or other substances
posing potential health risks. Training is conducted by a competent professional on safer
management of these substances and includes:
• Occupational health topics specific to chemical handlers as defined in the Occupational Health and
Safety Plan;
• An explanation of the names, formulations, toxicity, health risks, and other relevant MSDS information
related to all substances to be applied;
• Techniques for correct handling of these substances;
• Correct use of PPE;
• Preventative measures for reducing possible damage to health and the environment caused by these
substances; and
• Emergency procedures, first aid and medical attention for cases involving poisoning or undue contact
with these substances.
Mitigation of risks to healthrelated criteria
Module 3 - Page 63
Criteria
Critical
4.17
Bathing facilities are provided to all handlers of pesticides or other substances posing
potential health risks. These handlers bathe and change their clothes after finishing the
daily application schedule and before leaving the workplace at the end of the workday.
All PPE for workers is washed and stored on the farm or group administrator facilities,
and does not enter workers’ housing.
Critical
4.18
Women who are pregnant, nursing or have recently given birth are not assigned to
activities that pose risk to the woman’s, fetus's or infant’s health. In cases of job
reassignment, there is no reduction in remuneration.
C-4.35 Farms implement Restricted Entry Intervals (REI) for persons entering pesticide
application areas without PPE that are at least 12 hours or as stipulated in the product’s
MSDS, label or security tag, whichever is more stringent. For WHO class II products, the
REI is at least 48 hours. When two or more products with different REIs are used at the
same time, the longest interval applies.
C-4.36 The farm management and group administrator test cholinesterase levels of workers
who handle WHO Class II or III organophosphates or carbamates. Tests are conducted
prior to the first time workers apply these substances on the farm and periodically
thereafter as long as they remain assigned to this task. The farm management and group
administrator offer other work that does not involve use of these chemicals to those
pesticide handlers with results outside of the accepted cholinesterase levels.
C-4.37 When workers are diagnosed with temporary health conditions or have short-term
disabilities that impair their ability to carry out their job, the farm management and
group administrator reassign these workers for the length of the disability period to a
different work task without penalty or a decrease in compensation.
C-4.41 The farm management and group administrator provide workers with medical
examinations as specified in the Occupational Health and Safety plan (see Critical
Criterion 4.14). Workers have access to the results of their medical examinations.
C-4.42 The farm management and group administrator provide emergency showers and eye-
washing facilities in or close to workshops, storage areas, and processing facilities
where pesticides or other hazardous materials are used or stored.
Rainforest Alliance Reproductive Toxicity RiskManagement Requirements
Module 3 - Page 64
The use of the eight substances categorized as GHS repro 1A/1B (Pesticide active ingredients
and their formulations that meet the criteria of reproductive toxicity Categories 1A and 1B of
the Globally Harmonized System on Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) Borax, Boric
acid, Carbendazim, Epoxiconazole, Fluazifop-butyl, Glufosinate-ammonium, Quizalofop-p-
tefuryl and Tridemorph is only permitted if the following Rainforest Alliance reproductive
toxicity risk management requirements are fully implemented:
a. Less toxic, efficacious pesticides are not available; and
b. Use is part of the product rotation defined in the integrated pest management plan; and
c. Women of reproductive age (15 – 50 years) do not apply GHS repro 1A/1B pesticides; and
d. Restricted Entry Intervals (REI) are implemented for persons entering pesticideapplication areas without PPE that are at least 12 hours or as stipulated in the product’sMSDS, label or security tag, whichever is more stringent. For WHO class II products, theREI is at least 48 hours. When two or more products with different REIs are used at thesame time, the longest interval applies; and
e. Workers that apply GHS repro 1A/1B pesticides are provided with medical examinationsas specified in the Occupational Health and Safety plan (see Critical Criterion 4.14); and
f. Potentially affected persons or communities are identified, alerted, and warned inadvance about pesticide applications and prevented from access to pesticide applicationareas; and
g. Farms establish and maintain non-crop vegetative barriers compliant with RainforestAlliance parameters for vegetative barriers or Rainforest Alliance non-application zonesbetween pesticides applied crops and areas of human activity..
Pesticide CAS Number GHS Repro 1A 1B
1) Borax; disodium tetraborate decahydrate 1303-96-4 P
2) Boric acid 10043-35-3 P
3) Carbendazim 10605-21-7 P
4) Epoxiconazole 133855-98-8 P
5) Fluazifop-butyl 69806-50-4 P
6) Glufoslufosinate-ammonium 77182-82-2 P
7) Quizalofop-p-tefuryl 119738-06-6 P
8) Tridemorph 81412-43-3 P
How do we audit the criteriafor the mitigation of impacts on health?
Module 3 - Page 65
Before going to the field
We recommend:
a. Request and review the IPM Plan.
b. Request the list of pesticides used andcompare it to the Rainforest Alliance lists forpesticide management.
c. Check the plan’s inclusion of preventive andavoidance measures.
d. Check the training of the workers involved inpesticide application.
e. Review the calibration and maintenancerecords for application equipment.
f. Review the types and classification of thepesticides used and applied; verify whetherthere is some kind of mitigation measure onthe Rainforest Alliance list of pesticides foruse with mitigation measures (risk ofinhalation).
g. Check the medical exams and cholinesteraselevels of workers who apply pesticides.
In the field
Once in the field, it is important to:
a. Review the mitigation measures that mustbe implemented when pesticides areapplied.
b. Confirm the presence of showers and eye-washes in the vicinity of pesticide handlingareas.
c. Verify the use of personal protectiveequipment (PPE) by workers in the fieldduring application; observe theapplication and use of the PPE.
d. Confirm that there are measures toprevent the entry of persons and workerswithout PPE into application areas, andcheck the effectiveness of those measures.
e. In the storage areas, confirm that thereare no substances prohibited by the 2017Standard and the managed pesticide lists.
Special cases – Aerial applications
a. Aerial applications are used in banana, rice and citruscultivation. It is important to verify that measures toprevent the presence of workers in the fields areimplemented.
b. Records are used to verify whether re-entry periodsare respected. It is possible to use records on thebeginning and ending of aerial spraying, information onthe polygon area sprayed, and the record system onworker entry into different production plots.
c. It is also important to visit the aerodromes, review thedocuments and conduct interviews to verify: a) thecalibrations, b) mixture preparations, c) polygons forapplications and deviations from same, and d)automatic nozzle opening and closure technology.
In the case of aerial fumigations,
due to their characteristics and
potential environmental and
health impacts, the 2017
Standard requires that
application equipment have
certain specialized technological
characteristics.
It is important to ensure that the
farm or the service provider
complies with the Rainforest
Alliance requirements for aerial
fumigation.