1	The Food Alliance evaluation criteria and expectations for service
2	Our proposition to the producer... Food Alliance evaluation criteria are based on science and research on low cost best management practices Criteria are reasonable, measurable, and/or achievable.
3	Similar expectations from site evaluators … Service is business like and professional Timely, has standards for performance Culturally neutral See the policy titled, “Site evaluators expectations and fulfillment times”
4	Food Alliance site evaluators Have experience in the cropping systems assigned Have education and experience in agriculture, cropping system Are agricultural professionals Know the conservation practices advocated for agriculture Understand sustainability concepts
5	Decision makers in the certification program Stewardship Council: Representatives from all of our food systems stakeholders: Environmentalists Farmers/Ranchers Consumers Scientists Retailers Farm worker advocates
6	Decision makers in the certification program, continued. Stewardship Council: Responsible for overseeing the evaluation criteria: “Do they capture environmentally and socially responsible? Are the criteria credible: Do we investigate all we say Food Alliance-Approved stands for? Do the criteria have integrity: Is it possible to become Food Alliance-Approved and perform poorly in a certain area? Reports to the Food Alliance Board Have extensive experience and sound reputation in their issue area. NEW CRITERIA SET FOR 2002!
7	Decision makers in the certification program, continued
8	OK, what crops/products does The Food Alliance certify ? Fruits and Vegetables: fresh and processed Livestock: Cattle, Pork Dairy: coming soon!
9	How are the evaluation criteria implemented? Each criterion has 4 levels Site evaluators have the experience to fill in the gaps and make approximations, must be noted. Evaluation criteria shape the content of the site visits, a road map. Site evaluators give room to stretch score when extenuating circumstances apply, must be noted, we may reject….
10	2 types of evaluation criteria Whole Farm: generalized, overall farm management practices for: Soil and water conservation Human resource management Pesticide management General IPM practices Crop specific evaluation criteria
11	Crop Specific Criteria Regional specificity Pest and disease management Cultural practices unique to the crop Mostly deal with IPM practices…