Lorena Almeida
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1. To calculate the sampling of agricultural suppliers, the Certification Body (CB) must apply a risk-based approach, as outlined in the ProTerra Certification Protocol. The economic operator has a total of 891 supplying farms distributed across three biomes: Amazon (148), Caatinga (12), and Cerrado (731). Sampling will be stratified by biome, and the sample size will be adjusted according to environmental relevance, compliance history, deforestation risk, and other relevant factors. Considering that the Amazon is a high-risk biome, a more robust sampling is recommended — around 15% — which corresponds to 22 farms. For the Cerrado, a large biome with moderate risk, a sampling rate of approximately 1% to 1.5% is applied, totaling 8 to 11 farms. In the Caatinga, with a smaller number of properties and relatively lower risk, 1 to 2 farms should be audited, representing about 10% to 15% of the population. Thus, in total, around 31 to 35 farms would be audited in the first year of certification, ensuring proportional and risk-based sampling.
2. The certification cycle follows the stages defined in the ProTerra Certification Protocol. Certification begins with the initial audit, which is divided into two phases. Phase 1 consists of a document review and the planning of the field audit, considering all operational units, logistics routes, subcontractors (such as security and cleaning services), export ports, and agricultural suppliers. In Phase 2, the auditor conducts on-site visits to verify compliance with the standard’s principles and criteria. These visits will include the industrial unit in São Paulo, the three ports (with special attention to the port responsible for 60% of exports), and the sampled farms. The certification decision will be made after the completion of the field audit and a review of the final report by an independent technical reviewer from the Certification Body (CB), typically within 30 to 60 days after the audit.
3. In the annual maintenance cycle of the certification, follow-up audits will take into account the results from the first cycle, focusing on any non-conformities identified and any operational changes. The audit plan may be adjusted based on the operator’s history, supplier performance, and any changes in scope. In addition, it should be verified whether there have been new suppliers, logistical changes, expansion to new ports, or new subcontractors. The CB must maintain a risk-based approach and ensure adequate coverage throughout the three-year certification cycle, with surveillance audits conducted each year and a full re-evaluation at the end of the third year for recertification.
4.As a result of a positive certification audit, only one ProTerra certificate will be issued for the economic operator, provided that all facilities, suppliers, and operations are clearly under the control of the audited management system. Even though the operator uses three different ports for export, the fact that all operations are integrated into the same chain of custody and traceability system allows for the issuance of a single certificate covering the entire scope. The certificate will reflect the chain of custody model used (identity preservation, segregation, or mass balance) and will be valid for one year, with continuous compliance required for renewal.As an auditor evaluating compliance with Principle 4 of the ProTerra Standard, I would verify whether the organization manages inputs responsibly and minimizes environmental impacts by inspecting pesticide and fertilizer storage areas to ensure they are kept in original packaging, securely locked, properly labeled, and stored separately. I would require evidence such as up-to-date safety data sheets (SDS), inventory records, training documentation related to handling and disposal, and proof of appropriate hazardous waste disposal in accordance with FAO guidelines. I would also review application plans and practices, seeking records of quantities used and methods adopted to prevent contamination, loss, and harm to biodiversity. In the field, I would check for buffer zones, ecological corridors, or conservation areas, and use satellite imagery and interviews to verify whether deforestation occurred after the cut-off date (December 31, 2008). If deforestation is identified, I would request documentation on restoration or compensation actions following the Accountability Framework guidelines, including the involvement of technical specialists and stakeholder engagement. For irrigated areas, I would assess irrigation plans, energy consumption records, and system maintenance logs. Finally, I would investigate the use of genetically modified crops, ensuring compliance with national regulations or, where absent, with the Cartagena Protocol, including risk assessments and mitigation measures.
Hi everyone!
My name is Lorena. I’m a Forest Engineer, graduated in 2024, and currently working as a food certification auditor, focusing on standards such as Non-GMO, and now, ProTerra.
I have a strong interest in sustainability initiatives, especially those involving fieldwork, traceability, and social-environmental best practices. During my studies, I took part in projects related to the conservation of natural resources and sustainable land use, which helped shape my critical view on fair and responsible supply chains.
I’m very excited to learn more about the ProTerra standard and to share experiences with all of you!
