[Muhammad Nazrol Bin Nazri]

Hi, I cannot download climatechange-agriculture. Can you email this to me?. Thanks!

[Muhammad Nazrol Bin Nazri]

1. ProTerra requires sampling of core suppliers based on risk and representativeness. In this case:

Total farms: 891 (Amazon: 148, Caatinga: 12, Cerrado: 731)
Sampling must consider:
– Biome sensitivity ( If Amazon is high-risk)
– Volume contribution
– Geographic spread
– Previous audit history

A risk-based sampling approach would likely require:
– A higher proportion of farms from the Amazon biome due to deforestation risk.
– A representative sample from the Cerrado (largest group).
– At least one farm from Caatinga to ensure biome coverage.

The exact number is determined using ProTerra’s sampling formula (typically based on square root or percentage rules), adjusted for risk.

2. Audits be planned and when would the certification decision be made
– Certification Cycle Planning:
Step 1: Industrial Site Audit (Level III) – São Paulo facility

Includes subcontracted services (security, cleaning)
Verifies traceability, processing, and CoC compliance
Step 2: Port Audits (Level II)

Two nearby ports (same authority): likely treated as one audit unit
Third port (1230 km away): separate audit due to different operator and high export volume (60%)
Step 3: Farm Audits (Level I)

Sampled farms from all three biomes
Focus on high-risk areas (Amazon), traceability, and non-GMO compliance

– Certification Decision:
Made after all audits are completed, non-conformities resolved, and the audit report is reviewed by the certification body. Typically within 30–60 days after the last audit, depending on complexity. The certification decision is only possible within a maximum of 6 months after the conclusion of the last core supplier verification audit. After this time, if no agreement has been made with respect to the terms of the corrective actions plan or evidence is provided of core compliance being duly closed, a full new audit is necessary at the expense of the auditee, should the economic operator still wish certification. Should the economic operator abdicate of the certification, all fees agreed with the CB are nevertheless due

3. Considerations would be made for the next certification cycle?
– Risk reassessment: Any changes in sourcing regions, volumes, or suppliers
– Performance history: Non-conformities or improvements from the previous cycle
– Changes in operations: New ports, suppliers, or subcontractors
– Volume shifts: If the third port increases its share, it may require more frequent or detailed audits
– Continuous improvement: Encourage reduction in GHG emissions, better waste management, etc

4. Only one ProTerra certificate will be issued, covering the entire scope of the economic operator’s certified supply chain, including:
– Level I: Certified farms (sampled)
– Level II: Certified storage and transport (ports)
– Level III: Certified industrial processing site
The certificate will specify the scope, levels, and CoC model (e.g., IP, Segregated, or Mass Balance).

[Muhammad Nazrol Bin Nazri]

As an auditor, I assess compliance with ProTerra Principle 4 covering:
1. Land Use & Forest Conservation (4.1) – I analyze satellite imagery (e.g., Sentinel, Landsat or any apps in Appendix D), legal land documents, and verify no HCV deforestation after 2008. If deforestation occurred, I assess the Restoration and Compensation Procedure and check permits and national legal compliance.

2. Biodiversity Protection (4.2) – I confirm the presence of expert-developed biodiversity plans, verify protection of sensitive areas (e.g., wetlands, slopes), and assess controls on endangered and invasive species through logs, training records, and site inspections and site visit to these claim sites.

3. Environmental & Social Impact Management (4.3) – I ensure a public ESIA has been conducted and verify implementation of native vegetation protection/restoration plans using maps and field checks. Conducting interview to stakeholders, neighbouring site, communities, authorities and etc.

Verification Method
– Compliance is based on triangulated evidence, not declarations, using:
– Documentary evidence (permits, reports, management plans)
– Geospatial analysis (satellite imagery, maps)
– Field observations (site visits, photos)
– Stakeholder interviews (workers, communities, authorities)
– Legal compliance checks (national/international laws)

This holistic method ensures credible, objective verification against ProTerra requirements.

[Author]

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