CLIMATE SMART LABEL
The ClimateSmart Label program works with food producers to implement sustainable farming strategies. We create the opportunity for your business to signal its mission to be environmentally conscious and to empower consumers to take control of their own environmental impact. Our experts work with individual farms to develop the best approaches to reducing pollution and fighting climate change. ClimateSmart has a mission to help communities reduce their environmental footprint, one farm at a time.
ClimateSmart
The ClimateSmart certification is a private verification of the environmental friendliness of food products. We conduct life cycle assessments and work with farmers in any climate and region to effectively manage their resources. Our standards are high but dynamic and specialized, so that even food producers in the toughest regions have the opportunity to join our community of sustainable farmers. ClimateSmart labels companies that have modified production to reduce environmental impact, while still maintaining high yields and product quality. We are guided by three core values in working with businesses to improve environmental friendliness.
SUSTAINABILITY
TRANSPARENCY
HUMANITY
1. Sustainability: Let's start practices that will make this world a beautiful place to live in for everyone, everywhere, at any time.
2. Transparency: Empower the consumer to make ethical decisions by giving them the information and opportunity to consume responsibly.
3. Humanity: Climate change and pollution can diminish quality of life for some and be fatal for others. Make conscientious decisions to give people all across the globe the opportunity for happy, healthy lives.
1. Certification is based on a life cycle analysis. This records all the relevant emissions and pollutants generated by a product from cultivation to transport to disposal. We compare these emissions and pollutants to those of similar products to gage how effective a company is at reducing its environmental footprint.
2. The life cycle analysis is complemented by a study of the environmental sustainability. Our experts identify all relevant aspects of production that could be improved to reduce environmental impact. We focus on cultivation because upwards of 60% of emissions are generated at this stage. Only companies that comply with the advice of our experts and demonstrate diminished emissions and pollutants compared to industry norms will qualify for certification.
3. The label is only valid for two years, afterwhich the producer will have to prove that its label is still justified using a new life cycle assessment. The producer is subject to oversight from Climate Smart at any time if questions have been raised in order to maintain credibility and efficacy. Standards for assessment are constantly evolving in light of the most current methods and science to ensure our businesses are doing all that they can to combat pollution and climate change.
CERTIFICATION
Exposure:
Demonstrate your company's values on sustainability, transparency, and humanity
Enhance brand value through consumer engagement and media exposure
Set your business apart by providing consumers with an option to reduce their environmental footprint
Build relationships with the community by working together to combat pollution
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Credibility:
Gain legitimacy through joining a community of trusted businesses and experts committed to sustainability
Receive recognition for your company's efforts to minimize its environmental footprint
Gain credibility from passing a rigorous protocol conducted by certified climate experts
Become a recognized leader for implementing climate smart solutions​
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Support:
Receive expert advice on managing resources and reducing air and water pollution
Increase profit through efficiently using resources
BENEFITS
1. Nutrient Management Practices
i. No pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and other inputs unless absolutely necessary
ii. RATE: Reducing use of excess fertilizer by adjusting fertilizer applications to suit the precise needs of the crop
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The suitable amount (recorded in lbs N/acre) will be contingent on the region, climate, soil quality, and type of crop
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Examples
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1. Corn: Recommended ~ 100 lbs N/acre
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2. Soybeans: Recommended, no nitrogen fertilizer and ~ 60 lbs P/acre
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3. Wheat: Recommended ~ 100 lbs N/acre
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iii. TIMING: Optimal timing of application to minimize runoff
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Apply small, regular doses as opposed to all-at-once doses
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No fall application of nitrogen, apply in spring
iv. LOCATION:
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Banding: Apply nutrients in a band near the seed
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Side-dressing: An application of fertilizer between the rows of growing crops
v. TYPES:
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Synthetic
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Use slow release fertilizers (such as polycoated urea)
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Organic
vi. INHIBITORS: Implement urease inhibitors
2. Cropland Management
i. TILLAGE: No-tillage (or minimum till if tilling is absolutely necessary)
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Implement long term tillage plans
ii. Retaining crop residues (leaving plant residues on soil surface to build carbon)
iii. No burning of residues
iv. Cover crops
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Absorbs excess nutrients not picked up by primary crop
v. Buffers, especially by bodies of water
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To reduce water contamination
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Trees, shrubs, and streamside fencing
vi. Crop rotation when possible
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Rotate crops (corn/soybean - a legume)
vii. Irrigation Techniques
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Proper irrigation and careful water management can reduce the amount of nutrients washed off the field
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Timing of irrigation should be compatible with timing of fertilizer application
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OUR STANDARDS
