Evaluating assurance systems for deforestation-free agricultural commodities
This project focuses on developing and implementing the Assurance System Evaluation Framework (ASEF) and its methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of verification and certification systems in ensuring deforestation-free agricultural commodities.
The project aims to provide a robust and transparent framework for assessing these systems, particularly their alignment with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and other relevant due diligence requirements. The project is conducted in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The project is scheduled to end by February 28, 2025, with the possibility of a third extension to accommodate an online presentation in Indonesia.
Creating a robust, comprehensive framework that meets all EUDR requirements is challenging, as it must cover legality, deforestation, traceability and system quality while remaining practical for diverse certification schemes.
The framework sets requirements for verified entities, assurance providers, and the system itself, ensuring consistency through clear thresholds, guidance, assessor training, and pilot evaluations. Flexibility accommodates voluntary modules, varying the level of strictness within schemes, and different claim types without overcomplicating reporting. Overall, the main challenge is balancing thoroughness with usability to ensure consistent alignment with EUDR requirements in designing and implementing the Assurance System.
The primary beneficiaries of this project include:
- System owners: Owners and managers of verification and certification systems seeking to improve their alignment with EUDR and other due diligence requirements.
- FOLUR countries: Countries involved in the production and trade of forest and land use-related (FOLUR) commodities that will be able to use the framework to ensure compliance and improve market access.
- Governments: Regulatory bodies and policymakers who can utilize the evaluation framework to ensure effective implementation and oversight of deforestation-related regulations.
Development of an assessment framework: A key objective is to develop an evaluation framework and methodology to assess assurance systems for deforestation-risk agricultural commodities. This framework, known as the Assurance System Evaluation Framework (ASEF), is designed to evaluate the ability and effectiveness of assurance systems in demonstrating alignment with market requirements for deforestation, legality, and traceability.
Evaluation of assurance systems: The framework and methodology are intended to evaluate a representative sample of existing verification and certification systems, including both 2nd-and 3rd-party systems. The evaluations are planned to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps within these systems in aligning with the requirements of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and other relevant legislation.
Guidance and best practices: The project aims to produce technical guidance and a report on best practices for assessing and developing verification and certification systems for deforestation-related commodities.
Improvement of assurance systems: The project seeks to provide recommendations for improving assurance systems to enhance their effectiveness in ensuring compliance with regulations such as EUDR. The benchmark is intended to guide further development or strengthening of the benchmarked entities. The project aims to help assurance systems recognize their strengths and limitations.
Project activities:
- Review of existing verification and certification systems for deforestation-related FOLUR commodities.
- The activities include identifying FOLUR commodities associated with deforestation-related voluntary and mandatory market requirements. Additionally, they involve mapping and classifying relevant verification and certification systems for these commodities in each country.
- Develop an assurance system evaluation framework and methodology to assess a representative sample of verification and certification systems for deforestation-related FOLUR commodities.
- The activities focus on deforestation-related FOLUR commodities, beginning with the selection of evaluation systems and the development of an evaluation framework and methodology. This is followed by evaluations of selected verification and certification systems for these commodities. Based on the evaluation findings, the assurance system evaluation framework and methodology are strengthened, incorporating further consultations with relevant stakeholders to consolidate and refine them.
- Publication of technical guidance and papers.
- Development of a technical normative report on verification and certification systems for deforestation-related FOLUR commodities.
Expected solutions
- A robust and transparent Assurance System Evaluation Framework (ASEF) and methodology for evaluating the alignment of assurance systems with the EUDR and other relevant due diligence requirements.
- A report for each evaluated system that includes the scope of system claims, how they align with the EUDR and a clear identification of gaps.
- A better understanding of how to develop and implement effective assurance systems for deforestation-free commodities.
Project Details:
Title
Identification of best practices, tools and guidance on licensing and traceability in GEF-7 FOLUR commodities, including lessons learned from FLEGT.
Helene Zakariasen
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