San g 32 1 local indicators chilli india by IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative

Local Interpretation Guidelines for Sustainable Chilli Production in India

April 2014

Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN): CEFCA, Cote d’Ivoire · Fundación Interamericana de Investigación Tropical (FIIT), Guatemala · Fundación Natura, Colombia · ICADE, Honduras · IMAFLORA, Brazil · Pronatura Sur, Mexico · Rainforest Alliance · SalvaNatura, El Salvador · Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), United Kingdom

CONTENTS

Introduction ________________________________________________________________________ 3 The Sustainable Agriculture Network and the Rainforest Alliance___________________________ 3 Standards, Criteria and Interpretation Guidelines __________________________________________ 3 Objectives and Use of Interpretation Guidelines ___________________________________________ 3 Scope of these Interpretation Guidelines _________________________________________________ 4 Geographical Scope ________________________________________________________________ 4 Proceedings ______________________________________________________________________ 4 Covered Aspects ___________________________________________________________________ 4 Interpretation for Sustainable Chilli Production in India _____________________________________ 5 1. SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ____________________________ 5 2. ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION ___________________________________________________ 9 3. WILDLIFE PROTECTION _______________________________________________________ 12 4. WATER CONSERVATION ______________________________________________________ 13 5. FAIR TREATMENT AND GOOD WORKING CONDITIONS FOR WORKERS _______________ 15 6. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY __________________________________________ 22 7. COMMUNITY RELATIONS ______________________________________________________ 25 8. INTEGRATED CROP MANAGEMENT _____________________________________________ 27 9. SOIL MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION ______________________________________ 29 10. INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT __________________________________________ 30 Annex 1 Distances between production areas and terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems and areas of human activity ______________________________________________________________ 31 Table of Separations ______________________________________________________________ 32

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Introduction The Sustainable Agriculture Network and the Rainforest Alliance Mission The Sustainable Agriculture Network promotes efficient agriculture, biodiversity conservation and sustainable community development by creating social and environmental standards. The Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) is a coalition of independent non-profit conservation organizations that promote the social and environmental sustainability of agricultural activities by developing standards. Standard and certification policy development and review is coordinated by the SAN secretariat based in San José, Costa Rica. Farms and group administrators that comply with SAN standards can apply to use the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal for products grown on their certified farms. For more information about the Sustainable Agriculture Network, visit our webpage: www.san.ag.

Standards, Criteria and Interpretation Guidelines The objective of the Sustainable Agriculture Standard is to provide a measure of each farm’s social and environmental performance and agricultural management practices. Compliance is evaluated by audits that measure the degree of the farm’s conformity to environmental, social and agricultural practices indicated in the standard criteria. The sustainable agriculture standard consists of ten principles. Each principle is made up of criteria. The criteria describe good practices for social, environmental and agricultural management, and are evaluated by the certification process. It is important to emphasize that compliance with the standard is evaluated by comparison with the criteria, not with the interpretation guidelines. Criteria are binding for the compliance evaluation process, whereas interpretation guidelines are not. On the other hand, interpretation guidelines just describe how good or unacceptable management practices appear, and often contain examples of both good and unacceptable social and environmental practices. In this way the interpretation guidelines guide the farm in its efforts to comply with the standard and may change according to the conditions of different countries, regions or cultures.

Objectives and Use of Interpretation Guidelines How the Standard for Sustainable Agriculture with its criteria is interpreted and applied to particular situations is determined by Interpretation Guidelines.  Interpretation Guidelines are not binding for certification processes, but they are important for implementing good agricultural practices on farms and provide more detailed guidance during audit processes.  Interpretation Guidelines interpret the binding criteria of the standard for local conditions and/or a specific crop and are developed by a local Workgroup. The development of Local Interpretation Guidelines is led by Workgroups, which are coordinated by SAN’s Secretariat and organized by the local technical partners. The balanced representation of different

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stakeholders’ interests possibly influenced by these guidelines is assured and approved by SAN’s Board of Directors. SAN’s Secretariat coordinates the writing of local interpretation guidelines. The final version of guidelines is approved by the Secretariat. The members of Workgroups that develop Local Interpretation Guidelines have to comply with the following requirements:  Understanding and support for SAN’s mission and vision.  Knowledge and experience with respect to the topics under discussion.  Comprehension of the potential influence that this document can have.  Balanced representation of the different points of view of interested stakeholders. These workgroups gather specific input for local interpretation guidelines, such as:  Best farm management practices for ecosystem conservation in the region.  Information about native trees that can be used in reforestation efforts.  Local legislation regarding protection of ecosystems, riparian zones, endangered plants and animals, deforestation and reforestation. Also, information about local and regional conservation programs, protected areas, watersheds and corridors.  Information about local diseases, pests, necessary agricultural practices and other factors that can influence the economic sustainability of farms.  Local labor and occupational health laws executed by the local health and labor ministries or related authorities that can orient farms to implement their social policies.  Best practices for erosion prevention and waste management.

Scope of these Interpretation Guidelines Geographical Scope These guidelines are applicable for chilli production in India and cover primarily the smallholder context. Where interpretations address the large farm / plantation context, this will be indicated. Proceedings The first work group meeting on developing local interpretation guidelines for chilli in India took place on May 15th 2012 in Cochin, India. A first draft was generated from the first work group meeting and was circulated for review by the stakeholders. A second workshop was held on the 28th November 2012 in Hyderabad. Participants mostly defined and refined criteria interpretation in this second workshop. A second draft was thereafter shared with the stakeholders for their review. Then, on February 20th 2014, the third and final local interpretation guideline workshop was held in Cochin. The discussion results of all the three workshops are compiled in this final version of the local interpretation guidelines for chilli in India.

Covered Aspects Criteria within the following principles are subject to local interpretation in this document:  Principle 1: Social and Environmental Management System  Principle 2: Ecosystem Conservation  Principle 3: Wildlife Protection  Principle 4: Water Conservation  Principle 5: Fair Treatment and Good Working Conditions for Workers

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    

Principle 6: Occupational Health and Safety Principle 7: Community Relations Principle 8: Integrated Crop Management Principle 9: Soil Management and Conservation Principle 10: Waste Management

Interpretation for Sustainable Chilli Production in India The following tables are organized by the relevant principle of the Sustainable Agriculture Standard and contain two main sections: 1. Upper cell: The relevant section of the criterion is referenced in bold letters as a textual copy of the valid version of SAN’s Sustainable Agriculture Standard. 2. Lower cells: The local interpretation guidelines that interpret the relevant binding criteria for the environmental and social conditions in India.

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Summary of the principle (not binding for audit purposes): The social and environmental management system is a set of policies and procedures managed by the farm management or group administrator for planning and executing operations in a manner that fosters the implementation of the best management practices indicated in this standard. The social and environmental management system is dynamic and adapts to changes that occur. It also incorporates the results of internal and external evaluations to encourage and support continued improvement on the farm. The scale and complexity of the social and environmental management system depends on the level of risk and the size and complexity of the operation, the type of crop, as well as the farm’s external and internal environmental and social factors. 1.1

The farm must have a social and environmental management system according to its size and complexity of its operations that contains the necessary policies, programs and procedures that prove compliance with this standard and respective national legislation binding for social, labor and environmental aspects on farms – whichever is stricter.

The social and environmental management system shall comprise of policy, procedure, and practice for implementation of various aspects of the SAN Standard. A crucial aspect is the need for a Continuous Improvement Programme that has identified weaknesses, risks, non-conformities (through internal audits or diagnostics) and has a specific implementation plan for improvement with allotted time, resources, and personnel. The Rainforest Alliance Guide for Designing and Documenting a Social and Environmental Management System (2010) provides useful guidelines. It can be downloaded from the following website: http://www.sustainableagriculturetraining.org Relevant national legislation in India includes but is not limited to the major acts and rules listed below. Major national legislations related to Chilli production: (Relevant Principles: 5, 6, 7) Minimum wages Act, 1948 The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009

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You can find the various social justice and governance systems legislation here: http://labour.nic.in/act/welcome.html Major national legislation related to wildlife and ecosystem conservation (Relevant Principles: 2, 3) The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 Major national legislation related to environmental pollution (Relevant Principles: 4, 10) The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Rules 1975 The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 Major national legislation related to use and handling of hazardous chemical and biological materials (Relevant Principles: 6, 8) The Insecticides Act, 1968 and The Insecticides Rules 1971 The Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Tranboundary Movement) Rules, 2008, The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 Major national legislation related to use and handling of wastes (Relevant Principles: 4, 9, 10) The Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000 Plastic Waste Management and Handling Rules (and Amendment), 2011 1.2

The farm must implement permanent or long-term activities to comply with the standard through various programs. Social and environmental management system programs must consist of the following elements: a. Short-, medium- and long-term objectives and goals. b. A list of activities to be conducted in each program, and a timeline or plan indicating when they will be implemented. c. Identification of the persons responsible for carrying out the activities. d. Policies and procedures established to guarantee efficient execution of the activities and compliance with the standard. e. Maps identifying the projects, infrastructure and special areas (for conservation and protection) related to the indicated activities or to the requirements of this standard. f. Records to demonstrate the program is functioning adequately.

The group administrator is responsible to design and implement the social and environmental management program on the group level. Accordingly, producers have to implement the guidelines by the group administrator on the farm level. Each social and environmental management system, as well as the related continuous improvement program, has to be designed by the group administrator in such a way, that it considers and addresses the particularities and challenges of a specific group. In the case of chilli producers with short-term lease agreements, the social and environmental management system has to ensure that knowledge and capacities of producers are increased and accordingly implemented. Since this standard operates on a whole farm scope there are many aspects outside the leased chilli plot (e.g. the homestead as well as other farming plots) that do fall under the scope of this standard as well.

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1.8

The farm’s service providers must commit to complying with the environmental, social and labor requirements of this standard, not only while operating on the farm but also for any outside activities related to the services provided. The farm must have mechanisms for evaluating its service providers and checking that they are complying with this standard. The farm must not use the services of suppliers or contractors that do not comply with the social, labor and environmental requirements of this standard.

It is the responsibility of the group administrator (esp. in the case of chilli smallholders) to identify the main risk areas regarding service providers and to sensitize and train the group members on which service providers to choose and which ones not to choose. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of the individual producer to follow the advice given by the group administrator. For certain post harvest activities it even may be the sole responsibility of the group administrator to choose the right service providers in case activities are carried out on a group level. The below steps are guidelines for larger operations how to manage the risk in choosing the right service provider. The group administrator or estate management should: 1. Make an inventory of suppliers and service providers. 2. Make an assessment of risk according to activities (low/medium/high). High risk includes contractors working at heights (pruning or construction), providing transport, completing electrical and construction works, and handling of dangerous substances (fuels and agrochemicals). 3. Define the SAN principles most relevant to these risk categories (most frequently Occupational Health and Safety, Fair Treatment of Workers, and Integrated Waste Management, though in the case of fuel wood Ecosystem Conservation as well). 4. Inform service providers of the decision of the group or estate‘s certification programme, and the contents of the SAN standard, and provide guidelines to service provider wherever possible on good practice. 5. Carry out the assessment based on those SAN standard criteria, which are applicable with regard to the suppliers/service providers. This could be a management meeting with written compliance agreement by the supplier, and/or expressed commitment to these principles in the supplier’s contract. 6. Choose compliant providers accordingly. 7. Periodically carry out evaluation of service providers concerning their compliance with the SAN standard. The frequency with which this evaluation is carried out should be documented in writing in the group’s management system or the estate’s social and environmental management system. 1.9

The farm must implement a training and education program in order to guarantee the effective execution of the social and environmental management system and its programs. The training topics must be identified according to the standard, the position, and type of work carried out. Records must be kept that include the participants’ signatures, topics covered and the instructor’s name for each training or educational event. The required training must be paid as part of the normal workday.

The social and environmental management system names the training topics and training procedures that any worker has to undergo prior to working on the farm. This also includes casual (e.g. daily or seasonal) workers!

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The social and environmental management system names the person responsible for giving the training, training topic and how the training should be given. The mode on how the training is given may differ depending on the number of trainees. In the case of casual workers this may rather be a one to one introduction. Areas in chilli production that require special attention for training are: - Handling and application of agrochemicals (including fertilizers), - Irrigation practices and frequency, - Harvesting (chilli is pungent, thus the provision and earing of PPE mask, gloves, cap is important; washing of hands prior and after handling the chilli), - Post harvest handling (chilli is pungent, thus the provision and earing of PPE mask, gloves, cap is important; washing of hands prior and after handling the chilli), - Regulations on living on the farm/in the community esp. to casual workers (e.g. health and sanitation, protection of water and terrestrial ecosystems). 1.10

Critical Criterion. The farm must have a system for avoiding the mixing of certified products with non-certified products in its facilities, including harvesting, handling, processing and packaging of products, as well as transportation. All transactions involving certified products must be recorded. Products leaving the farm must be duly identified and accompanied with the relevant documentation indicating a certified farm as origin.

In case non-certified and certified chilli are both handled either on the group or on the farm level, a specified procedure has to ensure and document that no mixing occurs. It is the group administratorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility to design such a system and to operate it on the group level. Accordingly, producers are responsible to implement it on the farm level. 1.11

The farm must annually describe its energy sources and the amount of energy used from each source for production processes, transport and domestic use within the farm limits. The farm must have an energy efficiency plan with goals and implementation activities for increased efficiency, for reducing dependency on non-renewable sources and for increasing the use of renewable energy. Where appropriate, the use of on-farm energy sources must be preferred.

Both small and large farms: -

Record the running hours of water pumps for irrigation and domestic use, Contour dividers for uniform irrigation, Use fuel efficient stoves, Harvest rain water.

Large farms implement: -

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Water recharge

2. ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION Summary of the principle (not binding for audit purposes): Natural ecosystems are integral components of the agricultural and rural countryside. Carbon capture, crops pollination, pest control, biodiversity and soil and water conservation are just some of the services provided by natural ecosystems on farms. Certified farms protect these natural ecosystems and conduct activities to restore degraded ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on restoring natural ecosystems in areas unsuitable for agriculture, for example by re-establishing the riparian forests that are critical to the protection of water channels. The Sustainable Agriculture Network recognizes that forests and farms are potential sources of timber and non-timber forest products that help to diversify farm income when they are managed in a sustainable manner.

2.1

Critical Criterion. All existing natural ecosystems, both aquatic and terrestrial, must be identified, protected and restored through a conservation program. The program must include the restoration of natural ecosystems or the reforestation of areas within the farm that are unsuitable for agriculture.

Traditional chilli growing areas do not harbour much terrestrial natural ecosystems or areas that are unsuitable for agriculture on the farm. Identification, protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems is applicable in some areas. -

Identification of both aquatic ecosystem as well as any remaining terrestrial ecosystem is the responsibility of the group administrator, Use local experts / tribals / elders to identify ecosystems and flora and fauna present in the farm as well as in the neighbouring areas if it is close to forests or rivers (if they depend on eco-services like fuel wood), Documents: list of flora and fauna (including reptiles, insects), water bodies, rainfall, marking on the map, Short, medium, and long term programs for the protection and restoration of identified ecosystems, Creation of diversity in areas unsuitable for agriculture, Monitoring, evaluation,

Education / creating awareness among workers/community (see also criterion 5.18 and 7.5).

2.2

Critical Criterion. From the date of application for certification onwards, the farm must not destroy any natural ecosystem. Additionally, from November 1, 2005 onwards no high value ecosystems must have been destroyed by or due to purposeful farm management activities. If any natural ecosystems have been destroyed by or due to purposeful farm management activities between November 1, 1999 and November 1, 2005, the farm must implement the following analysis and mitigations: a. Conduct an analysis of the ecosystem destruction to document the scope and ecological impact of the destruction. b. Develop a mitigation plan with advice from a competent professional that is consistent with applicable legislation and that compensates for the negative impact. c. Implement the activities of this mitigation plan, including for example the set aside of a significant percentage of the farm area for conservation purposes.

This criterion will be interpreted in a separate document for India.

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2.4

The harvesting or other taking of threatened or endangered plant species is not permitted. Cutting, extracting or harvesting trees, plants and other non-timber forest products is only allowed in instances when the farm implements a sustainable management plan that has been approved by the relevant authorities, and has all the permits required by law. If no applicable laws exist, the plan must have been developed by a competent professional.

Fuel wood and construction wood extraction from nearby forests can result in a compliance issue in some chilli growing areas. To be in line with the requirements of the criteria in principle 2, the following guidelines shall be followed by certified farms and people (including workers) associated with that farm: -

The cutting of trees for firewood and/or construction wood requires a legal permit from the local government institutions. The cutting of invasive species is prioritised â&#x20AC;&#x201C; however equally needs the approval by the local government institutions. In a sustainable management plan the farm/community should define areas and amount for the harvesting of wood; in any case this sustainable management plan has to be approved first by the local government institutions.

2.5

There must be a minimum separation of production areas from natural terrestrial ecosystems where chemical products are not used. A vegetated protection zone must be established by planting or by natural regeneration between different permanent or semi-permanent crop production areas or systems. The separation between production areas and ecosystems as defined in Annex 1 must be respected.

2.6

Aquatic ecosystems must be protected from erosion and agrochemical drift and runoff by establishing protected zones on the banks of rivers, permanent or temporary streams, creeks, springs, lakes, wetlands and around the edges of other natural water bodies. Distances between crop plants and aquatic ecosystems as indicated in Annex 1 must be respected. Farms must not alter natural water channels to create new drainage or irrigation canals. Previously converted water channels must maintain their natural vegetative cover or, in its absence, this cover must be restored. The farm must use and expand vegetative ground covers on the banks and bottoms of drainage canals.

2.7

The farm must establish and maintain vegetation barriers between the crop and areas of human activity, as well as between production areas and on the edges of public or frequently traveled roads passing through or around the farm. These barriers must consist of permanent native vegetation with trees, bushes or other types of plants, in order to promote biodiversity, minimize any negative visual impacts and reduce the drift of agrochemicals, dust and other substances coming from agricultural or processing activities. The distance between the crop plants and areas of human activity as defined in Annex 1 must be respected.

Chilli farmland is usually not adjacent to natural forest and in most cases farmers do not live on the farm, so the most prevalent situation with regards to buffer requirements will be barriers between crop and public roads and between crop and aquatic ecosystems. Buffer zones next to aquatic ecosystems (criterion 2.6):

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Farms can either implement a no spray zone (agriculture use without input of any agrochemicals) or a buffer zone (no agriculture use, native vegetation, no agrochemical use), A no spray zone is preferably planted with crops different than chilli and that are not susceptible to the same pests and diseases like chilli, For aquatic ecosystems with a width of max 3m the buffer zone or no spray zone has to be min. 5m wide, For aquatic ecosystems with a width of more than 3m the buffer zone or no spray zone has to be min. 10m wide, In case the area next to an aquatic ecosystem is prone to erosion and/or the farm is applying a high amounts of agrochemicals, a buffer zone/no spray zone is required that is planted with a dense vegetation minimising risks of erosion and/or agrochemical drift, If the area is prone to flooding the farm is advised to plant a buffer vegetation (not a no spray zone) with flood resistant vegetation that minimises the risks of erosion.

Buffer zones next to roads and infrastructures (criterion 2.7). Next to public roads: -

Farms can either implement a no spray zone (agriculture use without input of any agrochemicals) or a buffer zone (no agriculture use, native vegetation, no agrochemical use), A no spray zone is preferably planted with crops different than chilli and that are not susceptible to the same pests and diseases like chilli, If the farm has a low agrochemical input use and is using knapsack sprayer only, then a 5m buffer zone/no spray zone applies, If the farm has a high agrochemical input use and is using spray boom sprayer, then a 10m buffer zone/no spray zone applies, If there is already a government owned buffer zone between the farm and the public road, then that area qualifies as a buffer zone already.

Next to footpath (e.g. within farming land): -

No buffer zone/no spray zone is required, When spraying is in progress â&#x20AC;&#x153;no entryâ&#x20AC;? signs are required and farm owners are responsible that neighbours are aware of not entering that area.

Next to housing areas: -

2.8

A 10m no spray zone or buffer zone is required next to housing areas, The 10m buffer zone/no spray zone is preferably planted with a thick and high vegetation to prevent any drift of agrochemicals. Farms with agroforestry crops located in areas where the original natural vegetative cover is forest must establish and maintain a permanent agroforestry system distributed homogenously throughout the plantations. The agroforestry systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s structure must meet the following requirements:

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a. The tree community on the cultivated land consists of minimum 12 native species per hectare on average. b. The tree canopy comprises at least two strata or stories. c. The overall canopy density on the cultivated land is at least 40%. Farms in areas where the original natural vegetation is not forest – such as grasslands, savannas, scrublands or shrublands - must dedicate at least 30% of the farm area for conservation or recovery of the area’s typical ecosystems. These farms must implement a plan to establish or recover natural vegetation within ten years. For those smallholder farms in areas with the natural vegetation not being forest, no farm land itself needs to be set aside for conservation or recovery. However, areas around the farm that have been identified as natural ecosystems (critical criteria 2.1 and 2.2) have to be protected and maintained in their natural state.

3. WILDLIFE PROTECTION Summary of the principle (not binding for audit purposes): The farms certified under this standard are refuges for resident and migratory wildlife, especially species that are threatened or endangered. Certified farms protect natural areas that contain food for wild animals or habitats for reproduction and raising offspring. These farms also carry out special programs and activities for regenerating and restoring ecosystems important to wildlife. At the same time, the farms, their owners and employees take measures to reduce and eventually eliminate the number of animals in captivity, despite traditional practices of keeping wildlife as pets in many regions of the world.

3.3

Critical Criterion. Hunting, capturing, extracting and trafficking wild animals must be prohibited on the farm. Cultural or ethnic groups are allowed to hunt or collect fauna in a controlled manner and in areas designated for those purposes under the following conditions: a. The activities do not involve species in danger of or threatened with extinction. b. There are established laws that recognize the rights of these groups to hunt or collect wildlife. c. Hunting and collection activities do not have negative impacts on the ecological processes or functions important for agricultural and local ecosystem sustainability. d. The long-term viability of the species’ populations is not affected. e. These activities are not for commercial purposes.

Although the criterion provides for an exemption for cultural or ethnic groups (should established laws recognize the rights of these groups to hunt or collect wildlife), Indian law does not provide for such an exemption. Hunting is prohibited for both tribal and non-tribal people under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (see below). Thus, the requirements by Indian legislation are stricter and have to be complied with. The below interpretation applies: -

Scheduled animals must not be hunted (Wildlife Protection Act), No hunting must occur within the farm boundaries – neither by the farm owner nor by workers, There must be “no hunting” sign boards on the farm (in local language), Fishing is acceptable if done for domestic consumption only and with traditional/sustainable fishing

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techniques. 4. WATER CONSERVATION Summary of the principle (not binding for audit purposes): Water is vital for agriculture and human existence. Certified farms conduct activities to conserve water and avoid wasting this resource. Farms prevent contamination of surface and underground water by treating and monitoring wastewater. The Sustainable Agriculture Standard includes measures for preventing surface water contamination caused by the run-off of chemicals or sediments. Farms that do not have such measures guarantee that they are not degrading water resources through the implementation of a surface water monitoring and analysis program, until they have complied with the stipulated preventative actions. 4.1

The farm must have a water conservation program that ensures the rational use of water resources. The program activities must make use of the best available technology and resources. It must consider water re-circulation and reuse, maintenance of the water distribution network and the minimizing of water use. The farm must keep an inventory and indicate on a map the surface and underground water sources found on the property. The farm must record the annual water volume provided by these sources and the amount of water consumed by the farm.

Particularly in furrow irrigation systems (as they occur in chilli production), a lot of water is wasted. In case water is not used efficiently, the continuous improvement plan has to be steered towards a more efficient use of water (e.g. introduction of drip irrigation). Below steps may help in identifying and addressing water efficiency issues on the farm: 4.2

With the help of the group administrator a basic survey on water consumption is done (the whole farm; all crops and including domestic water use), Identification of all water sources on the farm and estimation of their volume, Introduction of improved irrigation techniques (e.g. drip irrigation with solar pumps), Cover crops/mulching (also consider other crops on the farm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whole farm concept) Document on water availability from all the sources (bore well, canal water), Document water consumption for all crops, Irrigation based on crop requirement & soil moisture measurement etc., Signs of water wastage are recognized and water wastage continuously minimized. All surface or underground water exploited by the farm for agricultural, domestic or processing purposes must have the respective concessions and permits from the corresponding legal or environmental authorities.

In some states permits are required for the abstraction of (irrigation) water. Abstraction permits are regulated under state law. Group administrators are responsible to inquire if abstraction permits are required within their state and certified farms do accordingly have the necessary permits if legally required. The most common states for chilli production in India are: - Andrah Pradesh, - Madhya Pradesh, - Karnataka, - Tamil Nadu, - Maharastra, SAN-G-32-1

- Orissa. Both, the websites of the Central Ground Water Board as well as the NIC provide information and links to state level legislation on water use and water abstraction: http://www.cgwb.gov.in http://www.nic.in 4.4

The farm must have appropriate treatment systems for all wastewaters it generates. The treatment systems must comply with applicable national and local laws and have the respective operating permits. There must be operating procedures for industrial wastewater treatment systems. All packing plants must have waste traps that prevent the discharge of solids from washing and packing into canals and water bodies.

In the smallholder context, two soak pits treat separately the domestic grey water and the waste water from the cleaning of agrochemical application equipment. 4.5

Critical Criterion. The farm must not discharge or deposit industrial or domestic wastewater into natural water bodies without demonstrating that the discharged water complies with the respective legal requirements, and that the wastewaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical and biochemical characteristics do not degrade the receiving water body. If legal requirements do not exist, the discharged wastewater must comply with the following minimum parameters: Water Quality Parameter Value Biochemical Oxygen Demand (DBO5, 20) Less than 50 mg/L Total suspended solids pH Between 6.0 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9.0 Grease and oils Less than 30 mg/L Fecal coliforms Absent The mixing of wastewater with uncontaminated water for discharge into the environment is prohibited.

Farms are responsible for their workers and have to ensure that the discharge of their workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waste water is not discharged directly into natural aquatic ecosystems. Special attention is required by the producer and the group administrator in case of migrant workers working on several farms. Traditionally, migrant workers tend to camp on the riverbanks. The group administrator is responsible to develop a solution by preferably reassigning a new campsite to the migrant workers and by providing training and by laws with the migrant workers on how to protect the aquatic ecosystems.

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5. FAIR TREATMENT AND GOOD WORKING CONDITIONS FOR WORKERS Summary of the principle (not binding for audit purposes): All employees working on certified farms, and the families that live on these farms, benefit from the rights and conditions established in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Children’s Rights Convention, and in the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) conventions and recommendations. Farms pay salaries and benefits equal or more than the legal minimum, and the workweek and working hours must not exceed the legal maximums or those established by the ILO. Workers may organize and associate freely, especially for negotiating working conditions. Certified farms do not discriminate and do not use forced or child labor; to the contrary, these farms work to offer employment opportunities and education to people in neighbouring communities. Housing provided by certified farms is in good condition, and has potable water, sanitary facilities and domestic waste collection. Families living on certified farms have access to medical services and the children have access to education.

5.2

Critical Criterion. The farm must not discriminate in its labor and hiring policies and procedures along the lines of race, color, gender, age, religion, social class, political tendencies, nationality, union membership, sexual orientation, civil status or any other motive as indicated by applicable laws, ILO Conventions 100 and 111, and this standard. The farm must offer equal pay, training and promotion opportunities and benefits to all workers for the same type of work. The farm must not influence the political, religious, social or cultural convictions of workers.

5.5

Critical Criterion. Workers must receive pay in legal remuneration greater than or equal to the regional average or the legally established minimum wage, whichever is greater, according to their specific job. In cases where the salary is negotiated through collective bargaining or other pact, the worker must have access to a copy of this document during the hiring process. For production, quota or piecework, the established pay rate must allow workers to earn a minimum wage based on an eight-hour workday under average working conditions, or in cases where these conditions cannot be met.

The group administrator has to ensure that the same type and duration or output of work is paid equally between man and women. Migrant workers are also paid the same as local/community resident workers for same type and duration/output of works. If deductions are made for housing or food, these deductions are made on mutual agreement and are valued on fair market prices. The applicable minimum wage applies, defined at State level; the respective Labour Department within each State can inform on the current minimum wage for agricultural workers. 5.4

The farm must have payment policies and procedures that guarantee the complete payment of workers on the dates agreed upon in the labor contract. Payment must take place at the workplace, or by another arrangement agreed upon by the worker. The farm must provide the worker with a detailed and comprehensive explanation of the salary paid and of any deductions made, allowing the worker to appeal in the case of perceived discrepancies. Farms with ten or more full or part-time permanent employees must maintain an up-to-date written payroll and job description for each employee with the following information, which employees must have access to: a. Worker’s name, national identity card number, and position. b. Job description and assigned salary.

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c. Minimum salary established by the government according to the type of activity. d. Weekly working hours established by applicable laws for the type of activity, and a comparison with the number of hours assigned each worker. e. Job requirements, for example, training or special skills. f. Payment dates. g. Gross pay for normal hours. h. Gross pay for overtime. i. Total pay: normal and overtime. j. Legal deductions and other deductions agreed upon by the worker. k. Net pay. Migrant workers are often assigned to farms through contractors/service providers. Either deductions are made from their salary or the employing farm is requested to pay a fee to the contractor for organising these migrant workers. To comply with the labour requirements of this standard, the following interpretations apply: - Deductions need to be agreed upon between worker and employer prior to the work agreement and have to be well explained to workers and farmers, - Wages and potential deductions need to be well explained to workers, - There needs to be a clear agreement on who is paying whom, - Preferably the farmer pays a fee to the contractor and then workers are paid directly by the farm owner, - Workers are always paid at least or above the applicable minimum wage after any deductions are made, - It is also the responsibility of the producer that the contractor is treating workers in line with the requirements of this standard (ref. criterion 1.8). 5.6

Working hours, rest periods during the workday, the number of annual paid vacation days, holidays, and rest days must comply with current labor laws and with the following minimum conditions: a. The maximum number of hours worked per week must not exceed 48. b. Workers must have a minimum of 24 consecutive hours rest (one day off) for every six consecutive days worked. c. All workers must have the right to annual paid vacation equivalent to a minimum of one day for each month worked (12 days or 2 work weeks per year) or the equivalent for part-time workers. These rights and benefits must be made known to the workers and included in any labor contract or collective agreement.

5.7

All overtime must be voluntary. The farm must have policies and procedures relating to the requirements and assignation of overtime that conform to current labor laws. These policies and procedures must be made known to workers when they are hired. Overtime must not exceed 12 hours per week. Overtime hours must be paid at a higher rate than normal working hours. When current labor laws permit, this standard allows for an exception period during which the maximum 60 hours (48 normal hours plus 12 overtime hours) per week can be exceeded during seasonal activities or due to unforeseen circumstances, under the following conditions: a. Workers must get at least one day off (24 consecutive hours) for every six consecutive days worked.

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b. The farm must document the number of hours worked (regular and overtime) per day and the activities carried out for each worker. c. The farm must demonstrate through a comparative analysis that overtime hours during the exception period do not result in a higher accident rate than during normal working periods. d. The exception period must not exceed two consecutive work weeks or six work weeks within a two-month period. The average hours worked per week must not exceed 60 hours as calculated during an eight-week period starting from the first day of the exception period. e. No more than two exception periods are allowed each year. f. Workers are not allowed to work more than 12 hours per day. g. In the case of an unforeseen event that causes employees to work more hours than permitted by this standard or applicable labor laws, the farm must document the circumstances and the actions to be taken to avoid repetition in the future. h. In the case of a cyclical event that happens at approximately the same time each year, such as harvesting or production peaks, the farm must present an analysis that indicates that the cost of directly contracting more workers during this period would have a negative impact on the farm’s economic sustainability. Background Normal working time according to Indian legislation is 48h/week with 8h/day. During harvest season on a chilli farm working times are from 8 am – 5pm per day with 1h lunch break; local workers are working 6 days per week. The main working task is mostly related to plucking chilli. In extreme weather (e.g. high temperature) workers might only work 5 – 6h a day. Migrant workers are offered to take the 7th days off. While migrant workers do overall stay 2-3 months in one area, they keep on changing farms every few days (they stay between 2 – 15 days on one farm before moving to another farm). Mostly workers are paid per day whereas area task work usually only happens towards the end of the season. Area task related work only requires a duration of 2 – 3 days to be completed and thus does not require overtime remuneration. Interpretation In cases workers are staying on one and the same farm for more than 6 days, both overtime considerations and rest period requirements apply as defined in the criteria 5.6 and 5.7. 5.8

Critical Criterion. It is prohibited to directly or indirectly employ full- or part-time workers under the age of 15. In countries where the ILO Conventions have been ratified, the farm must adhere to Convention 138, Recommendation 146 (minimum age). Farms contracting minors between the ages of 15 and 17 must keep a record of the following information for each minor: a. First and last name. b. Date of birth (day, month and year). c. First and last name of parents or legal guardian. d. Place of origin and permanent residence. e. Type of work carried out on the farm. f. Number of hours assigned and worked. g. Salary received. h. Written authorization for employment signed by parents or legal guardian. Workers between 15 and 17 years old must not work more than eight hours per day or more than 42 hours per week. Their work schedule must not interfere with educational opportunities. These

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workers must not be assigned activities that could put their health at risk, such as the handling and application of agrochemicals or activities that require strong physical exertion. 5.9

When applicable laws permit, minors between 12 and 14 years old may work part-time on family farms, only if they are family members or neighbors in a community where minors have traditionally helped with agricultural work. The schedule for these minors including school, transportation and work must not exceed ten hours on school days or eight hours on non-school days, and must not interfere with educational opportunities. The following conditions must be fulfilled: a. These workers must have the right to one rest day for every six days worked and rest breaks during the workday the same as or more frequently than contracted workers. b. They must not form part of the farm’s contracted workforce. c. They must not work at night. d. They must not handle or apply agrochemicals or be in areas where they are being applied. e. They must not carry heavy loads nor do work that requires physical exertion unsuitable for their age. f. They must not work on steep slopes (more than 50% incline) or in high places (ladders, trees, roofs, towers or similar places). g. They must not operate or be near heavy machinery. h. They must not do any type of work that may affect their health or safety. i. They must get periodical training for the work they do. j. They must be under the supervision of a responsible adult in order to guarantee that they understand how to do their work safely. k. Transportation must be provided to and from home if workers have to travel in the dark or in conditions that put their personal safety at risk.

Legal minimum age for employment is currently 15 years. Thus it is the same in India as required by this standard. Children – including those of migrant workers - are not present on the farm. Migrant workers preferably leave their children in government boarding schools. In case children accompany their parents during the harvesting season, the group administrator is advised to facilitate school access in nearby schools for the migrant workers’ children (the “Child Labour Act and Right to Education” actually mandates government schools to admit any child up for free in any school in India). In case school access cannot be facilitated, it is the responsibility of the group administrator to nominate a person responsible to take care of these minors while their parents are working on the farm. 5.14

Housing provided by the farm for permanent or temporary workers living there must be welldesigned, built and maintained to foster good hygienic, health and safety conditions. Living quarters must be separated from production areas. The farm must seek alternatives for relocating housing or camps that are currently within production areas. Workers and their families living on the farm must have access to recreation areas according to the composition of inhabitants. The design, size and construction of dormitories, barracks and other housing, type and quantity of furniture, and number and location of sanitary facilities, showers, and washing and cooking areas must comply with applicable laws. In absence of applicable laws the following elements and characteristics apply:

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a. The dormitories must be constructed with wooden floors above the ground or floors made from asphalt or concrete, roofs in good condition without leaks, and with appropriate ventilation and lighting. b. The ceiling must not be lower than 2.5 meters at any point. c. Five square meters of space per person in sleeping areas. d. Heating for cold climates. e. Bed, hammock or other dignified infrastructure for sleeping according to the workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cultural needs, at least 20 centimeters above the ground. The space in between bunk beds is greater than or equal to 120 centimeters and 90 centimeters between each bed. f. Basic furniture for storing personal belongings. g. The sanitary facilities must comply with the following characteristics: one toilet for every 15 persons; one urinal for every 25 men; sufficient supply of toilet paper; a minimum distance of 30 meters from dormitories, eating areas and kitchens; one washbasin for every six persons, or per family. h. One shower per ten persons, separated by gender. i. One large laundry sink for every 30 persons. j. In the absence of a kitchen service (kitchen and dining hall provided by the farm), there must be installations outside the living areas for preparing and eating food and for washing kitchen utensils. There must be one cooking installation per 10 persons or for every two families. Background: Migrant workers do usually camp at a site nearby the village and then keep on moving from one farm to another during the harvesting season. The villagers may assign an area for them where to set up their camp; the camp itself will be set up by the migrant workers. Interpretation: Since migrant workers are working on several farms (certified and non certified) while staying in one and the same campsite any improvement of their situation has to start from a community level. Thus, the group administrator is advised to firstly create sensitisation and awareness on health and sanitation issues within the community itself. Then improvement plans can be discussed with the community that also consider the location of migrant worker campsites and the Doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Dontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of migrant workers when staying there. On a mid to long term it is also advised that facilities are set up at these campsites that specifically improve the situation on sanitary facilities, drinking water supply, waste water treatment and cooking. Whenever migrant workers are coming to the community, they are made aware of the important health and sanitation issues as well as how and from where to source drinking water, fuel wood, and construction wood. This is a continuous improvement process and will require time. The start has to be made from within the community (also see criteria 5.18 and 7.5) and it is the responsibility of the group administrator to facilitate this process.

5.15

All workers of the farm and persons living on the farm must have access to potable water. Sufficient supply of potable water must be provided to all workers and must be available at the work site. The farm must be able to demonstrate that the water provided complies with the physical and chemical parameters and other characteristics established in applicable laws or in

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their absence, with the following critical parameters defined by the World Health Organization (WHO): Parameter Fecal Coliforms Chlorine residue or residue from other treatment disinfectants Nitrates pH Sodium Sulphates Turbidity

Value Zero 0.2 to 0.5 mg/L 10 mg/L as nitrates 6.5 to 8.5 20 mg/L 250 mg/L Less than or equal to 5 NTU

Non-family farms that obtain water from their own sources - water not supplied by aqueducts managed by other entities - must have a periodic drinking water monitoring and analysis program that includes: a. Identification of water sources on a map and on the farm. b. Policies and procedures for guaranteeing the protection of water sources. c. Sampling procedures and sampling locations and frequency. d. Analyses conducted by a legally recognized laboratory (certified or authorized). e. A record of the results for the last three years or since the certification process was initiated. Additional analysis may be requested in order to ensure quality when evidence of direct or indirect contamination (such as erosion) of surface or underground water exists. An overview of Indian Standards for drinking water is available here: http://www.indiawaterportal.org/node/10064 Based on this the applicable Standards for India are: Parameters Fecal Coliforms Chlorine residue or residue from other treatment disinfectants Nitrates pH Sodium Sulphates Turbidity

Value (maximum permissible or range) Nil 0.2 mg/L (maximum 1 mg/L when no alternative source exists) 45 mg / L 6.5 to 8.5 20 mg / L 200 mg / L Less than or equal to 5 NTU

The relevant document is the Indian Standard for Drinking Water as per BIS specifications (IS 10500-2004): http://www.indiawaterportal.org/sites/indiawaterportal.org/files/Drinking_Water_Standards_BIS_10500_2 004_by_BIS.pdf The above document also specifies additional criteria related to quality, including pesticide residues. It also states that the drinking water should be free from microscopic organisms such as algae, zooplanktons, flagellates, parasites, and toxin-producing organisms.

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5.16

All workers and their families must have access to medical services during working hours and in case of emergency. When legislation requires, farms must contract the services of a doctor or nurse with the necessary equipment to provide these services.

Larger certified farms with min 20 permanent workers and temporary workers (temp. workers with more than 90 working days a year) provide their workers with health and accident insurance. 5.17

The farm must have mechanisms to guarantee access to education for the school-age children that live on the farm. Schools established and administered by certified farms must have the necessary resources, personnel and infrastructure to be able to provide an educational experience that complies with national legal requirements.

See 5.8 and 5.9 discussion. 5.18

The farm must implement an educational program directed towards administrative and operative personnel (farm workers) and their families that encompasses three topics: the general objectives and requirements of Rainforest Alliance Certifiedâ&#x201E;˘ certification; environmental and conservation topics related to this standard; and fundamental health and hygiene concepts. The program must be designed for the culture, language and educational level of those involved.

Educational activities and sensitizations include but are not limited to: - Health, Hygiene and Sanitation (workers and families), - Awareness on environmental issue and like waste management, water conservation, no hunting (workers and families), - OHS trainings for workers (e.g. handling and application of agrochemicals; handling of chillies), - Importance of education for children - no child labour (workers and families).

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6. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY Summary of the principle (not binding for audit purposes): All certified farms have an occupational health and safety program to reduce or prevent the risk of accidents in the workplace. All workers receive training on how to do their work safely, especially regarding the application of agrochemicals. Certified farms provide the necessary equipment to protect workers and guarantee that the tools, infrastructure, machinery and all equipment used on the farms is in good condition and does not pose a danger to human health or the environment. Measures are taken on these farms to avoid the effects of agrochemicals on workers, neighbors and visitors. Certified farms identify potential emergencies and are prepared with plans and equipment to respond to any event or incident, as well as to minimize the possible impacts on workers and the environment. 6.3

All workers that apply, handle, transport or come into contact with agrochemicals or other chemical substances must be trained in at least the following subjects: a. General occupational health. b. Formulations, names, and the biocide action or toxicity in the case of pesticides, of the substances used. c. Interpretation of the pesticide labels and of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the substances used. d. Correct use of personal protective clothing and equipment. e. Preventative measures and measures for reducing damage to health and the environment caused by chemical substances: equipment, techniques, signage, medical examinations, etc. f. Emergency procedures, first aid and medical attention for cases involving poisoning or undue contact with chemical substances. g. Techniques for handling chemical substances and for the correct application of agrochemicals. h. Secure handling and transportation of agrochemicals for drivers. Only persons with proven knowledge and experience in the subject must carry out the training. Farms with ten or more permanent workers in production or processing must document for each training event the objectives, topics, the workers or positions that must attend training, the training materials used, the frequency and duration, and the list of participants.

6.4

Workers that carry out activities identified as being dangerous or a health risk in the occupational health and safety program, or those that require special skills such as the handling and application of agrochemicals, carrying heavy loads, harvesting manually or using agricultural machinery or equipment, must receive a medical check-up at least annually to assure their physical and mental capacities for such work. Workers must have access to the results of their medical examinations. Those workers who either express or are observed having medical or mental health issues, must have the timely attention of and, as indicated, treatment by medical personnel - with the authority to find that a worker is unfit for the specific job he/she is doing and he/she needs job reassignment. Farm management must implement actions to avoid medical disorders of farm workers caused by harvest and other labor practices. Adequate rehydration must be provided at all times.

Any worker conducting hazardous work has to be trained â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this also includes casual workers being on the farm for a short period only. The assignment of one/a few community sprayers could be an option for

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smallholders to fulfil the requirements of this standard with regard to training on handling of agrochemicals and provision of appropriate PPE. Additionally the interpretations under 1.9 apply. With regard to Occupational Health and Safety trainings special attention should be given to the following topics: - Agrochemical handling (workers & farmers), - Training on the safe handling of mechanical equipment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; e.g. tillers, ploughs (workers & framers), - Water saving irrigation (workers & farmers). 6.6

The farm must provide workers in all work areas with the basic services, resources and working conditions necessary to comply with the occupational health and safety program objectives and with the safety, health, and cleanliness requirements of applicable laws and this standard. Farms must provide facilities for human hygiene purposes in all sites with worker presence that is out of reach of administrative infrastructure. The farm must consult workers about the provided services, resources and working conditions, and demonstrate that they take into account the results of these consultations. The farm must provide the necessary protective equipment, and require its usage, for all machinery, tools and other implements considered dangerous.

Certified farms provide adequate PPE for any activity on the farm that requires special protective equipment. PPE in chilli farming is required at least for the following activities (but there may be other activities requiring PPE without being mentioned in below list): - Harvesting and handling of pungent chilli, - Handling and applying agrochemicals. 6.10

The farm must store agrochemicals in a manner that minimizes potential negative impacts on human health and on the environment. The farm must store only the amount of agrochemicals necessary to meet short-term needs. These products must be separated according to their biocide, toxicity and chemical formula. They must not be stored on the floor nor come within contact with absorbent materials. A Material Safety Data Sheet must be kept in the storage facility for each chemical product stored. All agrochemical containers must be washed three times before being stored for disposal or return to supplier. All agrochemical containers must maintain their original labels. The farm must take actions to return to the supplier agrochemicals that are prohibited, expired, or not legally registered, or agrochemicals that have had their licenses cancelled. If the supplier will not accept them, the farm must seek safe alternatives for eliminating them.

Empty agrochemical containers that are kept on the farm are rinsed and punctured/cut. They are further stored at a secure location that prevents unauthorised people to get into contact with those agrochemical containers. Farms are encouraged to take action in requesting their agrochemical suppliers to take back empty agrochemical containers through meetings and letters of inquiry. Relevant provision (Section 44) of the Insecticide Rules 1971 may be adduced to encourage manufacturers and dealers to take back used containers for safe disposal.

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6.13

Critical Criterion. All workers that come into contact with agrochemicals, including those who clean or wash clothes or equipment that has been exposed to agrochemicals, must use personal protection equipment. The farm must provide this equipment in good condition, and must provide incentives to workers to use the equipment. The equipment must reduce contact with the agrochemicals and the possibility of acute or chronic poisoning, and must comply with the strictest of the following requirements: a) the requirements indicated on the products’ Material Safety Data Sheet, b) any applicable laws; or c) the equipment indicated in Annex 2 of this standard.

Any person handling and applying agrochemicals on a certified farm has to wear the appropriate PPE (according to the MSDS of the used agrochemical) to comply with this critical criterion! To share and thus minimize costs on the smallholder level, it is an option for a number of certified farms to share one PPE set. Alternatively, there may also be one assigned worker per community for the application of agrochemicals (see also 6.4). 6.16

The farm must have showers and changing rooms for all persons that apply or come in contact with agrochemicals. There must be policies and procedures that require that all workers that apply agrochemicals shower and change their clothes immediately after finishing the application and before leaving the farm at the end of the workday. There must be exclusive and separate areas for washing personal protection equipment and for washing application equipment.

6.17

Clothes worn while applying agrochemicals must never be washed in the workers’ homes. There must be a designated area near the changing rooms for washing application clothing. Handling and safety procedures must be established for transferring or transporting contaminated clothing from the shower area to the laundry room.

In the smallholder context, a shared designated washing area for the community sprayers can be considered to bring down costs while complying with the requirements of these criteria. 6.18

The farm must identify and analyze the types of potential emergencies – caused by nature or humans – that could occur on the farm according to its operations and environment. The farm must have an emergency response plan with actions and documented procedures for responding to all identified emergencies. All workers must be familiar with the emergency response measures relating to their areas of work and responsibilities. The farm must have workers trained in first aid available on each shift.

Emergencies include political or civil unrest, chemical poisoning/contamination, heat stroke, fire, lightning, landslides and flooding. The group administrator or farm manager identifies the types of emergencies that may affect workers, and include training on measures to mitigate and respond to them. This includes documenting and making workers and group members aware of private, government or community-led response services, such as ambulances, fire-fighting measures etc.

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6.20

Farms must implement documented procedures for protecting workers in the event of an extreme weather event. When harvesting at night, farms must provide constant lighting in the entire radius of harvest worker activities. Only in the case of monoculture crops with an average plant height lower than two meters, farms must provide shelter for shade and protection from extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain and lightning.

During the hot season it is recommended to concentrate working hours during the mornings and to avoid fieldwork during the extreme heat of the day. Primary grading workers are advised to wear head protection and like for any other activity are provided with sufficient drinking water. Shaded areas are provided for workers during secondary grading.

7. COMMUNITY RELATIONS Summary of the principle (not binding for audit purposes): Certified farms are good neighbors. They relate in positive ways with neighbors, surrounding communities and local interest groups. The farms periodically inform the surrounding communities, neighbors and interest groups about their activities and plans, and they consult with interested parties about changes on farms that could have potential impacts on the social and environmental well being of surrounding communities. Certified farms contribute to local economic development through training and employment and try to prevent negative impacts on the areas, activities or services that are important for local populations.

7.1

The farm must respect areas and activities that are important to the community socially, culturally, biologically, environmentally and religiously. These must not be affected by farm activities.

The whole farm concept has to be considered â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thus this criterion does not only apply to the (leased) chilli plot but to any farming activity of the farm. In any case, certified farms do not farm on temple land or any other land that bears a cultural or religious significance. 7.6

The farm must have a legitimate right to land use and tenure, demonstrated by presenting the appropriate official documentation. If there is no such documentation the farm must show either: a. The absence of significant disputes on land use, tenure and access, or; b. The consent of local communities, regarding the land, natural and agricultural resources.

The whole farm concept has to be considered â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thus this criterion does not only apply to the (leased) chilli plot, but to any farming activity of the farm. Certified farms can either provide the appropriate official documentation on land tenure or a lease agreement. In case these formal agreements are not available they can proof the absence on land use conflicts through a testimonial provided by the village elders/village committee. The group administrator may facilitate such documents. SAN-G-32-1

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8. INTEGRATED CROP MANAGEMENT Summary of the principle (not binding for audit purposes): The Sustainable Agriculture Network encourages the elimination of chemical products known internationally, regionally and nationally for their negative impacts on human health and natural resources. Certified farms contribute to the elimination of these products through integrated crop management to reduce the risk of pest infestations. They also record the use of agrochemicals to register the amounts consumed, and work to reduce and eliminate these products, especially the most toxic ones. To minimize the excessive application and waste of agrochemicals certified farms have the procedures and equipment for mixing these products and for maintaining and calibrating application equipment. Certified farms do not use products that are not registered for use in their country, nor do they use transgenic organisms or other products prohibited by different entities or national and international agreements. 8.2

The farm must demonstrate by comparative agrochemical inventories and use records that it rotates chemical products and reduces their use for crop production. The agrochemical inventory on the farm must include, as a minimum requirement, the commercial and generic product names, the quantities acquired and the purchase dates. For field applications, the farm must record the following information: a. Products applied and application dates. b. Identification of the area where the application was made (on a map or clearly identified by the name or number of the plot). c. Application area size (in hectares or another indicated unit of measurement). d. Dosage and total volume of products used. e. Names of the persons responsible for mixing the products and authorizing the application. f. Names of the persons that carried out the field application. g. Identification of application equipment used (backpack or motorized sprayer, fumigation airplane, spray boom, etc.). h. The farm must keep a record of applications for five years. The information from records must be summarized and analyzed to determine application trends for specific products during the last five years.

Overall â&#x20AC;&#x201C; group administrators are in charge to train their group members on how to do the required record keeping a) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; h). These records can be done in a simplified table format in a farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s field notebook. General Information on IPM is provided on the following website: http://www.sustainableagriculturetraining.org IPM information specifically for chilli cultivation in India can be requested from the Indian Rainforest Alliance representative. 8.4

Critical Criterion. The following chemical or biological substances cannot be used on certified farms: a. b. c.

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Biological or organic substances that are not legally registered in the country for commercial use. Agrochemicals that are not registered officially in the country. Agrochemicals that are mentioned in the List of Banned and Severely Restricted Pesticides in the U.S. by its Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or pesticides banned or severely restricted in the European Union.

d. e.

f. g.

Substances that have been banned globally under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Substances listed in Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC), in relation to national bans or severe restrictions for documented health or environmental reasons in at least two regions of the World. All Pesticide Action Network Dirty Dozen substances. List of Prohibited Pesticides – Sustainable Agriculture Network is binding for the inserts 8.4.c, 8.4.d, 8.4.e and 8.4.f of this criterion.

The SAN list of prohibited pesticides and the list of banned pesticides in India complement each other. This means that none of the substances in any of these lists are used on any part of the certified farm (whole farm concept). This critical criterion applies both to the cultivation of chilli, as well as to all other crops grown on the farm. This also includes the crops grown in rotation with chilli. The list of chemicals banned in India is available here: http://cibrc.nic.in/list_pest_bann.htm Note: Under the Indian legal and judicial framework, the following additional points may be noted: Monocrotophos, Endosulfan, and Chlorfenvinphos are now banned for use in India. -

Endosulfan is banned for use, sale, and manufacture in India from May 2011 by Supreme Court order WP(Civil) 213 of 2011 dated 13 May 2011 available from: http://supremecourtofindia.nic.in/outtoday/wc21311p.pdf or from http://courtnic.nic.in/courtnicsc.asp . The States of Karnataka and Kerala have also separately banned the use of endosulfan.

Monocrotophos is restricted for use in India (ban on use in vegetables).

The list of banned chemicals includes chlorfenvinphos and lindane and over 30 other chemicals.

Apart from making sure that none of the banned substances are used on any part of the certified farm, group administrators and producers on certified farms further avoid to use so called “fake agrochemicals”. Group administrators do advice their group members which agrochemicals are allowed to be used on certified farms and where to source safe and branded agrochemicals and biochemicals to avoid fraudulent products. 8.6

Critical Criterion. The farm must take steps to avoid introducing, cultivating or processing transgenic crops. When nearby transgenic materials are accidentally introduced into a certified farm’s crop, the farm must develop and execute a plan to isolate the crops and provide followup in order to comply with the requirements of this criterion.

It is a non-conformity to this critical criterion, to grow GM Cotton on a certified farm (whole farm concept – e.g. including any other farming operation done by the certified farm apart from farming chilli). Group administrators pay special attention to this requirement and sensitize and monitor their group members carefully – this is specifically important if next to chilli cultivation, group members also farm cotton (irrespective on which part of the farm; whole farm concept).

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9. SOIL MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION Summary of the principle (not binding for audit purposes): One of the objectives of sustainable agriculture is the long-term improvement of the soils that supports agricultural production. Certified farms carry out activities that prevent or control erosion, and thus reduce the loss of nutrients and the negative impacts on water bodies. The farms have fertilization programs based on the crop requirements and soil characteristics. The use of vegetative ground cover and crop rotation reduces dependency on agrochemicals for the control of pests and weeds. Certified farms only establish new production areas on land that is suitable for agriculture and the new crops, and never by cutting forests.

9.1

The farm must execute a soil erosion prevention and control program that minimizes the risk of erosion and reduces existing erosion. The program activities must be based on the identification of soils affected by or susceptible to erosion, as well as soil properties and characteristics, climatic conditions, topography and agricultural practices for the crop. Special emphasis must be placed on controlling runoff and wind erosion from newly tilled or planted areas, as well as preventing sedimentation of water bodies. The farm must use and expand vegetative ground covers on the banks and bottoms of drainage canals to reduce erosion and agrochemical drift and runoff towards water bodies.

Chilli is mostly cultivated on flat terrain, where erosion will not be a major issue. Thus the soil erosion prevention and control program is important mainly for farming areas adjoining rivers and streams (also see 2.6 interpretation). 9.3

The farm must use and expand its use of vegetative ground cover to reduce erosion and improve soil fertility; structure and organic material content, as well as minimize the use of herbicides. There must be a vegetative ground cover establishment and expansion plan that indicates the areas with existing cover, as well as areas where cover will be established in the future. The farm must include a timeframe for these activities.

Planting of cover crops is so far less practiced in chilli. However certified farms are advised to use organic mulching material (where available) for soil cover between the chilli plants. Another option â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which would also benefit IPM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is the use of intercropping with food crops that provide an improved soil cover yet do not have the same pests and diseases like chilli. Planting a cover crop after the chilli seedlings have established can also be a consideration that would ensure that the young chilli plants themselves wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be shaded by the cover crop. Additionally it is advised that farms plant a fallow crop after the chilli has been harvested to restore soil health. The organic material of that fallow crop is then left on the farm to regain soil organic matter. The use of plastic mulch is not advised since it has no benefits for the soil health and the disposal of the plastic waste remains a problem.

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10. INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT Summary of the principle (not binding for audit purposes): Certified farms are clean and orderly. Farm workers and residents cooperate with maintaining the farm clean and are proud of the farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image. There are programs for managing waste according to its type and quantity, through recycling and waste reduction and reuse. The final destination of waste on the farm is administered and designed to minimize possible environmental and human health impacts. Certified farms have evaluated the transportation and treatment services supplied by contractors and know the final destination of the waste generated on the farm.

10.1

The farm must have an integrated waste management program for the waste products it generates. This must be based on the concepts of refusing or reducing the use of products that have actual or potential negative impacts on the environment or human health as well as reusing and recycling waste. As part of this program, the sources and types of waste must be identified and the quantity (weight or volume) must be estimated. The activities of the integrated waste management program must be in accordance with the types and quantities of waste generated.

General waste: Producers and people on certified farms separate biodegradable and non-degradable waste. People further apply proper composting and mulching techniques with the biodegradable waste. The amount of nondegradable waste is reduced, reused and recycled to a large extend. Producers are accordingly trained by their group administrator. Empty agrochemical container: The group administrator contacts the State Pollution Control Board to help identify agencies that are certified to handle toxic containers. In the meantime, producers wash (triple rinse) and destroy (e.g. puncture or cut) the empty agrochemicals containers and store them in a secured place on the farm. No agrochemical container is re-used. Producers are accordingly trained by their group administrator. Other hazardous waste that requires special handling and is commonly found on farms and rural homes: - Radio batteries - Cfl lamps Group administrators advise their group members how to dispose these materials safely.

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Annex 1 Distances between production areas and terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems and areas of human activity Separations in meters between areas of crop production terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems and areas of human activity, based on crop-management intensity, are shown in the following table. The farm must comply with the distances indicated in the table or by applicable laws, whatever is stricter. The separation from aquatic ecosystems is indicated according to the average percentage of slope of the surrounding terrain. For example, farms that apply agrochemicals less than once per month and do not use WHO category Ia, Ib or II products, must maintain a separation of five meters between streams and crop production areas on flat land. For roads, the separation indicates the width of the buffer strip between the crop and the edge of the road in which the use of agrochemicals or the production of crops is prohibited. These areas must have vegetative barriers. In some cases, different distances apply per distance category (columns), with respect to crops that use or do not use aerial or sprayboom fumigation, or agroforestry crops. This table applies to all crops specified in the Farm Certification Policy. In the case of mixed crops in the same production area, the greatest distance must apply. The following definitions apply:  High use of inputs: Minimum one of the following conditions is met by the farm: a.) WHO category Ia, Ib and II pesticides (see Annex 3) are applied; b.) The frequency of pesticide application is two or more times per month.  Housing or similar areas: Houses, schools, dining areas, health clinics, recreation areas or similar infrastructure where human activity takes place on a daily basis.  Infrequent use: Storage areas, packing sheds, warehouses, workshops, processing plants and other similar infrastructure where workers carry out activities for short periods of time (less than 30 minutes per day) no more than twice per week.  Low use of inputs: All of the following conditions are met by the farm: a.) Only WHO category III and IV pesticides are used; b.) The frequency of pesticide application is maximum once per month; c.) Aerial fumigation or applications using spraybooms are not employed. 

 

Organic: Farms in which the audit team proves that chemical pesticides or fertilizers are not used; or farms that are certified organic by certification bodies accredited by the International Organic Accreditation Service (IOAS). Permanent use: Storage areas, packing sheds, warehouses, workshops, processing plants and other similar infrastructure where workers carry out activities on a daily basis. Public roads: Roads, streets or highways that connect or lead to population centers (towns, settlements, cities) and are used for transportation or by pedestrians on a daily basis.

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Table of Separations Note: As determined by criterion 1.1, the respective distances defined in the local legislation apply, if these are stricter than the distances defined in this table of separations. Type of crop management High input use Low input use Organic 1 2 Slope: ≤ 8% > 8% ≤ 8% > 8% ≤ 8% > 8% 1. Terrestrial ecosystems (meters): a. Secondary growth (without significant human disturbance for minimum 10 years) b. Primary and secondary forests, bush lands, grass lands and paramos

Crops with Aerial / Sprayboom Fumigation Crops without Aerial/ Sprayboom Fumigation or Agroforestry Crops

30 10

20 10

2. Aquatic ecosystems (meters): a. Perennial and seasonal streams, brooks, creeks (width less than or equal to 3 m) b. Rivers (width greater than 3 m), lakes, lagoons, swamps, marshes, bogs

Springs

Crops with Aerial / Sprayboom Fumigation Crops without Aerial/ Sprayboom Fumigation or Agroforestry crops Crops with Aerial / Sprayboom Fumigation Crops without Aerial/ Sprayboom Fumigation or Agroforestry crops

30 10

20 10

20 20

3. Areas of human activity (meters): a. Public roads b. Buildings: Housing or similar use

Buildings: Permanent use

d. Buildings: Infrequent use

1 2

Crops with Aerial / Sprayboom Fumigation Crops without Aerial/ Sprayboom Fumigation Agroforestry crops Crops with Aerial / Sprayboom Fumigation Crops without Aerial/ Sprayboom Fumigation Agroforestry crops Crops with Aerial / Sprayboom Fumigation Crops without Aerial/ Sprayboom Fumigation or Agroforestry crops

Slope of less than or equal to 8% Slope of greater than 8%

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20 10 30 20 10 10

5 0

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