The ProTerra Standard and long-term sustainability

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” – a definition used for the first time by the World Commission on Environment and Development (the “Brundtland Commission”) in 1987.

Deforestation and irresponsible agricultural practices are only a few of the primary causes of climate change and these risk the availability of resources for future generations.

The definition of the Brundtland Commission for Sustainable development is still valid and is aligned with our global objective and broader long-term vision.

Companies that are ProTerra certified are expected to honour the ProTerra Vision and Mission – the international values of respecting human rights and the environment in their daily business.

Created in 2006, the ProTerra Standard has a long-standing history and experience in promoting social and environmental sustainability in the food and feed supply chain and segregated non-GMO materials.

In 2015 the world committed to 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), and a historic new agreement on climate change was signed. Please read our e-book to explore how the ProTerra Standard addresses the SDGs: https://content.proterrafoundation.org/ebook-proterra-sdg

According to the ProTerra Standard, areas of native vegetation cannot have been cleared or converted into agricultural areas, or used for industrial or other commercial purposes, after the cut-off-date; this means that the conversion of land into agriculture must have happened before 2008.

Land areas degraded after 2008, be it for human intervention or natural causes, are not eligible for certification under ProTerra under any circumstances.

We envisage a world where all businesses contribute to the protection of biodiversity by improving agricultural practices, conserve natural resources and ensure that workers and local communities are treated with dignity and respect.

We believe that cooperation within and beyond borders is essential to promote change.
The ProTerra Foundation actively participates and supports national, European and international policy developments to enhance sustainable development. Our mission is to promote a global network of businesses that support more sustainable production practices along the food and feed supply chains.