Why Verification — Soil & Climate Initiative

Why Verification?

Verification Ensures Trust and Transparency Throughout the Food System— from Farm to Shelf

Farmers, ranchers, supply network partners and food brands who meet the requirements of the SCI Standards can earn third-party verification and the right to use the Soil & Climate Health Initiative Verified Mark on their products.

In a crowded marketplace, consumers increasingly prefer verified claims when it comes to their sustainable purchasing choices. Third-party verification to the SCI Standards helps build trust and transparency in our collective work towards a regenerative future.

Join Us in Building Healthy Soil

farmers + ranchers

brands + suppliers

How it Works

Enroll

Farmers and Food Companies both enroll and commit to setting targets to transition acres to regenerative agriculture. Farms can enroll even if they are not formally part of a company supply chain.
Assessment and Baseline

Farms perform an assessment of current management and conduct in-field and in-lab tests and reporting to verify current soil health, water use, and input use.
Brands/companies assess current supply chain and identify acres to support in a transition to regenerative agriculture.
Make a Plan

With data-driven insights, Farms develop a plan to address the SCI Pillars of Regenerative Manngement.
Brands and Suppliers identify acres and ingredients to engage regenerative transition, target milestones, and commit to increases over time.
Funding and Guidance

Enrolled farms have access to guidance, both professional and peer support, and opportunities to learn more about regenerative agriculture transition. Farms are eligible to apply for financial assistance from the SCI Farm Transition Fund.
Food company commitments under SCI include providing financial contributions to the SCI Farm Transition Fund.
Measure and Verify

Farms and Brands/Suppliers submit evidence of their progress and outcomes. These are verified against the requirements of our published standards by a third-party verification partner.
Earn the Label

Farms and Food Companies are eligible to use the SCI Label after their first annual verification. Those entering SCI with verified past achievements can qualify/use label sooner.