10 replies to this topic

[acarver]

I realize this is not a food safety issue, but I am having a difficult time finding resources on this topic. Can anyone direct me to a forum such as this on for the Rainforest Alliance? We are a supply chain working on RA certification and I could use some resources.

 

TIA!

 

Anita Carver

Quality Control

Atlanta Coffee & Tea

[SQFconsultant]

Anita

Have worked with coffee conpanies and the best resource is the organization itself...

https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/

[jsu3002j]

Just like any identity preserved food, traceability is a big focus point. Use the link Glenn posted, and set up a Teams meeting with an established contact at RA. I think you'll find getting started is easier than you think.

[dmadtrahan]

Hi, were you able to get help with your RA certification? Our company is also in the process of getting certified. 

[thisusernameisnottaken]

We underwent our first RFA audit mid 2021. I used the attached spreadsheet to prep for, and ultimately perform an internal audit for RFA . If memory serves me correctly I believe we were audited last year against an older version of the standard. I have a new role now and don't focus on these types of audits any longer, so the spreadsheet might need to be amended to reflect current standard.  Overall, this was a very easy audit,(maybe lasted ~4 hours total) mainly focused on the IP component and mass balance. Good Luck!

 

Attached Files

•  RFA workbook-blank.xlsx   380.33KB   30 downloads

[acarver]

I have a tele-conference in a few days with CB to discuss new standard requirements. The old requirements and those that carry over are straight forward; lots of gray areas in the administration areas (social standards). My supplier and purchaser both did their last audits prior to the change and are not sure what to do with the requirements either; not sure how the requirements fit with very small businesses (fewer than 15 employees.)

 

If I learn anything useful, I will let you know.

[dmadtrahan]

We are a small company as well, less than 10 people. I appreciate the feedback, we have our audit in two weeks. I have followed the self assessment and am hoping it will go smoothly. I would be more than happy to share any feedback we receive if it is helpful to anyone. 

[acarver]

That will be greatly appreciated! If I learn anything on my tele-conference I will post; it is on the 25th.

[acarver]

I had my conference today; very helpful. For my small supply chain business, basic grievance procedure for employees and EOE statement (for gender equality) seem to be in line to meet standard as long as there is a person and procedure to address any problems that may arise.

[dmadtrahan]

Hi! We had our audit yesterday. We too are a small supply chain business and had our grievance procedure and EOE statement. Unfortunately, that was not enough. We did not have documented a risk analysis for gender equality. The auditor wanted us to showcase the risk assessment tool we used and our methodology. We also needed to have trainings already done specifically for women empowerment and gender equality. 

 

Other items to note, we are a small company of less than 10. Most of the individuals here are in a leadership role. We all worked on this plan together, however the auditor wanted all of us on the committee (regardless if we built the plan together) to be trained for Rainforest Alliance. All of the mentioned trainings he said can be done in house. 

 

Let me know if you have any questions! 

 

I had my conference today; very helpful. For my small supply chain business, basic grievance procedure for employees and EOE statement (for gender equality) seem to be in line to meet standard as long as there is a person and procedure to address any problems that may arise.

[JJustyna1234]

Does anyone have experience in running a rainforest alliance credit account and could share the knowledge whether in the MB credit account for MB traceability the theoretical or actual consumption values are hidden under the term "recipe"?