Research Activity #2: Certification schemes in global food and resource governance

Learning objective:  The purpose of this research activity is for you to develop knowledge and expertise on a leading certification scheme in the food and resource sector.  Through this research activity you will come to understand the governance of the certification scheme in practice, its role in changing the market, and whether the scheme is effective in achieving its stated social and/or environmental objectives.  Students will use this research activity as the basis to critically analyze and reflect on the opportunities for improving global food and resource production.

Notes and tips:   I would start with the required readings for week 4 before starting the research.  Doing so will provide additional context/background on the global governance issues related to certification schemes.  I also suggest checking out the International Institute for Sustainable Development’s (IISD) State of Sustainability Initiatives (https://www.iisd.org/ssi/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. – this is a great introductory resource on certification schemes and the markets they operate in.

Instructions:  You will write a brief report (1200 words max) examining a selected certification scheme.  Choose from one of the followings schemes:

• Aquaculture Stewardship Council
• Responsible Minerals Initiative
• Kimberly Process
• Roundtable for Responsible Palm Oil
• Roundtable on Responsible Soy
• Marine Stewardship Council
• Forest Stewardship Council
• Fairtrade
• Responsible Gold Principles
• Forest Alliance
• UTZ Certified
• Sustainable Coffee Challenge
• Better Sugar Cane Initiative
• Better Cotton Initiative
• Global Roundtable on Sustainable Beef

Your report should address some but not all of the following items:

1. Brief description:  the scheme’s origins; stated objectives; is this a private, public or  hybrid scheme?
2. Certification process: Explain how the certifications process works (i.e., what are the standards, how are standards set, who certifies/verifies compliance, etc.)? How does this scheme earn income? [If applicable, how is its premium calculated?]
3. Governance processes and stakeholders: What is the governance structure? Which actors participate? What are their interests? What is their relative influence over decision-making and policy? How is accountability and transparency ensured? How are conflicts resolved?
4. Market: What is the scheme’s share in the market? How global are its markets (including conventional and non-conventional where applicable)? Is it the dominant standard in the market or does it face competition?
5. Opportunities and successes: What are the main achievements to date? How does this scheme measure success?
6. Challenges and failures: What are the main challenges to expanding or improving the efficacy of this scheme? Has this scheme had poor performance or experienced failures/controversies? How has this scheme taken measures to improve its performance and address perceived weaknesses?
7. Recommendations: Provide 1 detailed recommendations that could improve the governance and/or performance of this scheme. You should explain the rationale behind your recommendations by specifying the problem/weakness to be addressed and make clear your reasoning and the evidentiary basis behind your recommendations.

Notes on sources:  Include references.  Style of your choice (I prefer Harvard or APA).  You should consult additional, high-quality academic and non-academic sources as required.  Do not rely only the scheme’s official documents or website.  Use annexes if you want to insert large images or pieces of reproduced text.  Use of headings and sub-headings recommended.

Please strictly follow instructions. Read through the link provided in the instruction, and FOLLOW the 7 REQUIREMENTS. If you need some document else, please let me know. 

These are the required reading for week 4 below: