Proposal for a social certification model for agriculture in Latin America aligned with the sustainable development goals

Abstract

Considering the certifications for family farming, several types of certification are used in Latin America, focusing on social and environmental issues. This study seeks to analyze the social, environmental, and health certifications in Mexico and Brazil. The study contemplates a qualitative approach, using as a technique a systematic literature review on the effectiveness of agricultural private certification in developing countries (Brazil and Mexico) published between 1990 and 2016. The research intended to survey existing certifications considering categories that had not been addressed in the literature. Responsible production, and social justice factors were taken into account and it was important to have as a parameter the main certifications already existing in the Latin American context. This survey also assessed the certifications concerning their alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). As a result of the research, it was possible to evaluate the social and environmental certifications for agriculture applied in Brazil and Mexico. After assessing the certifications, a framework of guidelines for certification for family farming in Latin America was structured, supported by the UN SDGs, and managed by universities. This proposal assists in achieving the SDGs proposed by the UN, mainly contemplating SDG 2 “Sustainable Agriculture” and SDG 12 “Responsible Production and Consumption”, and will also allow certifying products in a cheaper way for farmers. As future implications, the study assists in mapping existing certifications that serve as a guide for the use of producers.