Good 4 Trade Certification is a not for profit Initiative

Here is a comprehensive framework for a “Good For Trade” (G4T) certification, modeled after the structure and rigor of organizations.

This framework is designed to be a robust, credible system that verifies and promotes sustainable and ethical trade practices.

Framework for the Good For Trade (G4T) Certification System

1. Introduction & Vision

Name: Good For Trade (G4T) Certification

Vision: A global trading system where every product creates value for people, prosperity, and the planet.

Mission: To provide a credible, transparent, and accessible certification system that verifies and promotes products derived from legal, sustainable, and ethical supply chains. We empower businesses to demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices and enable consumers and buyers to make informed choices.

Core Values: Integrity, Impact, Transparency, Collaboration, and Continuous Improvement.

Scope: The G4T standard is applicable to a wide range of commodities (e.g., agricultural produce, timber, non-timber forest products, manufactured goods) and is designed for operators of all sizes, from smallholder groups to large corporations.

2. The G4T Standard: Principles & Criteria

The G4T Standard is built on four core pillars, each with specific Criteria and Verifiers.

Pillar 1: Legality & Governance

· Criterion 1.1: All operations comply with relevant local, national, and international laws and regulations (e.g., land tenure, business registration, tax, labor, environmental protection).
· Criterion 1.2: A system for chain of custody is implemented to track the certified material from its origin to the final product (e.g., Identity Preserved, Segregated, Mass Balance).
· Criterion 1.3: All required permits, licenses, and documentation for harvesting, production, and trade are obtained and maintained.

Pillar 2: Environmental Sustainability

· Criterion 2.1: Practices maintain ecosystem health and conserve biodiversity (e.g., protection of High Conservation Values (HCVs), no conversion of natural ecosystems, integrated pest management, soil and water conservation).
· Criterion 2.2: Waste is minimized, managed responsibly, and circular economy principles are promoted.
· Criterion 2.3: Climate positive actions are encouraged, including monitoring and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint.

Pillar 3: Social Responsibility & Community Benefits

· Criterion 3.1: International human and labor rights are respected. This includes no child or forced labor, freedom of association, safe working conditions, and payment of fair wages.
· Criterion 3.2: The rights of local communities and Indigenous Peoples are recognized and respected, including the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for operations affecting their land and resources.
· Criterion 3.3: Operations contribute positively to local community development (e.g., through job creation, infrastructure, support for local initiatives).

Pillar 4: Economic Viability & Management

· Criterion 4.1: Sound business and management practices are implemented to ensure long-term economic viability.
· Criterion 4.2: Continuous improvement plans are in place to enhance environmental and social performance over time.
· Criterion 4.3: Workers are provided with training and capacity building to improve skills and productivity.

3. Certification Process

The process is designed to be clear, rigorous, and fair.

1. Application: The company (operator) submits an application to a G4T-approved Certification Body (CB).
2. Pre-Assessment (Optional): A preliminary review to identify major gaps before the full audit.
3. Document Review: The CB reviews the operator’s management systems, policies, and records.
4. Main Audit (On-site): Accredited auditors conduct a thorough on-site assessment, including:
   · Interviews with management, workers, and community representatives.
   · Inspection of fields, forests, facilities, and processes.
   · Review of records and documentation on-site.
5. Audit Report & Corrective Action Requests (CARs): The CB provides a detailed report. Any non-conformities are issued as CARs with required deadlines for correction.
6. Certification Decision: An independent certification committee within the CB reviews the audit report and closed CARs to make the final certification decision.
7. Certificate Issuance: A G4T certificate is issued, valid for a set period (e.g., 5 years) with annual surveillance audits.
8. Surveillance Audits: Annual audits to ensure ongoing compliance with the standard.
9. Re-certification: A full audit is repeated before the certificate expires.

4. Governance & Assurance

· Standard Setting Committee (SSC): A multi-stakeholder committee (including environmental, social, industry, and academic experts) is responsible for developing and revising the standard.
· Accreditation: Certification Bodies (CBs) must be accredited by a recognized international accreditation service (e.g., IAS) to ensure audit competence and impartiality.
· Appeals and Complaints Mechanism: A clear, transparent process for stakeholders to appeal certification decisions or file complaints about certified operators.
· Market Claims & Logo Use: Strict rules govern how the G4T logo and claims can be used on products and in marketing to prevent false advertising and greenwashing.

5. G4T for Kenya: A Proposed Country Adaptation

The global G4T standard would be adapted to national contexts. Here is an example for Kenya:

Key National Risks & Focus Areas for Kenya:

· Legality: Emphasis on land ownership documents (title deeds, group ranch certificates), compliance with the Agriculture (Farm Forestry) Rules, Water Act, and Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA).
· Environment: Addressing soil erosion in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), sustainable water use, reducing pollution from agri-chemicals, and protecting critical habitats near key biodiversity areas like the Mau Forest Complex or Tana River.
· Social: Focus on fair wages and working conditions for seasonal agricultural labor, gender equity in access to resources and benefits, and ensuring positive community impacts, especially in large-scale horticulture, tea, and coffee sectors.
· Chain of Custody: Robust systems to prevent the mixing of certified and uncertified produce, which is critical for high-value exports like coffee, tea, flowers, and avocados.

Capacity Building in Kenya:

· Partner with local organizations (e.g., KEBS, KEFRI, NGOs) to provide training for smallholders and SMEs on meeting G4T requirements.
· Develop a network of local auditors trained on the G4T standard and Kenyan legislation.

6. Benefits for Kenyan Operators

· Market Access: Meet the growing demand for verified sustainable products in the EU, US, and other markets (e.g., due to EUDR).
· Premium Pricing: Potential for better prices and long-term contracts with ethically-minded buyers.
· Risk Management: Reduce legal, reputational, and environmental risks in the supply chain.
· Increased Efficiency: Improve resource management and operational efficiency, leading to cost savings.
· Brand Reputation: Differentiate your brand as a leader in sustainability and ethical trade.

This framework provides a solid foundation for a credible G4T certification system. The next steps would involve convening experts to turn the Criteria into detailed Indicators, developing auditor guidance, and establishing the governance structure.