FAIR ‘N GREEN founded in November 2013, is a sustainability standard with a focus on economic, social and environmental implications of an agricultural operation. It was developed by Athenga GmbH, a German consulting firm that specializes in sustainability consulting. With their years of experience in multiple industries – consumer goods and logistics, for example – they see sustainability as an “interdisciplinary interconnection.”

Businesses that are operating under the EU Organic standards already qualify for a portion of FAIR’N GREEN certification. FAIR’N GREEN does not aim to compete directly with producers that are certified Organic, but rather, offers resources to expand on organic certification. However, FAIR’N GREEN is open to those that are not currently operating under the EU Organic standards, as well. Overall, the FAIR’N GREEN movement, as it is described by some of its members, aims to reduce the input of artificial substances into the environment and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

The central parts of the FAIR’N GREEN system are:

  • Four key chapters: Environment, Society, Business Management and Value Chain
  • 150 criteria: 50 percent of all points must be met upon entering the association, as well as a minimum of 40 percent in each of the four sustainability chapters.
  • Annual improvement: The companies pledge to improve annually by 3 percent with regard to the previous year and document their measures.
  • Sustainability Toolkit: There is concrete assistance and sustainability consulting for achieving the improvement.
  • External audit: The QC&I – Quality Certification & Inspection service provides external monitoring and verification for the assessment.

Contents and Measures of FAIR’N GREEN:

  • Preparation and analysis of a lifecycle assessment.
  • Proposals for sustainable energy management.
  • Calculation of a carbon footprint for the company.
  • Measures for reducing carbon footprint.
  • Focusing on social commitment and strengthening corporate social responsibility (CSR).
  • Analysis of the supply chain with regard to sustainability issues.
  • Hands-on assistance for establishing sustainable procurement.
  • Promotion of employees’ commitment to sustainability.

There are specific requirements for certification.

By the end of 2015 30 vineyards were members.