Certify your farm’s biodiversity and enhance your products with a recognized standard for environmental sustainability
RINA provides certification services in accordance with the Biodiversity Friend standard, supporting farms throughout the assessment and recognition process for biodiversity. The certification, developed by the World Biodiversity Association, evaluates the company’s commitment through the Sustainability Decalogue, which includes ten operational strategies related to cropping systems, soil protection, water resource management, conservation of agricultural ecosystems, and environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
The certification pathway includes registration on the biodiversityfriend.org portal, signing the Biodiversity Friend Declaration, verification of soil, lichen, and aquatic biodiversity indices, self-assessment via checklist, and an audit carried out by a recognized certification body. Following verification, a certificate of conformity is issued with a three-year validity and assignment of one of four recognition levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), allowing use of the Biodiversity Friend label.
RINA supports farms in enhancing their production through recognized and reliable certifications. With technical expertise, experience in the agri-food sector, and a strong focus on sustainability, we guide companies along paths of responsible, measurable growth.
Biodiversity Friend certification can be requested by three types of applicants:
The Biodiversity Friend standard assesses the company’s commitment based on the Sustainability Decalogue, which includes ten operational strategies related to cropping systems, soil protection, water management, conservation of agricultural ecosystems, and environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
The certification provides four recognition levels based on the score achieved: Bronze (≥60/100), Silver (≥70/100), Gold (≥80/100), and Platinum (≥90/100). The company may use the Biodiversity Friend label starting from a score equal to or greater than 60/100, in compliance with the label-use regulation and subject to approval by Biodiversity Friend.
The Biodiversity Friend regulation is based on the national and European regulatory framework for Integrated Production, organic farming, CAP conditionality, sustainable use of plant protection products, food safety, and environmental protection, also integrating recognized standards such as SQNPI, PEFC, ISO 9001, and ISO 22005.
Over the three-year validity period of the certification, third-party audit activities are carried out according to a specific scheme, which varies depending on company size and applicant type (A, B, or C). In most cases, audits are performed annually.
