2BSvs and 2BSXtra have been positively evaluated by SAI concerning FSA 3.0, achieving Silver level for Europe (see below the conditions of access to the equivalence).
This equivalence enables 2BS-certified players to market their raw materials in the food sector under the "FSA 3.0 Silver compliant" label.
What is the SAI Farm Sustainability Assessment?
Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) is an organization that promotes environmentally friendly practices. It works with a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, food companies, retailers, NGOs and government organizations.
SAI is particularly renowned for having developed the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA). This tool assesses, improves and validates on-farm sustainability in the food supply chain.
FSA is a label largely used within these industries to confirm the sustainability of a raw material. It is an asset for producers to value their products in the food market.
How does this equivalence work?
SAI allows sustainability programs to be compared to FSA sustainability requirements to understand compliance. Following a positive return from this assessment, achieving one of the three levels of the SAI system is possible: bronze, silver or gold. These levels are awarded according to the number of essential, intermediate and advanced questions answered in the self-assessment questionnaire.
The factors considered for this assessment include:
- Environmental management practices, as the producer’s impact on biodiversity, soil and water conservation, pesticide and fertilizer usage, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, waste management.
- Social responsibility, considering the operation's labor practices, worker health and safety, fair treatment of workers, community involvement and respect for human rights.
- Economic viability, including the operation's financial performance, resource efficiency, market access, risk management and contribution to the local and regional economy.
This assessment enabled 2BSvs and 2BSXtra to achieve the Silver level of FSA 3.0, the second highest level of FSA.
What are the benefits for 2BS customers?
Now, 2BS customers can access sustainable food markets and commercialize their products with a 2BS-FSA equivalent Silver certificate.
Thanks to this equivalence, 2BS customers have access to the international food business, answering to a market that has increasing demands in terms of sustainable agricultural materials.
As well as facilitating access to certain industries, the usage of the 2BS-FSA equivalent Silver certificate can strengthen the brand image by ensuring that certified companies are responsible and act in favor of the environment.
Finally, this equivalence can also facilitate collaboration with stakeholders such as governments, NGOs, customers and investors seeking to promote sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Who can access this equivalence?
First Gathering Points (cooperatives) and traders certified by 2BS (2BSvs or 2BSXtra certifications) can benefit from this certification equivalence.
On 2BS guidelines, First Gathering Points are certified under 2BS’ Standard 01 (STD-01), and Traders are certified under 2BS’ Standard 02 (STD-02). You can find our official documents on our
documentation page.
For some customers, this equivalence is only available via an additional add-on, the "ADD-01 SAI Silver Europe". This add-on enables 2BS-certified players based in all European countries other than France to promote their products as FSA 3.0 silver compliant.
Learn below the rules to access this equivalence for different actors:
French cooperatives
According to the SAI benchmark, economic operators based in France holding a 2BS certification may market their products as "FSA 3.0 silver compliant".
The only additional request during the audit will be a separate mass balance, dedicated to the food chain.
Please bear in mind that you must inform both 2BS and your Certification Body of your intention to use the 2BS-FSA equivalent Silver certificate before the audit.
European cooperatives (cooperatives outside of France)
Cooperatives based in Europe (in other countries than France) must fulfill the add-on "ADD-01 SAI / FSA Silver Europe". All official documents regarding this add-on are
available here.
Please bear in mind that you must inform both 2BS and your Certification Body of your intention to use the 2BS-FSA equivalent Silver certificate before the audit.
To inform 2BS, if you already have an account on our website, please access your Personal Space and:
- Go on “My certification”,
- Find the box « Please choose your 2BS certification add-on (if applicable)”.
- Select SAI / FSA Silver - Europe
If you are a new 2BS customer, simply select the SAI / FSA Silver - Europe add-on option while completing your registration form.
Traders (all traders worldwide)
According to the SAI benchmark, all Traders holding a 2BS certification may market their products as "FSA 3.0 silver compliant", as long as the acquired material is already FSA 3.0 compliant.
The only additional request during the audit will be a separate mass balance, dedicated to the food chain.
Please bear in mind that you must inform both 2BS and your Certification Body of your intention to use the 2BS-FSA equivalent Silver certificate before the audit.
Which certification should I choose: 2BSvs or 2BSXtra?
If the raw materials can be used for both fuel production and the food chain, the applicable certification is 2BSvs. However, if the raw materials are intended exclusively for the food industry, you must hold a 2BSXtra certification.
Values
The prices for the SAI FSA Add-on are available on
this page.
If I am already certified by FSA SAI, should I also be certified by 2BS?
Even if you already have a FSA certification, you still need a 2BS certification to access the fuel market, since 2BSvs goes further than FSA in certain areas, such as Greenhouse Gas emissions.
Training
To further support you in understanding the 2BS FSA 3.0 equivalence and get ready for the certification audit, we made available the latest training sessions, organised in March 2024.
- Training in English for players in the supply chain: click here to access the replay, and here to download the presentation
- Training in French for players in the supply chain: click here to access the replay, and here to download the presentation
During the training, players from the market will understand the additional elements that need to be put in place in order to be able to claim FSA 3.0 equivalence.
