Defining the Future of Farming
The global voluntary benchmark for sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring environmental integrity and economic resilience.
What is SAS?
The Sustainable Agriculture Standards (SAS) is a voluntary sustainability framework developed to bring structure, clarity, and scientific credibility to agricultural sustainability. Created under the leadership of the Global Sustainability Impact Foundation, SAS is designed to move sustainability beyond claims and intentions and into measurable, practical action. The standard focuses on real farm-level practices that protect the environment, safeguard people, and maintain economic viability, making sustainability achievable rather than theoretical.
SAS is built by researchers and field experts with a deep understanding of agricultural realities. It balances productivity with responsibility by promoting responsible input use, soil and water conservation, farmer well-being, and fair economic outcomes. The framework is practical, transparent, and adaptable across regions, enabling farmers, traders, and buyers to align with growing global expectations for safe, responsible, and traceable agricultural production while securing long-term trust and resilience across the value chain.
Built on research, field expertise, and validated by researchers.
Designed for real-world agricultural use.
Technology enabled transparency with end-to-end traceability.
Core Pillars of Sustainability
Our standards are built upon three interconnected foundations.
Environmental Integrity
SAS protects soil, water, and biodiversity through responsible farming practices that support long-term environmental health.
Social Responsibility
SAS supports farmer well-being, ethical practices, and safer food through transparency and accountability.
Economic Resilience
SAS helps farmers and businesses remain profitable by improving efficiency and reducing long-term risks.
The R&D Process
The standard is regularly reviewed and updated based on new research, field feedback, and evolving needs.
1. Research & Analysis
We study scientific literature, field data, and existing agricultural practices, with insights generated through the SAS Research Network, to identify real sustainability challenges.
2. Field Validation
Proposed practices are reviewed and tested with farmers and experts to ensure practicality and effectiveness.
3. Framework Development
Validated insights are translated into clear, measurable, and implementable standard requirements.
4. Continuous Improvement
The standard is regularly reviewed and updated based on new research, field feedback, and evolving needs.
Key Benefits
Why leading organizations choose SAS.
Resource Efficiency
Optimizes input use to reduce waste while maintaining farm productivity.
Market Access
Helps producers align with buyer and market sustainability expectations.
Risk Mitigation
Reduces environmental, regulatory, and operational risks over time.
Consumer Trust
Builds confidence through transparent and responsible agricultural practices.