Presentation to Joint UNCTAD/WTO Informal Information Session on

Presentation to Joint UNCTAD/WTO Informal Information Session on Private Standards Tesco Nature’s Choice An Example of a Private Scheme Stephen Cox Produce Director, CMi Certification 25 June 2007

Tesco Nature’s Choice Private Standard based on EN45011 concept but applies the principles of Continuous Improvement Scheme administration and certification controlled by CMi Certification Scope: all fresh produce supplied to Tesco UK Evolution: – Start-up UK: 1993 – Start-up Spain: 1999 – Rest of the world: 2004 25 June 2007

Standards: Change and focus Tesco Nature’s Choice is a communication tool, able to respond efficiently and rapidly to producer issues and anticipate and communicate legislation issues & concerns back to producers via the supply chain Bespoke / Private Schemes Technical content / specific issues, grower concerns National Assurance Schemes International Assurance Schemes Speed of response / improvement 25 June 2007

Tesco Nature’s Choice: Key elements Three possible levels of attainment by the farm awarded after completion of the audit process: – Gold – Silver – Bronze Continuous Improvement is a key principle based on an annual percentage audit score 25 June 2007

Tesco Nature’s Choice: Statistics Worldwide farm membership: 11,400 Number of countries: 66 Number of approved auditing companies: 28 Approved auditors world-wide: 204 25 June 2007

Tesco Nature’s Choice: Drivers Customer food safety concerns and expectations UK legislation - Due Diligence Demonstration of Corporate Social Responsibility Harmonisation of farm operating practices in the global fresh produce supply chain Facilitates the establishment of a level playing field for all producers 25 June 2007

Tesco Nature’s Choice: Certification model Audit process designed to fit with EurepGAP to minimise cost to producer Certification model Farm audit cost index Option 1: single farms Annual audit of each farm 100 Option 2: farming groups Annual Quality Management Systems audit plus sample of farm audits Cooperative with 50 members Cooperative with 100 small subsistence farmer members 25 June 2007 Est. 10-15 Est. 2-4

Tesco Nature’s Choice: Key elements Technical content of the protocol is contained in 238 control points: Rational use of plant protection products Rational use of fertilisers & organic matter Pollution prevention Protection of human health Efficient use of energy, water & other natural resources Recycling and Re-use of materials Wildlife & landscape conservation and improvement 25 June 2007

Tesco Nature’s Choice: Key elements Customised Plant Protection Product List (PPPL) review process to ensure that all Nature’s Choice producers have prior warning to and can manage challenges of changing UK & EU legislation Special consideration in the audit process for subsistence farmers in developing countries Trained Auditors with local technical crop knowledge and language wherever possible Centralised quality control procedures to maximise scheme integrity and technical consistency 25 June 2007

Tesco Nature’s Choice Thank you for your attention Any Questions? 25 June 2007