Concerns about environmental and social issues have increased since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Rainforest Alliance shows that 87% of consumers expect companies to act responsibly to address such issues.
Additionally, 63% of respondents say they look for product labels to ensure they are making purchasing decisions that are more socially and environmentally sustainable.
"We can see that Australian consumers are starting to see sustainability as a new foundation," said Melanie Mokken, Manager of Market Transformation in Australia and New Zealand at Rainforest Alliance.
“In light of the current climate crisis, consumers want to be able to make a real difference for people and nature and get companies to make more ambitious sustainability commitments.
“Consumers are savvy too. They understand the unparalleled power of the collective and that together we can make the positive change we all want to see. "
So much so that 62% of those surveyed say they are willing to make sustainability-conscious purchases, even if it costs more.
"The good news is that the Rainforest Alliance's seal, the green frog, helps Australian consumers make choices that are better for them, people and the environment," Mokken continued.
"When you see our little frog seal on a product, it means that farmers have been given the tools, skills and knowledge they need to make agriculture more sustainable and profitable."
The new standard
The new standard for sustainable agriculture of the Rainforest Alliance 2020 raises the bar for sustainability certification.
They have moved from a pass-fail approach to focus on continuous improvement to address changing sustainability risks and to employ new technology to better monitor risk and performance.
The new program will replace existing certification programs of the Rainforest Alliance and the UTZ from mid-2021.
