Bee Better Certified
Xerces Society
The Food Industry’s Only Third-Party Verified Pollinator Conservation Eco-Label
The Bee Better Certified costs $150 USD, takes approximately 12 weeks, and requires around 80 hours of study. Over 50 organizations have earned this program worldwide. Renewal costs $150 USD every 12 months.
Key Strengths
- Only third-party verified pollinator-specific eco-label in the food industry
- Backed by the Xerces Society, a globally respected invertebrate conservation nonprofit
- Addresses a measurable ecological crisis — global pollinator decline
- Provides consumer-facing seal that drives purchasing decisions
- Encourages on-farm habitat creation and pesticide reduction with clear standards
- Bridges conservation science and commercial agriculture
Ideal For
Bee Better Certified is best suited for farmers, growers, and agricultural operations that want to demonstrate a genuine commitment to pollinator conservation and gain market differentiation for their products. It is also ideal for food brands and retailers seeking to source from verified pollinator-friendly farms and communicate that commitment to sustainability-conscious consumers.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Scope
Overview
Bee Better Certified is a third-party verified certification program focused on pollinator conservation within the food industry. It provides standards for agricultural practices that protect and enhance habitats for bees and other pollinators, aiming to reverse the decline of these crucial species. The program encourages farmers to adopt practices such as reducing pesticide use, planting pollinator-friendly forage, and creating and restoring pollinator habitats on their farms. This certification helps consumers identify products that are sourced from farms committed to pollinator protection, thereby supporting biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Farms must document pollinator habitat creation and management practices, pesticide use reduction measures, and forage plantings on their land. Third-party auditors review farm records, conduct site inspections, and verify that practices meet the Bee Better Certified standard, including minimum habitat acreage requirements and compliance with restricted pesticide lists.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
Certification is awarded through a third-party audit process rather than an exam. Accredited certifiers conduct on-site farm inspections and documentation reviews to verify compliance with Bee Better Certified standards. Auditors assess pollinator habitat acreage, forage plantings, pesticide management records, and overall farm practices. The audit process typically involves a site visit, review of farm management records, and a written audit report submitted to the Bee Better Certified program for final approval.
Renewal & Compliance
Certified farms undergo annual renewal, which includes updated documentation of ongoing pollinator habitat management and a renewal audit or review by a third-party certifier. Farms must demonstrate continued compliance with Bee Better Certified standards, including maintaining required habitat areas and adhering to pesticide restrictions. Renewal fees apply.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
As a farm/product-level certification rather than an individual professional credential, Bee Better Certified does not have documented salary impact data. For food brands and farms, the certification can provide market differentiation and access to premium retail channels, potentially commanding higher prices for certified products.
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Farms or food companies looking for a broad sustainability certification covering carbon, water, and social equity may find Bee Better Certified too narrowly focused on pollinators alone. Operations unwilling to undergo third-party audits or make tangible on-farm habitat changes should consider less rigorous alternatives first.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Intermediate
English
2017
50
Available
Cost Breakdown
How to Display This Recognition
Intermediate Details
Assessment
Verification
Structure
Governance
Fee Structure
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