SASB Agricultural Products
SASB
Guidelines for sustainable farming practices.
The SASB Agricultural Products costs $0 USD. Renewal costs $0 USD.
Key Strengths
- Industry-specific metrics tailored to agricultural products sector
- Developed with investor materiality in mind — focuses on financially relevant ESG issues
- Widely integrated into ESG reporting frameworks and investor due diligence processes
- Free to use — standards are publicly available at no cost
- Backed by IFRS Foundation, lending global credibility and institutional recognition
- Covers critical topics: water use, land use, GHG emissions, food safety, and labor practices
Ideal For
This standard is best suited for publicly traded agricultural companies, food producers, and agribusiness firms seeking to communicate material sustainability risks and opportunities to investors. It is particularly valuable for sustainability officers, investor relations teams, and ESG analysts at companies operating in farming, fishing, and related supply chains who need a structured, industry-specific disclosure framework.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Scope
Overview
The SASB Agricultural Products standards provide guidelines for companies in farming, fishing, and related industries to report on sustainability issues. Founded in 2011, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) aims to help businesses disclose material sustainability information to investors. The standards cover aspects like water management, land use, and climate change.
The Agricultural Products standard focuses on the environmental and social impacts of agriculture, aiming to improve transparency and accountability. Prominent clients using these standards include major agricultural firms and food producers. They aim to help organizations meet certification requirements, improve sustainable practices, and appeal to eco-conscious investors.
The SASB standards are widely recognized and have been integrated into the frameworks of various asset managers and sustainability-focused funds, making them influential in promoting responsible agricultural practices globally.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Organizations self-report against SASB's industry-specific metrics for the Agricultural Products sector. Disclosure involves quantitative data (e.g., water withdrawn, percentage of land in water-stressed regions, GHG emissions) and qualitative narrative responses. No mandatory third-party audit is required by SASB itself, though companies may choose to have disclosures externally assured. Reports are typically included in annual reports, sustainability reports, or SEC filings.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no formal exam or audit process associated with SASB standards adoption. Organizations self-select the relevant sector standard (Agricultural Products) and prepare disclosures aligned to the specified metrics and activity metrics. Disclosure quality may be voluntarily reviewed by third-party assurance providers, but this is not mandated by SASB. The SASB Navigator tool is available to guide companies through applicable disclosure topics and metrics.
Renewal & Compliance
SASB standards do not have a formal renewal or recertification cycle. Organizations are encouraged to report annually against the standards and to update their disclosures as SASB periodically revises its sector standards. There are no fees, continuing education requirements, or re-application processes associated with ongoing use of the standard.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
SASB expertise is increasingly valued in ESG analyst, sustainability reporting, and investor relations roles. Professionals with demonstrated SASB reporting experience may command a premium in ESG-focused positions; however, no specific salary impact data is published for SASB Agricultural Products standard adoption specifically.
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Avoid if your organization is seeking a third-party verified certification with a public seal or badge — SASB is a reporting standard, not a pass/fail certification program. Companies looking for prescriptive operational guidance or on-site audits should consider standards like GLOBALG.A.P. or Rainforest Alliance instead.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
2011