A significant development has reshaped the landscape of the certification industry. The International Organic Accreditation Service (IOAS) recently announced the accreditation of the Certified Regenerative programme, operated by A Greener World (AGW). Notably, this programme is positioned as the first regenerative certification scheme to be accredited under the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC 17065.
While this is a major achievement for AGW, it serves as a crucial indicator of the broader trajectory of the global certification and sustainability sectors. As market demands evolve, the verification of regenerative practices is transitioning from a niche concept to a strictly regulated standard.
Here are the key takeaways from this landmark announcement:
A Maturing Sector: The Regenerative Agriculture sector is becoming increasingly structured. We are witnessing a clear shift away from self-declared claims and toward robust, independent third-party verification and certification systems.
Alignment with Organic Principles: IOAS has explicitly expressed its support for standards that align with—or provide a credible, documented pathway toward—core organic principles and practices.
The Rise of Regenerative Claims: Alongside established organic, recycled, and sustainability-related claims, regenerative production and regenerative sourcing claims are poised to gain massive market importance in the coming years.
Cross-Industry Demand: Brands operating across the textile, agriculture, and food sectors are showing a rapidly increasing interest in securing and verifying regenerative supply chains and production practices.
At ETKO, we recognize that the future of sustainable production lies in measurable, verifiable practices that restore our ecosystems. As the industry moves toward standardized regenerative verification, we will continue to monitor and adapt to these vital developments to better serve our partners and the planet.
