WASHINGTON, DC — July 14, 2025 — Soil & Climate Initiative (SCI) has officially released its Commitment & Verification Standard, Version 3.0 – a game-changing framework that revolutionizes how regenerative agriculture is measured and verified. The enhanced standard builds on SCI’s proven success working with over 160 farms across 350,000 acres in 27 states.
"Our Standard bridges the critical gap between farm realities and marketplace confidence," said Kristen Efurd, SCI Verification Director. "Version 3.0 simplifies requirements while maintaining scientific rigor, making regenerative agriculture accessible to diverse production systems while giving consumers confidence in their food choices."
The revamped standard centers on seven essential regenerative pillars:
- Minimizing soil disturbance
- Maintaining living roots in the ground year-round
- Keeping year-round soil coverage
- Maximizing diversity above and below ground
- Reducing synthetic inputs
- Continuous learning
- Appropriate integration of livestock
SCI’s innovative four-tier verification system requires farmers to progressively advance their practices every three years, acknowledging regenerative agriculture as a journey of continuous improvement rather than a fixed destination.
SCI’s independent verification program, administered by internationally recognized third-party verifier SCS Global Services, delivers a practical, science-based framework incorporating both in-field and laboratory soil testing to monitor improvements over time. For food and fashion brands, this creates credible product claims when sourcing ingredients from verified farms.
"We meet farmers where they are," said Adam Kotin, SCI’s Managing Director. "By establishing clear milestones and requiring measurable outcomes, we're helping farmers build healthier soils and resilient operations while giving consumers and brands confidence in their regenerative choices."
The SCI Commitment & Verification Standard Version 3.0 is now available at www.soilclimateinitiative.org/standards.
SCI, a nonprofit, farmer-first program, was originally launched in 2019 (formerly the Soil Carbon Initiative) in collaboration with farms, companies, NGOs, and soil scientists. Its mission is to accelerate the transition of agricultural acres under regenerative management by supporting and engaging every link in the supply chain. SCI offers a holistic suite of services, such as farm planning and agronomic support, soil testing, supply chain engagement, reporting, and third-party verification. These efforts help drive measurable improvements in soil health outcomes, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water quality, climate resilience, food security, farm profitability, and the overall well-being of rural communities.
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ABOUT
Soil & Climate Initiative (SCI) is a not-for-profit, farmer-first regenerative agriculture transition program with options for third-party verification. SCI empowers farmers, suppliers, food and fashion brands, investors, and landowners to scale regenerative agriculture management and maximize soil health outcomes, biodiversity, carbon storage, water quality, climate resiliency and farm economics. www.soilclimateinitiative.org
Green America, founded in 1982, is the nation’s leading green economy organization. Green America provides economic strategies and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today’s most pressing social and environmental problems. www.greenamerica.org
SCS Global Services (SCS) is a global leader in third-party certification, auditing, verification and standards development for over 40 years. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, food and agriculture, green building, product manufacturing, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. SCS is a California-chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. www.scsglobalservices.com
MEDIA CONTACT: Max Karlin, (703) 276-3255 or mkarlin@hastingsgroupmedia.com
