Researchers commissioned by the Rainforest Alliance compared financial recordkeeping variables between Rainforest Alliance Certified farms and noncertified farms; they also surveyed social lenders and local, in-country financial institutions.
The study established a common minimum set of metrics for producers to record/report in order to apply for credit; showed that certified producers are better at tracking financial metrics; demonstrated that certified producers have better access to credit; and confirmed that although lenders prefer to lend to small and medium-sized enterprises, they also value farm-level metrics.