Farm Labor Contractor Certification
The Farm Labor Contractor (FLC) Certification Program provides farm labor contractors with a comprehensive framework to meet Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) standards, ensuring safe, fair, and equitable working conditions in agriculture. Built upon EFI’s gold-level farming social certification—one of the most stringent social standard in the industry—this program empowers FLCs with the tools, training, and support needed to establish and sustain an effective Leadership Team (LT).
Much more than a certification, EFI is a workforce development resource that commits your organization to continuous improvement and helps drive business performance via worker-manager collaboration and engagement, the program drives lasting improvements in labor practices and workplace integrity.
FLC Certification Process
Click every container below to read the description of each step:
EF I introduces the certification program and provides an overview of requirements.
The FLC confirms participation and agrees to engage with the EFI certification process.
EFI sends a contract for signature, which outlines terms and commitments.
Once the contract is signed, EFI schedules a call to coordinate training sessions and audit dates.
The LT undergoes training to align with EFI standards.
EFI will schedule a yearly audit with an EFI-certified CB to assess compliance with certification standards.
An EFI-certified CB conducts an audit to assess compliance with certification standards.
Once compliance is verified, EFI grants certification to the FLC.
Key Program Components:
Leadership Team Development
Leadership Teams are composed of individuals representing diverse roles, perspectives, and demographics within the FLC workforce. These teams undergo a comprehensive training program that includes critical topics such as communication, conflict resolution, and effective problem-solving. This training ensures LT members are equipped to uphold EFI standards and proactively address workplace challenges.
For companies requiring additional support, EFI facilitates the development of Internal Trainers (ITs), selected from within each FLC. These ITs receive specialized training to lead and support LT sessions, ensuring the ongoing effectiveness and sustainability of Leadership Teams. Internal Trainers are instrumental in maintaining a compliant and knowledgeable LT, even amid high workforce turnover, and serve as key contacts for EFI certification and attestation processes.
Audit and Corrective Action Process
Annual Audits
EFI-certified certifying bodies (CBs) conduct annual audits to evaluate the FLC’s adherence to certification standards. These audits examine LT composition, records, workforce conditions, and other compliance criteria to ensure alignment with program requirements.
Corrective Actions
If audits reveal non-conformities, FLCs must address them within a designated timeframe. Corrective actions are documented and monitored to ensure compliance is restored promptly. ITs and LTs play an active role in implementing solutions, while EFI staff provide guidance and support as needed.
Continuous Improvement
The audit process promotes continuous improvement by helping FLCs identify gaps and refine practices to enhance worker protection, communication, and operational standards over time.
FLC Certified Organizations
