The Impacts of Private Standards on Producers in Developing Countries: Literature Review Series on the Impacts of Private Standards, Part II

Abstract

Although the number of entities encouraging sustainable practices has multiplied and publications addressing the role of private sustainability standards have grown exponentially over the last few years, little is yet known on crucial questions such as the actual impact these standards are having on producer income, livelihoods and the environment. This paper addresses these questions by presenting the results of a systematic literature review of 47 research papers that assess the evidence regarding socioeconomic and environmental impacts at the producer level. Findings can be summarized under five areas: producers tend to be better off financially when participating in private standards; business-related positive effects can outweigh direct financial impact of private standards; closer relationships between buyers and sellers lead to better results for producers and exporters; private standards are one tool in a broader set of voluntary and regulatory options; and research on the impact of private standards is still focused around the individual producer. The review of the evidence gathered so far by researchers points to private standards having the potential to contribute positively to the economic and social well-being of producers in developing countries.

Keywords: Private standards, Impacts, Certification, Producer, Sustainability