Writing standards is an extensive, collaborative process that involves a range of experts, including LFP staff, extension agents, scientists, and the farmers who are likely to use the standards.

We focus on writing production standards where none exist in the region for a specific crop or animal production system. Our standards use a points-based template where each element is assigned a score. Farmers must meet a 75% point threshold to qualify for certification. Farmers can choose which elements are most appropriate to their operations and still meet the minimum threshold.

In the first phase of standards writing, we identify Stage 2 IPM (Integrated Pest Management) / ICM (Integrated Crop Management) / IFP (Integrated Fruit Production) standards that have been developed elsewhere in the world (e.g. U.S., Europe, Australia/New Zealand). These standards usually have to be modified for application to Canadian regions to take into account differences in climates, soils, pest complexes, approved chemicals, and market conditions. At this stage, LFP staff members assign preliminary points to each element, based on their understanding of the relative importance of each one.

The next phase involves reviewing the list of pesticides approved for that particular crop and classifying them as ‘green-listed’ (usable according to approved agronomic practices and approved pesticide labels), ‘yellow-listed’ (can be used on a restricted basis) or 'red-listed' (cannot be used at all). These listings are based on the crop profiles of Agriculture and Agrifood Canada (AAFC) and the label database of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), and are then assessed against pesticide toxicity indicators.

Once LFP staff has prepared the first draft of a standard, it is circulated for review and comment, and often goes through several rounds of revisions before the interests of all stakeholders are satisfied.