1 Purpose
This annex provides a structured checklist for independent Certification Bodies (CBs) and auditors performing conformity assessment against the Approved Regenerating certification scheme. It links scheme requirements to auditable evidence. It covers the annual programme audit, including the validation by AgriPurpose AG, and the audit of farms selected under the Certification Regulations, section 7.4.1.
2 General audit principles
Audit evidence must be sufficient, objective, and traceable to records (receipts, lab reports, maps, logs, or system exports).
Auditors verify both data completeness (all required data points) and plausibility (consistency with farm size, crop system, and accounting records).
Where risk is higher (complex structures, large operations, data anomalies), auditors increase sampling of records and field checks.
3 Audit checkpoints (minimum)
3.1 Platform configuration and data integrity
Field polygons uploaded correctly: only cultivated fields; exclude forests, infrastructure, water bodies, rocks; management units are consistent.
All eligible fields uploaded and named consistently (no missing fields).
Maps and exports are available in the portal for audit review (as applicable).
Check that farmer has the legal ownership of the field and it must be free of embargoes, not located in protected areas or indigenous territories.
Check for compliance with all local laws, particularly in the areas of land ownership and land lease, environmental regulations, water rights, as well as regulations for animal welfare, seed patents and biotechnology, regulations for agricultural work and workers safety. In addition, compliance with food safety regulations and label programs.
3.2 RegenerationDialogue completion
RegenerationDialogue performed: audio file stored, transcription and summary stored, operator is aware of conclusions and points to be improved or tasks to be done more of.
3.3 Soil sampling (Annex B + B1)
Sampling plan approved by AgriPurpose AG and consistent with Annex B1 (annual coverage + cap rules).
Minimum per sampled field met: at least 3 soil samples (PSLs) in every sampled field.
Minimum annual coverage met until first full coverage: at least 25% of eligible fields per year, unless limited by the cap rule and documented as such.
Cap rule verified (Annex B1): (1a) operation-level average sampling intensity not more intensive than 1 sample per 3 ha (ha/sample ≥ 3); or (1b) if per ha/sample would be < 3ha, limit sampling to one third of fields overall.
Sampling carried out by an approved service provider or arms-length contractor; GPS accuracy and timing consistent with protocol.
Laboratory results available and match required analyses (SOC%, bulk density, pH, P, K – in BRA CEC and AL3+ instead of K) and method requirements stated in Annex B.
3.4 Annual data submission and evidence
Yields (plant and/or animal): quantities and quality metrics recorded; sales receipts and stock records available and consistent, number of sold animals and age recorded.
Inputs: fuel (L), energy (kWh), nutrients (kg N, P, K - input as amount and NPK content of feed, mineral fertilizers and organics), water (m³), crop protection spend (€ - In local currency for Biocides, Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides and Plant growth regulators) recorded with invoices/receipts and plausible quantities; stocks recorded at initial purchase price.
Animal register (where relevant): livestock numbers, categories, and movements recorded and consistent with farm records.
3.5 Outcome evaluation and decision rules
Calculation outputs generated using the approved Calculation Model (Annex C) and the scheme’s logic.
Farm improves or remains stable in the four outcome domains according to scheme rules.
Down-year escalation applied correctly: evidence that RegenerationDialogue insights were used after first down year; consultant action plan required after second consecutive down year; suspension/withdrawal rules followed as per Regulations.
Validation reproduced: the result of the validation by AgriPurpose AG for the audited farm can be reproduced from the evidence.
3.6 Label and claims
Approved Regenerating label used only within the certified scope and valid period and follows the Logo Use Guideline (Annex G).
No misleading claims (e.g., claiming certification for non-certified fields/products).
3.7 Programme audit and sample selection
Population (n) and sample size (at least √n, rounded up) documented for the certification cycle.
All mandatory audits included: farms in their second consecutive down year and farms with open issues.
Every farm that would otherwise complete its fifth year in the programme without an audit included.
Top-up farms selected on a risk basis and at random; selection method and selected farms recorded.
Validation process of AgriPurpose AG checked: Calculation Model version control, data plausibility checks, handling of down years, and separation of validation staff from sales and consulting.
Online register shows the correct status for each farm and distinguishes validated farms from certified farms.
4 Records to retain (minimum)
Audit plan, sample selection record, evidence list, nonconformities and corrective actions, and certification decision record.
Field maps/polygons and relevant exports used during audit.
Laboratory reports and sampling documentation for the sampling year.
Copies or references to key receipts/records checked during the audit.