Responsible Manufacturer Benchmark - Big Mesa Farm

By CommonShare

Big Mesa Farm, a family-run farm based in Comptche, California, is a beacon of organic and sustainable farming practices. Certified Organic by CCOF, the farm has been operating since 2012 and prides itself on producing a diverse array of organic and sustainably farmed produce. Located just half an hour from the Pacific Ocean, Big Mesa Farm serves the broader community of Mendocino County and beyond, offering fresh, locally-grown goods at farmers' markets and local stores. The farm's commitment to forming resilient connections within the community adds vibrancy and value to the local food scene.

At Big Mesa Farm, the focus is on growing the best food to nourish customers and their families. With a dedication to regenerative farming practices, the farm cultivates a 4-acre field and utilizes hoop-houses for year-round production. The property, dating back to the 1890s, boasts a rich history of stewardship by previous generations, adding to the farm's deep connection to the land. Completely off-grid and 100% solar-powered, Big Mesa Farm is at the forefront of sustainability, demonstrating a commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels through innovative practices like induction cooking and electric car charging capabilities.

As Big Mesa Farm looks towards the future, their strategic direction includes continued expansion of their market presence through participation in local farmers' markets and partnerships with grocery stores. The farm's mission to provide fresh, locally-grown produce to the community remains steadfast, with a focus on building meaningful connections and fostering a sustainable food ecosystem. With a small community of 3-7 people living on-site, Big Mesa Farm embodies a collaborative and environmentally-conscious approach to farming, setting a high standard for ethical and responsible agriculture practices.

Overall Rating

1.0

Under-Performing

Traceability

An increasingly important factor in global supply chains, traceability assesses the manufacturer's capability to track products and materials from origin to delivery. The Sustainable Manufacturers Benchmark® explores this through the lens of tiered supplier verification, culminating in end-to-end traceability with real-time monitoring and complete transparency.

Digitized Products

The digital landscape has transformed B2B interactions. This facet assesses the extent to which manufacturers have digitized their product offerings. The spectrum ranges from manufacturers without any online product catalog to those boasting advanced B2B e-commerce platforms, providing clients with order customization, real-time tracking, and an integrated view of the supply chain.

Preferred Materials

This aspect gauges the extent to which manufacturers incorporate sustainable, circular, and regenerative materials in their supply chain. It assesses whether companies merely use standard materials or whether they actively prioritize sustainable and preferred materials in their product range, even going so far as to offer digital verification of material certificates.

Facility Verification and Services

This dimension evaluates the openness and commitment of manufacturers regarding their facility's conditions and services. It covers a spectrum, from providing no facility details at all to showcasing comprehensive third-party audits, ensuring transparency in worker welfare and showcasing a clear commitment to maintaining top-tier facility services.

Readiness to Contract

Before entering a partnership, it's pivotal to understand a manufacturer's business legitimacy. The Sustainable Manufacturers Benchmark® checks for the presence and verification of essential documents, ranging from basic business licenses to comprehensive documentation, client testimonials, and even third-party attestations that verify a manufacturer's reliability and readiness to contract.

Big Mesa Farm

United States

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How our Responsible Manufacturer Benchmark® Works?

By CommonShare

The Responsible Manufacturer Benchmark is a comprehensive framework designed to evaluate and rate manufacturers based on their commitment to sustainability, digital integration, readiness for contracting, material sourcing, and facility standards. It provides a clear, standardized metric for assessing manufacturers in a B2B environment, helping businesses make informed decisions aligned with their sustainability objectives. The benchmark covers crucial areas like end-to-end traceability, the digital verification of supply tiers, utilization of preferred materials, and verified social audits for facilities. By incorporating both depth and granularity across its criteria, the benchmark not only promotes transparency but also encourages continuous improvement in responsible manufacturing practices.