Responsible Manufacturer Benchmark - Bio Way Farm

By CommonShare

Bio Way Farm LLC is a certified organic farm located in Ware Shoals, South Carolina, that is dedicated to working in harmony with nature through sustainable agriculture and permaculture design principles. With a sprawling 120-acre property encompassing cultivated fields, preserved forests, a native plant nursery, and a 5-acre lake, Bio Way Farm stands out as a beacon of ecological conservation and organic farming practices in the region. Led by Chris Sermons, a renowned naturalist and farmer of the year in 2016, the farm prioritizes the restoration and protection of wild and cultivated systems, emphasizing the importance of maximizing biological diversity and native integrity across its landscape.

At Bio Way Farm, the focus is on producing a wide variety of certified organic crops that are sold through farmers markets, farm-to-table restaurants, local groceries, CSA programs, and an on-farm stand. The farm's commitment to holistic and organic management has not only led to reduced pest and disease pressure but has also created additional habitat for native organisms, improved soil health, and fostered a balanced ecosystem. By offering farm tours and nature walks, Bio Way Farm actively engages with the community, sharing knowledge and promoting the importance of preserving native habitats.

As a pioneer in sustainable and ecologically minded organic farming, Bio Way Farm has garnered praise for its dedication to restoring wetlands, grasslands, and forest habitats. The farm's commitment to wildlife biodiversity sets it apart from traditional farmers, earning accolades for its efforts to support a balanced ecosystem. With a strong presence in the local market and a loyal customer base, Bio Way Farm continues to inspire and lead by example in the realm of organic agriculture. Looking ahead, the farm remains focused on expanding its reach, educating the community, and furthering its mission of promoting sustainable practices in agriculture.

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.

Bio Way 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.