Responsible Manufacturer Benchmark - Birdsfoot Farm

By CommonShare

Birdsfoot Farm, located in Canton, NY, is a longstanding and reputable organic farm that has been cultivating certified organic vegetables, flowers, and herbs for over 50 years. The farm operates as an intentional community, consisting of eight adults and two children, who work together to grow the freshest, high-quality local produce for their customers. Birdsfoot Farm stands out in the industry for its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, where members commit to receiving in-season vegetables and herbs in exchange for upfront payment or installment plans. This unique model not only ensures a guaranteed market for the farm but also fosters a personal connection between the growers and consumers.

Known for its commitment to providing the freshest, local, and certified organic produce, Birdsfoot Farm has built a loyal customer base that includes members of the Canton Farmers Market, Potsdam Food Coop, Natures Storehouse, and Nori’s in Saranac Lake. The farm's dedication to sustainable farming practices and community engagement sets it apart in the market, offering members a chance to support local agriculture while enjoying a direct relationship with the farmer. Birdsfoot Farm's mission is rooted in a passion for farming and a belief in the importance of growing good food for people, serving the greater community, and providing opportunities for future generations.

With a strong emphasis on education, sustainability, and community building, Birdsfoot Farm continues to expand its reach and impact in the organic farming industry. Through its Fall CSA-Shares program and partnerships with seasonal workers, the farm remains committed to providing fresh, high-quality produce while fostering a sense of connection and collaboration within the community. As Birdsfoot Farm looks towards the future, its strategic direction focuses on further enhancing its CSA offerings, expanding its market presence, and continuing to innovate in sustainable 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.

Birdsfoot 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.