Responsible Manufacturer Benchmark - Cultivating the Commons

By CommonShare

Cultivating the Commons, LLC is a leading organic vegetable, herb, and flower seed provider based in the Upper Midwest. Specializing in organic and open-pollinated seeds, Cultivating the Commons prioritizes selecting varieties that thrive in the unique environment of the Upper Midwest. Their seed cultivation process involves growing nearly all the seeds they sell, with the help of a select group of collaborators. The company's focus on plant vigor, health, and flavor sets them apart in the industry, ensuring that customers receive high-quality seeds for their gardening needs.

With a strong emphasis on community and education, Cultivating the Commons welcomes all individuals to learn about their seed cultivation practices. From hands-on activities like planting and seed harvest to offering internships for those interested in delving deeper into seedwork, the company actively engages with its community to promote a universal relationship with seeds. Through regular tours and educational opportunities, Cultivating the Commons aims to share their knowledge and passion for sustainable farming practices with groups ranging from students to Master Gardeners.

Founded on the principles of inclusivity and shared stewardship of the land, Cultivating the Commons envisions seed cultivation as a common ground for all to participate in. Their commitment to transparency and education allows customers to discover the origins of their seeds and actively engage in the cultivation process. As the company continues to expand its reach and impact, Cultivating the Commons remains dedicated to empowering eager learners, adventurous gardeners, and astute farmers to play a role in shaping the future of sustainable 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.

Cultivating the Commons

United States

Learn More About This Company

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.