Responsible Manufacturer Benchmark - Fifth Season

By CommonShare

Fifth Season Cooperative, a pioneering entity in the realm of sustainable food production, stands as a beacon of environmental, social, and economic stewardship in the 7 Rivers Region. Established in 2010 through a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Vernon Economic Development Association and the Food and Farm Initiative of the Valley Stewardship Network, the cooperative embodies a mission to produce, process, and market healthy, locally sourced foods while upholding values of fairness and sustainability for all stakeholders involved. By bridging the gap between producers and buyers, Fifth Season Cooperative has cultivated a vibrant ecosystem that celebrates the rich tapestry of traditionally and sustainably raised foods within the region.

At the core of Fifth Season Cooperative's offerings are a diverse array of high-quality, nutritious products that reflect a commitment to ecological stewardship and community well-being. With a focus on fostering a sustainable regional food system, the cooperative has garnered recognition for its innovative approach to connecting consumers with locally sourced goods. Through its multi-stakeholder cooperative model, Fifth Season Cooperative has carved out a unique position in the market, distinguishing itself through its emphasis on mutual responsibility to the planet, the community, and each other's needs.

Driven by a vision of a future where the majority of food is sourced locally, Fifth Season Cooperative continues to expand its geographic presence and influence, championing a holistic approach to food production that considers the true cost of sustenance. With a leadership approach grounded in collaboration and shared values, the cooperative sets its sights on furthering its impact and bringing about positive change in the way food is grown, processed, and consumed. As Fifth Season Cooperative forges ahead, its strategic direction remains focused on nurturing a sustainable food ecosystem that benefits both the environment and the communities it serves.

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.

Fifth Season

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.