The Trust Protocol incorporates a comprehensive program of verification against Trust Protocol benchmarks, in the form of both second-party and independent third-party audits of grower performance through Control Union Certifications—the latter through allocated on-site visits.
Control Union Certifications has certified over 150 industry standards programs worldwide, including working as a key partner in the early development and piloting phases of Field to Market’s Impact Claim Verification Protocol.
The Protocol Consumption Management Solution (PCMS) harnesses blockchain technology through a powerful combination of the Trust Protocol Platform and TextileGenesis(TM) system to deliver full supply chain transparency by recording and verifying the movement of U.S. cotton fiber along the entire supply chain.
The second-party verification process will start with an aggregator contacting the producer to notify them that second party verification is needed. The aggregator will also verify the self-assessment and use of the data tool during this time to ensure that second-party verification can proceed. Next, the second-party verifier will contact the producer to review the verification process and may request documentation.
The verification documents will be uploaded to the Trust Protocol platform and/or emailed to the second-party verifier. The use of technology to expedite the second party verification process is permitted and recommended.
A second-party verifier is a contracted specialist or representative of the aggregator who aids the grower in completing self-assessment and attests to the accuracy of information supplied. Twenty-five percent of producers from each region will be second party verified.
Additionally, second-party verification will:
Further, if a grower is subject to a third-party audit and fails due to an issue that should have been addressed during the second-party verification process, the second-party verifier stands to lose their accreditation because of implied negligence of duty.
The third-party verification process will be initiated by the Trust Protocol by making contact with the member grower and the aggregator directly to notify them of being selected for a third-party verification visit.
Verification documents can be uploaded to the Trust Protocol Dashboard and FaceTime, videos, and/or pictures will be allowed to expedite the verification process as necessary. Additionally, the third-party verifier may need to visit the farm if additional information is needed to complete the audit. All farm visits will occur after the harvest.
This episode focuses on independent verification, which is at the heart of the Trust Protocol. Diana Perez from Control Union Certifications and Trust Protocol grower Dahlen Hancock from Texas explain how it works – in theory and in practice – and why it matters.