CG Foundation

Assurance Programme

Our three-tier assurance model ensures that every CG Foundation sustainable cotton claim is verified, credible and auditable.

Three-Tier Assurance System

T1

Self-Assessment

Farmers self-assess against the standard criteria at the start and end of each season, supported by field facilitators. This builds ownership of the standard.

T2

Internal Audit

Trained internal auditors from our implementing partners conduct field visits to verify self-assessment accuracy and support corrective action.

T3

Independent Verification

Accredited third-party verifiers conduct annual sample audits against the full standard criteria, providing independent assurance to brands and markets.

How an Audit Works

Each annual assurance cycle follows a structured four-step process to ensure consistency, fairness and rigour across all programme states and implementing partners.

1
Document Review

Review of farm records, training attendance, input purchase receipts and self-assessment forms prior to field visit.

2
Field Observation

Physical observation of farming practices, pesticide storage, soil health indicators and water management infrastructure.

3
Farmer Interviews

Confidential interviews with enrolled farmers to verify training attendance, knowledge retention and practice adoption.

4
Report & Corrective Action

Audit report issued with findings, non-conformances and time-bound corrective action plan where required.

Field audit
98%
Audit Completion Rate
3rd Party
Independent Verified
Annual
Audit Cycle
ISO 17065
Accreditation Standard

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