At MAN-UNITED, we apply a robust and transparent sustainability assessment framework aligned with the FAO’s SAFA (Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems) Guidelines. Our goal is to help food and agriculture companies measure, improve, and communicate their sustainability performance across the entire value chain.
MAN-UNITED Assessment Levels & Rating System
Our assessment follows a tiered, color-coded rating system based on the company’s total SAFA compliance score. This provides a clear benchmark for evaluating sustainability performance:
| Level | SAFA Score | Assessment Rating |
| 🟢Green | 90-100% | Best Sustainability Performance |
| 🟡Yellow | 75-89% | High Sustainability Compliance |
| 🟠Orange | 50-74% | Moderate Sustainability Compliance |
| 🔴Red | 50% < | Needs Improvement |
Companies receive an overall rating based on their cumulative score across all four SAFA sustainability dimensions. This score helps inform stakeholders — including customers, investors, and partners — about the company’s sustainability commitment and progress.
SAFA-Based Sustainability Dimensions
Our framework evaluates sustainability performance across four key dimensions defined in the FAO SAFA Guidelines:
- Good Governance – Ethical business conduct, transparency, and accountability
- Environmental Integrity – Protection of ecosystems, climate action, and resource efficiency.
- Economic Resilience – Financial sustainability, fair trade, and local economic contribution.
- Social Well-being – Labor rights, food security, and community engagement.
Each dimension is assessed using defined themes, sub-themes, and performance indicators. To earn a top-tier Green rating, companies must meet specific minimum requirements in all four dimensions.
1. Good Governance
Objective: Promote ethical practices, stakeholder engagement, transparency, and compliance with laws and standards.
Key Assessment Themes & Indicators:
| Theme | Sub-Theme | Performance Indicator |
| Corporate Ethics | Business Integrity Stakeholder Engagement | Anti-corruption policies, ethical sourcing guidelines Public consultations, transparent grievance mechanisms |
| Accountability & Transparency | Legal Compliance Public Reporting | Adherence to labor, trade, and environmental laws Verified sustainability reporting |
| Sustainability | Internal Policies | Existence of a sustainability strategy and internal monitoring |
Green Rating Minimum Requirements:
- A published sustainability policy aligned with SAFA principles.
- Verified compliance with national and international regulations.
- Annual third-party-verified sustainability performance reports.
2. Environmental Integrity
Objective: Minimize environmental impact and conserve natural resources in production systems.
Key Assessment Themes & Indicators:
| Theme | Sub-Theme | Performance Indicator |
| Biodiversity & Ecosystems | Habitat Protection Chemical Use Reduction | Land-use policies preserving natural ecosystems Safe management of agrochemicals |
| Climate Resilience | Carbon Footprint Water & Soil Conservation | Energy efficiency, GHG reduction practices Erosion control, water-saving irrigation |
| Resource Efficiency | Waste Management Renewable Energy Use | Food waste prevention, recycling systems % of operations powered by renewables |
Green Rating Minimum Requirements:
- Demonstrated reduction in GHG emissions and pollution.
- Effective biodiversity conservation practices.
- Sustainable water and land management strategies.
3. Economic Resilience
Objective: Support sustainable business growth, fair pricing, and equitable stakeholder benefit.
Key Assessment Themes & Indicators:
| Theme | Sub-Theme | Performance Indicator |
| Financial Stability | Risk Management Sustainable Investment | Plans for market or climate-related disruptions Investment in long-term sustainability goals |
| Fair Trade & Pricing | Producer Income Supply Chain Fairness | Ensuring living wages for producers and workers Profit equity along the supply chain |
| Business Longevity | Market Access Local Economy Support | Engagement in sustainable and ethical markets Sourcing and hiring policies that benefit local communities |
Green Rating Minimum Requirements:
- Ethical and fair pricing models throughout the supply chain.
- Reinvestment in sustainability initiatives.
- Long-term financial planning that promotes inclusion and resilience.
4. Social Well-being
Objective: Advance human rights, fair labor practices, food safety, and community development.
Key Assessment Themes & Indicators:
| Theme | Sub-Theme | Performance Indicator |
| Labor Rights & Fair Wages | Worker Protection | No forced or child labor, workplace safety measures |
| Community Development | Fair Compensation Local Employment Education & Training | Payment above legal minimum wages Hiring practices that prioritize local labor Access to skills development and capacity building |
| Food Security & Health | Product Safety Nutritional Value | Compliance with food safety laws Promotion of nutritious, safe food products |
Green Rating Minimum Requirements:
- Full compliance with labor rights and health & safety standards.
- Support for workforce development and community well-being.
- Contribution to food security and public health initiatives.
Why It Matters
Our framework is more than just a scorecard — it is a roadmap for continuous improvement. By participating in our sustainability assessment, companies gain:
- Credible sustainability performance report based on global standards
- Benchmarking insights to guide sustainability planning
- Transparency tools to build stakeholder trust
- Market recognition that supports responsible branding
The MAN-UNITED SAFA-Based Assessment Framework provides a structured path to measurable and meaningful progress towards a sustainable future for food and agriculture companies.
