Understanding Input Requirements

One of the key attractions of our Certified Regenerative by AGW program is its practical and flexible approach to managing farming inputs. This approach often means that farmers can start their regenerative certification journey without having to overhaul their management practices overnight.

However, this does not mean inputs can be used without limits. According to the standards, restricted inputs may only be used if they are planned and targeted within an approved Regenerative Plan and you intend to phase them out under an agreed written reduction plan.

In this context, it is really important to understand which soil conditioners, feed, fertilizers, and other inputs are permitted, restricted, and prohibited under the program, particularly as you develop your farm’s Regenerative Plan and any supporting documentation.

Resources for understanding input requirements

We offer a number of resources to help you ensure your inputs align with the standards, including Annex D: List of restricted and prohibited inputs, Annex E: List of allowed inputs, the Certified Regenerative input form, and the Regenerative Plan template. All these resources are available online at agreenerworld.org/certifications/certified-regenerative.

AGW’s review panel thoroughly evaluates all submitted inputs, paying special attention to restricted inputs. In some cases, restricted inputs listed in annex D may be reclassified as prohibited if their use or application timing does not fully comply with program standards.

Supporting documentation must also include details of the preventive practices used before applying a restricted material, as well as the triggers for use, application rate, and frequency.

If you are ever unsure about whether a product is allowed under the Certified Regenerative by AGW program, please ask us to review your plans before using it.

How to submit inputs for review

The easiest—and recommended—way to submit all inputs for review is to use the input form and submit it with your finished Regenerative Plan.

Not only does the form clearly define all required information for AGW’s review panel, but it was developed by a certified business to ensure the necessary input information was easily reportable and practical.

Once you submit your forms for review, the panel will determine suitability of both used and planned inputs with the program standards, and confirm if these inputs are accepted. Annual reporting of inputs is required to track progress in reducing and eventually eliminating restricted materials from management practices.

If you have any doubts about a product’s compliance, feel free to submit it to [email protected] for a technical review.

We’re here to help.

DID YOU KNOW?

The input form was initially developed by California Olive Ranch as part of a Certified Regenerative by AGW pilot project. It was so helpful during the Regenerative Plan review process that AGW adopted it for use by all producers. Thank you, California Olive Ranch!

Author: Caitlin Aguilar is Director of Quality at A Greener World

Originally published in the Spring 2025 issue of AGW’s Sustainable Farming magazine.