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Follow these steps to certification:
Step 1
Review the SWBC Certified Sustainability Standards for Vineyard and/or Winery and the SWBC Certified Procedures Manual. These documents are the foundations of the SWBC Certified Program, found under the Resource tab on this site. They outline in detail the Criteria that must be met for Certification as well as the process and procedures adhered to for the programs management.
Step 2
Sign up for an account on the Sustainable Winegrowing BC web-site, www.sustainablewinegrowingbc.ca, by following the ‘Get Certified’ link on this page. Or, if you already have an account sign-in by clicking on the members button on this page.
Step 3
Complete the self-assessment, available through the member portal of the website. Instructions for completing the self-assessment can be found under the Instructions tab in the member portal (available to you once you've created an account and signed in).
When all relevant Essential Criteria are met you are eligible to apply for certification. To do so:
Step 4
Complete the SWBC Certified Application form which is found under Next Steps within the member portal of the web-site.
Step 5
Pay your dues (An invoice will be mailed to you after your application is received). See ‘Fee Schedule’ within the SWBC Procedures Manual for further fee information.
Step 6
Complete a Certification Audit
- SWBC will assist you with scheduling a certification audit with one of the 3rd party auditors trained to audit to the SWBC Standards.
Step 7
Celebrate Certification!
- Audit results will be reviewed by the SWBC Committee (anonymously). Once a decision is determined a certificate will be mailed to you along with SWBC Certified Logos and the Logo use policy.
Note: Sustainable Winegrowing BC can only process complete applications and applications are accepted on a continuous basis. The program calendar runs from Dec1 to Nov 30 the following year. Inspections will be scheduled April 15 through July 15 each calendar year. SWBC recommends beginning the application process a minimum of 12 weeks before certification is desired to allow for completion of the inspection and review processes. Please keep a copy of the completed application for your records.