There are many ways to participate in the development of the Sustainable Agriculture Standard, ranging from serving on the Standards Committee and subcommittees to participating in the public comment and review process.

Apply for Standards Committee Membership

The Sustainable Agriculture Standard development committee (Standards Committee) is charged with crafting an innovative standard that provides a clear framework for advancing sustainable agriculture practices. A key element of the Committee work is to identify, deliberate and build consensus around the range of issues relevant to the standard and the standard development process, and to develop the criteria that will be included in the framework of the final standard.

Standards Committee Openings -- In the event that there are openings on the Standards Committee, Leonardo Academy will issue a public call for applications within the interest category where the vacancy occurs. When selecting new Committee members, both new applicants as well as applicants that were not appointed in earlier Committee member selection processes will be considered equally for the open seat(s). If you would like to receive announcements regarding Standards Committee openings, please join the Sustainable Agriculture Standard Email List by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Time Commitment for Committee Members -- The time commitment required of Standards Committee members is estimated to be 8 to 15 hours per month. Committee member activities include participating in Committee meetings and teleconferences, meeting preparations, drafting and reviewing standard development documents, voting, correspondence, etc. Members who choose to take on a leadership role (i.e., Committee Officer or Subcommittee Co-Chair) will invest more time in the development process. Committee members are also encouraged to participate in the subcommittee work, which will increase their time commitment depending on their level of involvement.

Committee Meetings:  Frequency and Location -- When practical, Standards Committee meetings will occur via teleconference to make the most efficient use of resources and to maximize attendance. When face-to-face meetings are scheduled, all attempts will be made to select a location that is convenient for the majority of Committee members. For face-to-face meetings, remote access capabilities (teleconference and webinar) will be arranged for those unable to attend in person.

Apply for Subcommittee Membership

Leonardo Academy is now accepting applications for membership on the National Sustainable Agriculture Standard Subcommittees. The subcommittees will play an important role in the development of the standard by taking a direct role in exploring key issues, developing draft criteria and providing recommendations and guidance to the Standards Committee.

The following subcommittees are open to membership by all interested parties:

1. Criteria Development - Economic Sustainability
2. Criteria Development - Social Sustainability
3. Criteria Development - Environmental Sustainability
4. Reference Library and Information
5. Structure and Process of Standard Development
6. Fundraising and Communications

Download the Subcommittee Application here: (WORD) (PDF)

The Subcommittees held their kick-off teleconferences the week of July 20th. However, Leonardo Academy will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis from individuals who wish to participate in the Subcommittee work. 

Time Commitment -- The time commitment of Subcommittee members will vary according to the range of issues explored by the Subcommittee(s) they are active in, as well as the depth of the issues at hand. Participants can expect to devote up to 10 hours per month while their respective subcommittee is active. Depending on the issues being addressed by the Standards Committee at a given time, there may be periods of higher intensity for certain subcommittees, which will taper off as the issues each subcommittee is working on are resolved.

Meetings:  Frequency and Location -- Subcommittee meetings will be held primarily by teleconference. In the event that face-to-face meetings are scheduled, Leonardo Academy will select locations that are convenient for the majority of the Subcommittee members. For face-to-face meetings, remote access capabilities (teleconference and webinar) will be arranged for those unable to attend in person. Please see the Sustainable Agriculture Project Calendar for scheduled subcommittee meetings.

Leadership -- Each Subcommittee will be led by two Co-Chairs. One Co-Chair shall be elected by the Standards Committee from among the Committee membership, and the other Co-Chair shall be elected by the Subcommittee from among that Subcommittee's membership. NOTE:  In the interests of beginning the Subcommittee work as expeditiously and efficiently as possible, Interim Chairs have been appointed to each of the Subcommittees listed above. Voting for the permanent leadership positions will occur no later than three months after the Subcommittee work begins, to allow sufficient opportunity for Subcommittee members to familiarize themselves with one another and to determine which members are best suited for the leadership positions.

Register to be an Observer

Observers are invited to attend the Standards Committee and Subcommittee meetings and conference calls for the Sustainable Agriculture Standard, subject to the provisions set forth in Leonardo Academy's Policy on Observer Participation. Observers attending in-person Standards Committee and Subcommittee meetings will be accommodated on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to the availability of space or capacity. For meetings held by teleconference,there is no limit to the number of observers that can participate. If you are interested in obtaining observer status, please fill out an application (Word format, PDF format). Applications should be submitted to Leonardo Academy by email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or by mail (PO Box 5425, Madison, WI, 53705).

Participate in the Public Review and Comment Process

Once the Standards Committee reaches agreement on a draft of the sustainable agriculture standard, the draft will be posted for public comment by Leonardo Academy. The public review and comment process provides all stakeholders with an additional opportunity to participate in the standard development process. At the end of the public comment period, the Standards Committee will address all of the comments received prior to submitting the final standard to ANSI for approval as an American National Standard. If you would like to receive the announcement when the draft standard is completed and posted for public comment, please join the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . NOTE: Please keep your contact information up-to-date, as it may take several years for the Standards Committee to complete preparation of the draft standard.

Join the Sustainable Agriculture Standard Update List 

Stay up-to-date on the Sustainable Agriculture Standard development process by joining the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Members of this list receive periodic updates on the standard’s development, including announcements of Committee meetings, important events and opportunities to participate.

Make a Donation to Support the Standard's Development

Leonardo Academy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is seeking tax-deductible contributions to fund the development of the Sustainable Agriculture Standard and to support active participation by as many stakeholders as possible. Donations support the Sustainable Agriculture Standard in direct ways. Learn more.