Eleven female farmers, participants of the Agro Woman Foundation mentoring programme, have successfully passed the ASAF certification exam in reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions (ESG). The vast majority achieved the professional-level certificate by scoring over 85%. The ASAF credential validates expertise in sustainable agriculture and food production and is open to anyone working on a farm or within the broader agri-food sector.
While more than 200 labels and certificates exist in today’s market, nearly all focus on evaluating specific products or processes. ASAF certification takes a different approach by verifying the knowledge of the individual. At the operational level, this knowledge directly impacts daily management—from fertilisation and soil management to animal nutrition and compliance documentation—giving farmers a distinct competitive edge and boosting their credibility with buyers across the entire food value chain.
As an Association, we are pleased that through ASAF certification we support the development of knowledge and competencies of our female and male farmers in the field of sustainable production practices, greenhouse gas emission reduction and ESG. This is an important step in building trust in the supply chain.
My role requires me to complete training and certification programs regularly, which gives me a clear basis for comparison. The ASAF exam easily meets a strong market standard. Today, formalising your skills is simply a standard part of managing a modern farming operation.
— Antonina Jezierska‑Guzewicz, participant of the 2nd edition of the Agro Woman Foundation mentoring programme and agricultural advisor.
Both the prep courses and final exams take place fully online, with scheduling designed around the seasonal rhythms of Polish field work. Study materials draw on publicly available resources from the Academy and the Sustainable Agriculture Guide, developed by Polish researchers and specialists.
Competencies will define the future of agriculture. Running a farm means making decisions grounded in data on soil health, emissions, and financial performance. We see this drive for learning throughout the industry—among seasoned producers, next‑generation farmers taking over family operations, and those adopting digital tools. Combining practical knowledge with innovation is what ultimately strengthens the entire food sector.
— Dr Olaf Horbańczuk, Director of ASAF.
In certain agricultural sectors, up to 90% of a food product’s overall environmental footprint originates at the raw‑material stage. Because food corporations are held accountable for the impact of their entire supply chain, they increasingly audit their suppliers’ practices. The ASAF certificate offers farm owners a reliable way to prove their commitment to sustainable production through verified knowledge rather than self‑declarations.
Certificates remain valid for two years before requiring recertification, guaranteeing that credential holders stay up to date with evolving regulatory and market standards.
We’re always searching for practical ways to grow our business, and earning this credential was a clear next step. It lets us validate what we know while demonstrating to partners, contractors, and customers that our farm operates according to top industry standards.
— Anna Czerniecka, participant of the 2nd edition of the Agro Woman Foundation mentoring programme, Gryfice Farm.
All eleven newly certified farmers are mentees in the AgroWoman Mentoring 2026 programme, a strategic partner of the Polish Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (ASAF). The ASAF pathway offers personal, named certificates across seven key disciplines: reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable crop production, sustainable livestock production, sustainable mixed farming, regenerative agriculture, sustainable and healthy food, and financing sustainable agriculture.
Have questions about ASAF certification or want to learn more about the process? Contact Us – we will gladly answer all your questions and help you sign up for certification.
Applications for the certification pathways are open at Certyfikacja ASAF page.