Governance
Guided by a multi-stakeholder approach, we strive to achieve balance through the governance and decision-making bodies of the organization in which each voting sector has equal representation and voice.
Standards & Policies
Field to Market is a diverse alliance committed to creating opportunities across the agricultural value chain for continuous improvements in environmental outcomes.
Your active participation in our programs and governance is key for our continued success as an organization. Please use this page to access key documentation and resources which will allow you to maximize your engagement with Field to Market.
General Assembly
The General Assembly is made up of one representative from each of the Field to Market voting member organizations. The General Assembly will manage the organization and its affairs, will adopt policies to guide the activities of the organization, and will be responsible for the receipt, proper custody and expenditure of its funds and the care of its property. The General Assembly will exercise all of the powers of the organization.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is made up of 15 members, with three representatives from each of the four voting sectors: Agribusiness; Brands & Retailers; Civil Society; and Grower Organizations, as well as three non-voting members from the Affiliate sector, thus giving each voting sector balanced representation and influence in decision-making.
Between meetings of the General Assembly, the Board of Directors exercises the power of the General Assembly, including the approval of new members, employment of the President and provision of guidance to staff. The Board
will make recommendations to the Assembly concerning organizational strategy, budget and annual work plan as well as the establishment of the basis or rate of membership contributions.
Standing Committees
Four standing committees have been established to oversee various aspects of Field to Market’s program and to make formal recommendations to the Board of Directors and General Assembly. These committees will have a number of responsibilities including developing and refining metrics; establishing verification protocols for sustainability claims; developing education and outreach materials to accelerate continuous improvement; and establishing awards and recognition programs for outstanding growers and supply chain partners.
Education & Outreach
The Education and Outreach Committee supports the development of educational materials for use by entities that offer decision support services for growers, as well as information for use by local Fieldprint projects to standardize and identify best practices for engaging with growers that are participating in our program. This support includes identifying and prioritizing educational resources needed by members of their Field to Market sector, reviewing and providing feedback, and promoting and disseminating developed materials.
Metrics
Field to Market’s Metrics Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors on revisions to existing metrics as new science becomes available. The committee also makes recommendations to the Board and General Assembly on the inclusion of new metrics and indicators in the Field to Market program. Lastly, the committee oversees metrics alignment with other sustainability programs and standards.
Standards
The Standards Committee oversees the creation, refinement, and publication of governance and process documents that enhance the credibility and transparency of Field to Market’s programs. This includes making recommendations to the Board of Directors and General Assembly on the establishment and revision of participation, measurement and impact claims protocols, as well as the data requirements to support these claims. The committee also oversees the engagement with third-party verifiers and ensure ongoing compliance with ISEAL requirements.
Innovative Finance
The Innovative Finance Committee will continue the work of the ad hoc Innovative Finance Workgroup formed in 2021 to explore creative finance mechanisms to support U.S. farmers in scaling conservation practices and sustainable outcomes. The committee is responsible for identifying and promoting effective incentive strategies, including blended approaches to conservation finance.
Advisory Councils and Networks
Five advisory councils/networks have also been established to provide informal guidance to Field to Market on a range of questions including science, technology and project implementation.
Science Advisory Council
The Science Advisory Council provides expert guidance to Field to Market's membership that will ensure best available science is used throughout our program when establishing metrics, as well as measuring, monitoring, and reporting on sustainability outcomes. The Council reflects a diversity of scientific disciplines ranging from greenhouse gas modeling, soil science, hydrology, wildlife biology, and statistical sampling. The group assists with providing peer review of key Field to Market reports and publications.
Technology Advisory Council
The Technology Advisory Council provides expert guidance to Field to Market’s membership on its data and technology needs, with an emphasis on the current and future state of the Fieldprint® Platform. The council discusses and provides guidance on a range of important issues including best practices for platform integration with other tools and software; development of new features and functionality and improvements to usability; and best practices related to data storage, aggregation, reporting and privacy.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council brings a breadth and depth of experience to advance our collective efforts to build trust between Black, Indigenous and other Producers of Color (BIPOC) and the agricultural supply chain; embed consideration for the social aspects of sustainability in Field to Market’s programming, particularly in Fieldprint projects; and strengthen Field to Market’s and member’s organizational capacity to advance DEI.
Learn More >
Qualified Data Management Partner Network
The Qualified Data Management Partner (QDMP) Network is made up of members that have entered into data management license agreements with Field to Market. The network will convene regularly to provide feedback to Field to Market staff on its program, identify key tools and resources that could support implementation, identify and expand partnership opportunities, and share learnings about best practices for engaging growers and accelerating continuous improvement.
Project Administrator Network
The Project Administrator Network is made up of project leads from companies and organizations who are implementing member-led projects with growers. The network will convene regularly to provide feedback to Field to Market staff on its program, identify key tools and resources that could support implementation, identify and expand partnership opportunities, and share learnings about best practices for engaging growers and accelerating continuous improvement.
Task Forces and Working Groups
On recommendation of the Board of Directors, Field to Market may convene Task Forces or Working Groups; time-limited member groups to contribute or make recommendations on topics of importance to the organization.