RISE- Response-inducing sustainability evaluation

Summary in the original language of the document

RISE is a computer-supported indicator-based method for assessing the economic, social and environmental sustainability performance of agricultural production at the farm level. The purpose of RISE is to contribute to enhancing the sustainability of agricultural production, by supporting knowledge-based processes that are founded on voluntary participation, confidentiality and capacity building. The evaluation is based on ten indicators that reflect environmental, economic and social aspects. The most important data source is a questionnaire-based interview with the farmer. The evaluated data are visualized as a sustainability polygon and serve as a basis to a feedback dialogue in which the farmer and the trained RISE consultant jointly identify potentials for improving farm sustainability performance.
Training in the RISE method for professionals in the agriculture and related industries are regularly carried out. On completion of the course, participants are able to use the RISE method independently to evaluate the sustainability of agricultural operations.
RISE is aimed at agricultural consultants, for use in education, in development projects and in raw material sourcing. The tool is internationally relevant for all farms, organic and conventional. The software has been tested around the world, is available in seven languages and can be used both on- and off-line.