New report finds voluntary sustainability standards on the rise.

• Position: News Brief - Brief article

Voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) are experiencing significant growth across the world in response to consumer, buyer and producer demands, according to 'The State of Sustainable Markets 2018; Statistics and Emerging Trends' report.

The report outlines data on global production volumes and areas, as well as certified producers, for 14 major VSS. These standards, which provide consumers assurances that their purchases support sustainability, can enhance market connections and price premiums for producers, but potentially come with substantial compliance costs.

The report shows that agricultural land on which certified commodities are grown continues to increase. For some products...