Third-Party Program Verification
The PSA Program has implemented a third-party verification framework to review program data and drive continuous improvement.
The purpose is to confirm accuracy, identify where PSA can improve program tools and guidance, and support credible sustainability reporting across the potato value chain.
What is Verification?
Program Verification is a continuous improvement process that uses independent review to assess the quality of On-Farm Assessment data and strengthen the consistency, clarity, and reliability of PSA Program reporting. Shared learnings help improve program guidance, documentation expectations, and the quality of sustainability data across the potato value chain.
Verification is designed to strengthen program reporting and data integrity for all participants, not to certify or evaluate the performance of individual farms.
Who Conducts Verification?
PSA’s independent third-party verification partner, Where Food Comes From (WFCF), supports the implementation of the framework and goes on-farm to conduct assessment reviews. WFCF is a verification and certification company that works across food and agriculture supply chains to support sustainability, traceability, and data integrity programs.
Verification is designed to strengthen program reporting and data integrity for all participants, not to certify or evaluate the performance of individual farms.
How the Process Works
Verification and on-farm reviews operate on a three-year cycle to provide ongoing oversight of PSA Program reporting. 2025 marked the first crop year in which growers participating in the on-farm assessment were selected for third-party verification reviews.
- Sample Selection: A representative sample of participant assessments is selected for on-farm review.
- On-Farm Verification: WFCF conducts on-farm reviews using documentation, observations, and participant discussions to verify responses.
- Findings & Reporting: Verification findings are analyzed to identify strengths, trends, and opportunities for program improvement.
- Implementation: PSA uses the findings to update assessment guidance, participant resources, training materials, and verification procedures.
- Continuous Improvement: Program improvements are evaluated and refined before the next verification cycle begins.
The next representative sample of participant assessments will be selected in early 2029 to verify responses submitted during the 2028 assessment cycle.
Why Verification Matters
As sustainability expectations continue to increase across the supply chain, verification provides an added level of confidence in PSA’s On-Farm Assessment data, helping ensure the program remains credible, consistent, and useful over time.
Grower Participants:
- Improves clarity and consistency in how assessment questions are interpreted and answered
- Supports confidence in how grower sustainability data is reported and represented across the value chain
Aggregators:
- Strengthens consistency and reliability in aggregated sustainability reporting
- Supports alignment with customer and supply chain sustainability expectations
Potato Value Chain:
- Provides independent oversight that helps buyers rely on PSA Program participation to support sustainability reporting and sourcing expectations
- Strengthens recognition of the PSA Program as a credible, trusted sustainability framework across the potato value chain
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an audit of individual farms?
No. PSA Program Verification is a program-level, third-party review that uses a random sample of participating farms. It is not an individual farm audit or certification. The purpose is to verify assessment responses, identify opportunities to improve the PSA Program, and strengthen guidance and reporting for the benefit of all participants.
Who to contact and give feedback?
Contact Natalie Nesburg, PSA Program Manager, at natalie@potatosustainability.org for any questions or feedback regarding Verification.
Are the identities of growers selected for on-farm reviews shared?
Growers may choose to share their annual on-farm assessment responses with participating Processor and Fresh Market members, but all verification findings and results are reported only in an aggregated and anonymized form.
What will Verification look like in the future?
As adoption of the PSA Program grows, Verification will continue to support consistent, credible sustainability reporting while strengthening confidence in PSA Program participation across the potato value chain.
Want to learn more about the PSA Program? Explore how the PSA Program measures on-farm sustainability and supports continuous improvement across the potato value chain. For questions about the PSA Program, contact Natalie Nesburg, PSA Program Manager, at natalie@potatosustainability.org.
Who is putting potato sustainability into practice?