Our transparency commitments

The Harmony certified content statement, located on the back of pack of products with the Harmony label, gives the consumer transparent information about the content of Harmony wheat in the product. This statement also gives information about the method of tracking the Harmony wheat as it travels along the supply chain, something called a “chain of custody model”.

The Harmony certification allows for three different chain of custody models, each of which carefully tracks certified material and creates the same amount of impact for farmer, soil, and biodiversity, while at the same time working with the complexities of the wheat production and sourcing.

Read on to learn about how the certified content statement on pack can tell you more about which Harmony chain of custody model is used for your next Harmony product.

“100% of the wheat flour in this product is sourced from Harmony-certified farms.”

Used in cases where it is possible to always secure enough Harmony-certified wheat flour to cover 100% of the flour needs of the product, and the Harmony-certified wheat flour is always kept separate from non-Harmony flour. Where you see this statement, the chain of custody model used behind it is called “segregation”.

“At least 70% of the wheat flour in this product is sourced from Harmony-certified farms.”

Used in cases where there may not be enough available segregated Harmony-certified wheat flour to meet 100% of the needs, but it is possible to always have at least 70% Harmony flour. In this model, the ratio of Harmony to non-Harmony wheat flour is done according to a set recipe, is always known and consistent, and is always at least 70%. This model reflects the realities of a complex supply chain, where better supply chain traceability is desired, but reliably securing Harmony-certified wheat is not always possible due to supply and/or weather limitations. Where you see this statement, the chain of custody model used behind it is called
“controlled blending”.

“by mass balance. Certified wheat flour may not be present in this product."

Used in cases where it is challenging to keep Harmony wheat flour separate from non-Harmony wheat flour at the mill, storage, transportation, and/or factory level. In this model, it is not possible to know that physical Harmony-certified wheat flour is in the product, but there are controls that ensure that an equivalent amount of Harmony wheat was received and used (for example, in another biscuit) by the same company. This model allows flexibility and impact, even in the face of sourcing challenges and supply chain complexity. Where you see this statement, the chain of custody model used behind it is called
“mass balance”.

Though Harmony-certified wheat can be sourced through three different models – segregated, controlled blending, and mass balance – each model is carefully controlled to ensure the same positive impact for farmers, soil, and biodiversity. Audits of Harmony-certified companies ensure the rules of the Harmony certification, including proper chain of custody, are being followed, so you can be confident about the impact of the next Harmony product you buy and enjoy.