UTZ focuses on farmers learning better farming methods, better working conditions and more care for nature and future generations. By investing in better agricultural methods, the yield increases and the quality improves, without depleting natural resources or damaging nature. The higher and better harvest gives farmers a better income and better future prospects. In addition to social requirements, such as no child labor and good working conditions, there are environmental requirements such as optimal water and land use and the protection of nature. UTZ cooperates with small and large farmers. At the beginning of 2018, UTZ merged with the Rainforest Alliance.

Presence of the Rainforest Alliance certificate means that deforestation is prohibited and that farmers follow more sustainable farming practices and help protect nature. Farmers work with management systems to improve working conditions, trade union freedom and contributions to the local community and to promote sustainable water and waste management and sparing use of pesticides. For meat, there is a separate animal husbandry standard that sets requirements for animal welfare and environmental management. The Rainforest Alliance, for example, trains farmers to work more professionally and to maintain the quality of their land for the future. At the beginning of 2018, the Rainforest Alliance merged with UTZ.