CFAR Conflict of Interest Policy
Purpose:
To ensure that the decisions of the Center for Agricultural Resilience (CFAR) are made in the best interests of the organization and its mission, free from any undue influence or personal gain.
Scope:
This policy applies to all members of the Board of Directors, officers, employees, and key volunteers.
Policy Statement:
All individuals covered by this policy must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest involving CFAR’s financial interests, partnerships, or programmatic activities. A conflict arises when a person’s personal, professional, or financial interests could impair, or appear to impair, his/her ability to make objective decisions on behalf of CFAR.
Disclosure and Management Process:
- Annual Disclosure: Each covered individual must complete a conflict disclosure form annually. This includes all members of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, and any staff or contractors who have decision-making authority over finances, procurement, or donor relations.
- Ongoing Disclosure: If a potential conflict of interest arises during the year, it must be disclosed immediately to the Executive Director (ED) or the Board Chair.
- Determination: The Board, excluding any conflicted members, will determine whether a conflict exists and, if so, how to manage or eliminate it.
- Recusal: The individual with a conflict must abstain from voting, discussion, or decision-making on the matter.
Recordkeeping:
All disclosures and actions taken will be documented in CFAR’s board meeting minutes and securely maintained in accordance with the Document Retention and Destruction Policy.
Review and Approval:
This policy shall be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and reaffirmed by all members.