We strongly believe that our green bean coffee providers must get as much support, dedication and aid from our company as possible. We already have been supporting growers to improve their livelihood in many ways. In Guatemala for instance; we helped Ms. Miguelina from El Paternal farm build a water treatment facility, and have consistently paid above market prices for her coffee since our first transaction.
Last year, we came up with an additional idea to help El Paternal farm get more visibility and interest for their coffee from potential buyers. We want Ms. Miguelina (owner of El Paternal) to diversify her coffee offerings to other potential purchasers around the world. One way to help her farm get more attention and improve her sustainability quotient is through a new seal certification such as Rainforest Alliance (RFA).
One reason to go after RFA certification is a special segment of the market called sustainable coffees is still gaining space in almost all consumer markets worldwide. Increasing the visibility of our growers beyond our Farm Friendly Direct (FFD) program would help our grower to achieve sustainability. We also choose this program because it has demonstrated a steady demand and Ms. Miguelina believes it is the right one for her farm.
In addition, the average growth rate of sales of RFA coffee are still strong compared with other certification programs. Moreover, Guatemala has done a great job positioning coffee exports based on taste profile, growth altitude as well as seal certification programs. The worldwide market is ready to pay for certified or differentiated coffees from this origin.
We also want to support any program that increases the commitment of our original FDD program in the environment, social and economic arenas. As you may already know Rainforest Alliance supports these areas which are aligned with our core values.
Rainforest Certification
The principles of sustainable agricultural were developed by key players in Latin America from 1991 to 1993. In order to obtain and maintain certification, the farms must comply with at least 50% of each principle’s criteria, and with 80% of all criteria. These principles are as follows:
• Social and environmental management system
• Ecosystem conservation
• Wildlife protection
• Water conservation
• Fair treatment and good working conditions for workers
• Occupational health and safety
• Community relations
• Integrated crop management
• Soil management and conservation
• Integrated waste management
Last March El Paternal Farm received auditor visits as part of the pre-auditing process. They found some criteria that did not comply with the minimum threshold. This February the formal auditing will take place, after fixing the initial problems such as relocating the storage for processed pulp and filling in additional paperwork. We are confident that El Paternal is ready to be certified, or at least we should try it again!
Although sales of RFA coffees increase year after year, many farms with the potential of becoming RA certified are also increasing at a faster pace. That is a challenge that we may face, but we are confident that El Paternal coffee would receive a boost and additional recognition going through this certification. We are proud to keep helping growers in Central America to become more sustainable.
water conservation should be done because we are already having some water shortage these days’**