I would like to write an update regarding our Rain Forest Alliance (RFA) certification project in Guatemala. I wrote an article about this initiative a few months ago. Last March, a formal audit group from the FIIT foundation located in Guatemala had the opportunity to visit El Paternal farm to check the compliance of each of the 10 principles of this certified eco-label.
A commission from the FIIT, NGO which is in charge of auditing and supporting the Rain Forest program in Guatemala visited El Paternal. They carefully checked compliance on all principles — grading and assessing them based on a minimum threshold.
One issue uncovered in the first audit at the Paternal farm was solved. For instance, the discarded pulp from the wash process was removed to a cleaner and more appropriate location. Additional improvements were made in order to comply with all criterias.
We believe the principles of sustainable agricultural form the backbone of the practices of the RFA certification program. Portland Roasting is proud to contribute to this cause, paying the initial auditing prices as well as the first annual fee. We are sure that new business opportunities as well as social, environmental and economic improvement would help to increase the livelihood of our grower Miguelina, and all her staff at the farm.
We will keep looking for different and innovative solutions to increase the sustainability of our growers in the years to augment our Farm Friendly Direct™ program.
