UTZ and Rainforest Alliance: what's the deal?
As coffee lovers and citizens of this planet we want to make sure our daily coffee habits are protecting both the planet and the people behind the scenes (or beans).
Over 25 million smallholder farmers are dependent on the coffee industry worldwide and changing climate means it is crucial to address issues within the industry to ensure stability and sustainability of our coffee.
So let's talk a little about what's happening in the industry to make a positive impact on some of these issues.
In buying specialty coffee, we are committed not only to the taste, but to making coffee better for everyone in the supply chain. Specialty coffee roasters are generally paying 25% more for their beans, which is great for the farmers!
In addition to our commitment to quality beans. Our coffee is certified UTZ and is part of the rainforest alliance.
Coffee Certification systems such as UTZ, Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance share the common goal of specialty coffee transforming the world’s production systems and value chains to make them more sustainable.
Through the UTZ and Rainforest Alliance program, farmers:
- Grow better crops through introducing good agricultural practices and management.
- Attain a better income by incorporating safe and healthy working conditions including gender equality.
- Introduce better care for next generations through abolishing child labour.
- Contribute to a better environment by safeguarding the world resources both now and in the future, through better growth and manufacturing processes, including no deforestation, protection of endangered species and waste management.
Farmers must comply with the code of conduct yearly through demonstrating the above to maintain their certification. It also ensures they get a stable and fair price for their coffee.
UTZ and the Rainforest Alliance also work together with local communities to protect the last remaining wild coffee forests in the world from deforestation. They help them to diversify their crops and income, and get a fair price for these specialty beans.
It may seem overwhelming to consider all of the different elements within the coffee industry, but sipping sustainably sourced coffee can have huge impacts on the smaller communities around the world and on the overall health of our planet.
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