The Rainforest Alliance and sustainable development

Growing coffee sustainably means farmers can earn a decent standard of living today and will have an improved farm to pass on to their children in the future.

By meeting standards of sustainability set by the Rainforest Alliance and monitored by local not-for-profit organisations, farmers can command a higher price for their coffee. Kraft/Kenco pays a premium based on the market price for Rainforest Alliance certified coffee based on availability, quality and an appreciation of the beneficial way the coffee is grown. Currently the premium Kraft pays is in the region of 8-12 cents per pound.

But the management practices farmers need to adopt to obtain certification also mean there are lasting benefits for the protection of soil, water and wildlife as well as the health of people who work on the farm and the education of their children.

What is the Rainforest Alliance?

The Rainforest Alliance is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with 15 years’ experience in sustainable agriculture. They work extensively in Latin America, where most of the world’s coffee is grown.

By following the Rainforest Alliance guidelines, producers can improve worker conditions, provide training, reduce waste, reduce costs such as fertilizers and pesticides, implement better farm planning and monitoring, and recruit nature as an ally on the farm. These things make a farm more stable, generally more prosperous and more sustainable.

To find out more about the Rainforest Alliance please click here

May 1 2006