The Western Ghats Sustainable Farming Consortium is a coffee smallholder group in India dedicated to preserving the unique biodiversity of their region. We speak with Thribuvan Sathvik, member of the consortium, about how certification has improved their practices and how it’s empowering farmers to get more for their products.
Continue readingVoices from the Field
How one Indian coffee farmer group protects nature, empowers farmers and sets an example across a region
The Western Ghats Sustainable Farming Consortium is a coffee smallholder group in India dedicated to preserving the unique biodiversity of their region. We speak with Thribuvan Sathvik, member of the consortium, about how certification has improved their practices and how it’s empowering farmers to get more for their products.
Voices from the field
“We cannot leave farmers to walk alone”
Agung Widi, from Kalimajari, a civil society organization working with cocoa farmers and Kerta Semaya Samaniya cocoa cooperative in Jembrana, Indonesia, explains how certification helped them become one of the top 50 cocoa producers in the world.
Certification: cost or investment?
A 2017 study on market potential for certified coffee in Belgium reveals that 3rd party certification could become the norm if large roasters would commit to sustainable sourcing. It also shows that certification schemes should collaborate to help change the perception of certification from a cost to an investment for companies.
An auspicious beginning
January 2018 marks an auspicious beginning for the Rainforest Alliance and UTZ, which have just formally merged into a new organization. Han de Groot, the CEO of the new Rainforest Alliance and the former executive director of UTZ, reflects on the shared vision that brought the two organizations together.
4 years in, an update on the UTZ hazelnut program
It’s been four years since we launched our hazelnut program. We check in for an update on the challenges of the sector, what we’ve done so far and how that informs our focus for the future.
Two years of certified herbal teas: what have we achieved?
2017 marks two years since we launched the UEBT/UTZ herbal tea program. Alongside UTZ tea expert, Maya Sermeño, we take a look at all we’ve achieved and our approach moving forward.
The new Rainforest Alliance: an update
In January 2018, UTZ merged with the Rainforest Alliance. We are joining forces because we know that together we can have a greater impact, and be a better partner to our many stakeholders. As the new Rainforest Alliance we are now working hard to build our new organization. Read on for an update on where we are now.
Sustainability ‘no longer a novelty’ as it outstrips conventional markets
Comprehensive research from the International Trade Centre published in June 2017 reveals sustainable trade and production are now growing faster than conventional markets thanks to increased consumer demand. Another indicator that working with a sustainability program is good for your business.
“This is just the beginning.” Celebrating 15 years of UTZ
“15 years ago, it was an inspiration for us to go through difficult times and see the light at the end of the tunnel. UTZ made us stronger, and connected to the world. Now it’s a critical mass that’s taking over, and it’s inspirational.” Reflections of the first UTZ coffee farmer in Colombia as we celebrate 15 years of UTZ.
A cup of coffee with…
Daniel Katz, Rainforest Alliance: “Sustainable transformation must be driven by industry leadership and consumer demand”
Daniel Katz, founder and chairman of the board of the Rainforest Alliance, explains how the planned merger with UTZ will be a major step forward for sustainability. “We will have the capacity to integrate our comprehensive vision of sustainability into the supply chains of some of the world’s largest and best-known brands.”