In 2019, the Cocoa Assurance Plan was implemented. While this contributed to a lower number of UTZ farmers, and estimated certified volumes and area, we have also seen promising improvements in the assurance of our program and a steady demand of UTZ certified cocoa. Check our infographic and report for the latest market insights
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Welcome to
the Better Business Hub
The Better Business Hub is your knowledge platform on the ins and outs of UTZ certification and the impact in origin.
Find answers to FAQs and farmer stories about the benefits and challenges of implementing sustainable farming.
Promising improvements in cocoa assurance and GPS data quality
In 2019, the Cocoa Assurance Plan was implemented. While this contributed to a lower number of UTZ farmers, and estimated certified volumes and area, we have also seen promising improvements in the assurance of our program and a steady demand of UTZ certified cocoa. Check our infographic and report for the latest market insights
What is the reach of the UTZ program?
The UTZ program has an enormous reach. In fact, it is the world’s biggest certification program for cocoa and coffee. But just how big is it? What are the different ways it can be measured? Phan Ha looks at the 2019 data and explains.
The Rainforest Alliance looks for ways to harness remote data sensing technology
We launched the first international Ag-Tech Developer Challenge, a competition for remote data sensing engineers and developers to find new ways to use technology to help farmers on the ground. Learn about the benefits of remote data sensing technology and how it can help innovate agriculture.
Leveling the field for women in coffee
Gender equality is vital to reach sustainable agricultural sector. As part of the Rainforest Alliance’s UTZ Sector Partnerships Program we brought together people from partner organizations – from grower association representatives to non-profit leaders – who learned five tools to identify gender gaps in coffee supply chains.
Be part of the Alliance: join our new standard consultation
We have launched the first round of public consultation for the new Rainforest Alliance certification standard. An esstial step to creating a stronger approach to certification. Your feedback is of key importance for us, so please join us by taking part in our consultation.
A living wage for all
We believe sustainable agriculture means workers are paid a living wage. That’s why we require that farms make progress towards paying a living wage to their workers. But it’s not an easy fix. We must work with companies, farmers, governments and NGOs to take the necessary steps towards achieving this. This is what you can do.
What certified hazelnut farming is like in Georgia, the stories of Maka and Nana
How is UTZ certification affecting hazelnut farmers in Georgia? We traveled to this new production region and spoke with Maka Gergedava and Nana Gamisonia, two women farmers to find out. Read on to hear their stories.
UN climate report sounds the alarm: planet at a critical turning point
The UN IPCC climate report makes it clearer than ever before: we are at a critical point for the future of the planet. RA’s climate director weighs in on how the natural climate solutions emphasized in the report—like those at the heart of our mission— are essential to limiting the global temperature rise below the 1.5 degrees.
Why is gender equality vital for sustainable farming?
Gender equality between men and women is a key component of sustainable farming. Not only is it a human right, it is an effective strategy for economic growth and poverty reduction. Julius Ng’ang’a, Regional Rep. explains the current challenges and why it’s so important to work in partnership to reach gender equality.
How does the UTZ program address gender issues?
There are at least 560 million female farmers and farm workers in the world, comprising, on average, 43% of the agricultural labor force. But they face a multitude of challenges. Global Lead Gender Joky François explains why gender equality is vital for sustainable agriculture, and what the UTZ program is doing about it.