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Did you know that 120 million people worldwide depend on the coffee industry for their livelihoods?
Coffee is significant due to its extensive cultivation impacting 25 million households, mostly in developing nations, and its status as a key product in global trade. Major challenges include ensuring economic sustainability, adapting to climate change, and balancing rising global demand with responsible, environmentally conscious production practices.
Global scale: Coffee cultivation spans over 11 million hectares, providing over 120 million jobs globally and serving as a significant income source for 50 tropical countries.
Production dominance: Brazil leads in coffee production, accounting for almost 40% of the world’s coffee, followed by Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia.
Smallholder predominance: Approximately 70% of coffee production comes from small family farms, each covering less than 5 hectares, highlighting the importance of small-scale farmers in the industry.
Social issues: The coffee industry grapples with various challenges, including social issues like migrant labour and child labour, environmental issues like climate change and diseases, and economic challenges like rising production costs and the ageing of producers.
What are the challenges?
The coffee industry faces critical sustainability challenges, including social issues like labor rights, environmental threats from climate change and deforestation, and economic hurdles such as fluctuating prices and aging producers. Addressing these issues is vital for the long-term viability and ethical integrity of the global coffee market.
While caught up in a perfect storm, Costa Rica’s coffee sector may have a strong card up its sleeve: EUDR compliance
When the twin evils of drought and frost hit Brazilian coffee farmers in 2022, international coffee prices skyrocketed. Far from creating a window of opportunity for smaller neighbours, the exchange rate pushed up production costs for many. Shortly after, the outbreak of war in Ukraine increased the price of fertiliser and pesticides, whi...
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People
850,000+
farmers, workers and land managers are assured that their well-being, human rights and cultural heritage are protected.
Nature
32.6 million
hectares of land where nature and environment are protected from degradation and conversion through use of sustainability standards.
Climate
32,000+
tonnes of CO2 emissions have been reduced, thus lowering the climate impact.
Have a question? Contact us
Our goal to foster lasting, positive transformations in key agricultural and forestry products around the world is guided by seasoned professionals. These experts bring a wealth of practical knowledge from their extensive time in the field and their involvement with international supply networks. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out.
Sebastián Arrieta Bolaños
Agriculture Specialist
sarrieta@preferredbynature.org
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Biomass
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Cattle
While vital for food security, cattle also contribute to deforestation and climate change. Focused efforts are needed to promote sustainable practices that enhance biodiversity, soil health and the well-being of people and animals.
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Climate
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Cocoa
Cocoa farming impacts the environment, economy and climate globally. Sustainable practices such as agroforestry can mitigate its negative effects, making cocoa relevant for climate change mitigation.
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Coffee
Balancing economic sustainability with responsible production practices is crucial in the coffee industry. Adapting to climate change while meeting rising global demand is essential for sustainable coffee production.
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Rubber
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Soy
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Timber
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Travel
The travel industry's sustainability intersects with environmental conservation and cultural preservation. Responsible consumption and support for local communities are crucial for sustainable travel.
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Other
Our mission extends beyond these focus areas to any crop or product with potential for sustainable impact. We support conservation and ecosystem restoration projects worldwide and help businesses adapt to changing regulations.
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We work with businesses on all aspects of their sustainability journey
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Strengthen your organisation’s commitment to sustainability, showcasing impactful business transformations.
Tailored services
With over 30 years of experience in sustainability, our experts can support you in enhancing your sustainability journey.
Expert courses
Engage in impactful training experiences through our programmes, project-specific sessions, or bespoke courses upon request.
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Small steps lead to a big change and all contributions are valuable.
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