Skip to main content
system_breadcrumb_block
system_main_block

Did you know that 120 million people worldwide depend on the coffee industry for their livelihoods?

Why coffee?

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.

coffee

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...

Read more
views_block:impact_component_block-block_2

30 years of impact

Creating sustainable impact is at the heart of our mission.

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.

Sebastián Arrieta Bolaños

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 

views_block:read_about_other_commodities-block_1

Explore other focus areas

Biomass

Biomass is essential for sustainable development, reducing carbon emissions, and providing renewable energy. Its growing utilisation highlights its importance in combating climate change and promoting sustainable practices across various industries.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

Climate

Addressing climate change is urgent for sustainable development. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions emissions through innovative strategies is essential to mitigate its impact.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

Ecosystems

Revitalising ecosystems is crucial for our planet’s health and preservation. Combating deforestation and degradation with sustainable practices ensures long-term recovery.

Learn more

Palm Oil

Palm oil production supports economies but raises environmental and social concerns. Sustainable practices are crucial to address issues such as deforestation and labour rights.

Learn more

Rice

Rice production significantly impacts climate and nature. Addressing emissions, water usage and deforestation in rice farming can lead to positive environmental changes.

Learn more

Rubber

Natural rubber is essential for industries but contributes to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Addressing sustainability concerns such as poor working conditions is crucial in rubber production.

Learn more

Soy

Soy plays a vital role in global food security and biofuel production. Emphasising sustainable growth is essential to address environmental challenges in soy farming.

Learn more

Timber

Timber's global impacts on people, nature and climate require sustainable management. Forests are essential for biodiversity as well as soil and water conservation.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

We work with businesses on all aspects of their sustainability journey

Certification

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.
block_content:d7391b6f-991e-483f-8f5a-d26f635d27fb
coffee

Do you want to support our efforts to create a better world?

Small steps lead to a big change and all contributions are valuable.

block_content:94b41a32-a90c-4997-a533-ad66f6283cff
field_block:block_content:basic:body