The coffee industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing awareness of the importance of sustainability and responsible practices in coffee production. On one hand, we have a worldwide cultural movement, where consumers are paying attention to ESG practices in the coffee chain; on the other hand, the production chain is moving forward in new ways of production combined with sustainability.
In this context, coffee certifications play a fundamental role when it comes to producing with sustainability and traceability.
Coffee certification groups are associations that guarantee that coffee has been produced in accordance with the best agricultural practices and ethical standards. Atlantica Coffee’s Sustainability team, for example, collaborates with coffee growers to achieve 4C, Practices, CertificaMinas, Rainforest Alliance and UTZ certifications, providing free consultancy and covering the costs of external audits.
During these visits, producers receive guidance on the requirements of the certification programs and are supported in implementing the necessary adjustments to their internal structures and procedures. This includes improvements in good labor, social, environmental and farm management practices, thus ensuring the quality and sustainability of the coffee produced.
The Montesanto Tavares Group’s sustainability manager, Thiago Franco, explains how the area works and how it positively impacts the environment, people and the community: “Through the certifications, we are able to verify if the coffee is being produced in a place where there is preservation, good practices and good working conditions.” And to help the producer achieve the certifications, Thiago explains: “we (Montesanto Tavares Group) work with the producer, before the audit, during and after. It’s an intense process, with training, guidance, surveys, data collection and adjustments. We make it possible and act as support so that everything is in compliance to receive the certifications,” says Thiago, who has been with GMT for 8 years and has more than 12 years’ experience in certifications and sustainability.
Atlantica and the companies of Montesanto Tavares Group help producers meet the strict criteria of certifications such as Cafe P.R.A.C.T.I.C.E.S, Rainforest, Certifica Minas and 4C. In addition, with an eye on the future, we are currently working on our own certification, GMT Green.
GMT Green brings together evaluation criteria and all the Group’s concerns in coffee production. In this way, a standard was developed in partnership with Peterson Consultancy that includes a series of criteria that are evaluated on the properties and that address governance, environmental and social issues, with special attention to respect for human rights.
More than just measuring risks that could impact workers and the business, the certification raises coffee production to international standards, with operational excellence, increased productivity and genuine respect for people and natural resources. In this context, you can check all the 2022 Group’s actions towards sustainability on our Annual Sustainability Report, available at this link.
Every year, hundreds of coffee properties are developed with programs by Atlantica. Producers benefit from technical knowledge and experience in important certifications that evaluate a whole: sustainable practices; impact on the community; compliance with labor and forestry legislation, and other ESG requirements.
Project Mutua in Coffee Sustainability
Although Project Mutua is not a certification program, it is proof that it is possible to encourage and carry out actions and adjustments with producers for a more sustainable coffee growing, connected to caring for the land. In the first group of the Project, 19 producers were assisted in 11 municipalities. More than 12,000 trees were planted and 25 springs restored. Fauna, flora, people, the community and a positive impact on the agricultural chain.
If you want to get to know Mutua, click here to see the full results.
The future of sustainable coffee growing
In conclusion, the coffee industry is undergoing a profound transformation, fueled by a global shift towards sustainability and responsible practices. Consumers are increasingly valuing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles throughout the coffee supply chain, while producers are actively embracing sustainable methods.
Looking ahead, the coffee supply chain is on a path towards increased sustainability, with certifications playing a crucial role in guiding producers towards a more responsible future. Through cooperative efforts, this partnership with coffee growers seeks a win-win relationship that leaves a lasting positive imprint on the world and the coffee industry. As we move forward, we anticipate a future where we can take pride in our commitment to sustainable coffee growing.
Read more:
Mutua Project: Results from the first group of coffee growers
Check out the results from the first group of coffee growers of the Project Mutua – Forests and Springs, an Atlantica Coffee initiative to boost sustainability and positive impact coffee growing. Click here to read.
Coffee Flowering: A Crucial Moment for Productivity
Do you know the real impact on coffee flowering to measure the crop’s productivity? Read more.