A History of Coffee 5) Desperately Seeking Sustainability
Apr 23, 2021
Dive into the captivating world of coffee and its intriguing certifications. Discover the historical roots of Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance, and how they emerged to combat exploitation in the industry. Explore the paradox of these certifications, where farmers struggle for fair prices despite ethical labels. Unravel the complexities surrounding sustainability promises, and ponder the future of specialty coffee as it evolves. Join a colorful discussion that blends ethics, economics, and the quest for a better brewing experience.
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Dramatic Protest Sparked Certification Push
- Paul Katseff and activists dumped red paint at the 1990 Specialty Coffee Association meeting to protest US-backed violence tied to coffee.
- That dramatic stunt helped spark the certification movement including Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance.
Price Collapse Drove Rural Hardship
- After the International Coffee Agreement collapsed, world coffee prices fell by roughly half and farmer incomes plunged.
- Lower prices forced farmers into survival choices that worsened social and economic instability in producing regions.
Intensification Hurt Ecosystems
- Intensified, sun-grown coffee systems increased yields but stripped biodiversity and required heavy pesticide and fertilizer use.
- The industrial method created sterile fields, lost birds and insects, and damaged soils compared with shade-grown systems.
