On International Coffee Day, a new alliance of civil society organisations in coffee releases their first report: “Coffee’s Regulatory Blend”. This report points to the benefits of the upcoming regulations in the coffee sectors, and urges the sector to catch up and step up on their compliance, rather than pushing back. It also calls on the EU to not bow to pressure to reopen the negotiations on the regulation, and provide support to smallholders.
Mandatory sustainability regulations are becoming the new standard for global commodities, including coffee. This shift is not just necessary but overdue, and is vital for the sector’s future. The coffee industry’s response to this evolving regulatory environment has been inadequate. However, these regulations bring significant benefits for the planet, farmers, and coffee companies alike. They aim to curb deforestation, enhance human rights protections, and boost the credibility of sustainability claims.
By mandating companies to address the living income needs of smallholders, these regulations make it clear that fighting farmer poverty is no longer a voluntary action. Additionally, the private sector stands to gain from a more harmonized and equitable marketplace, where all players must adhere to the same sustainability standards. The short-term costs of implementing sustainability measures are far outweighed by the risks of doing nothing and losing viable coffee-growing land due to environmental neglect or a waning appeal of coffee farming for future generations.
The coffee sector needs a clear understanding of the benefits of regulatory changes and the harms of maintaining business as usual. Embracing this new normal – where sustainability is no longer voluntary – is essential for the industry. Sustainability regulations are here to stay and will be a driving force in driving systemic sector transformation going forward.