Fresh blog:
the ekôlogists visit the cooperatives
Cooperatives
Sustainable partnerships.
As equals.
For our eKô coffee, we work with cooperatives from Brazil, Honduras, Colombia, Peru and Mexico. But why these cooperatives in particular? On the one hand, of course, because they are certified organic and fair trade. But also because the cooperatives really take the issue of sustainability seriously and carry out projects that go beyond organic and fair trade certification. For example, some promote the implementation of sustainable agroforestry systems in coffee cultivation. Others are specifically committed to the empowerment of women and the promotion of indigenous culture. Or they invest in health and education projects.
Of course, the quality of the green coffee and the taste profile are also elementary for the selection of cooperatives. After all, we don't just make sustainable coffee, but fair trade, organic and specialty coffee that tastes great.
And why do the cooperatives want to work with us? They can rely on us. We strive for partnerships as equals. Long-term partnerships based on respect, trust and shared values. We pay fair prices. And we will invest directly in sustainability projects in the future. To make a difference directly on the ground together with the cooperatives.
Fairtrade
Supports small producers.
All coffee producers deserve a fair income for their work. This is especially important for small producers. They produce about 80% of the world's coffee, but are often economically disadvantaged. They live and work mainly in rural areas and do not have access to the same resources and markets as large commercial farms. As a result, they generally receive lower prices for their coffee than large farms.
For us, sustainability in the coffee sector begins with improving the financial situation of smallholders. That is why not only organic, but also fair trade is our priority. We purchase our green coffee exclusively from Fairtrade certified coffee cooperatives. These consist of small producers. Individual large coffee plantations cannot be Fairtrade certified. Fairtrade thus specifically supports smallholders.
But what are the advantages of a Fairtrade certification? Fairtrade sets a minimum price that producers receive for their coffee. Even if the world market price falls below it. In addition, Fairtrade certified cooperatives receive a premium for the coffee they sell. This allows them to implement community development projects. For example, they can build schools, invest in coffee growing infrastructure, or improve access to health facilities.
Of course, there are also challenges with Fairtrade: Smallholders often face considerable costs and additional work for documentation and certification. And some smallholders still do not achieve a living income despite Fairtrade certification.
It is of great importance to us that we pay coffee prices that enable the producers to earn a living income. We are therefore in exchange with Fairtrade International and base our coffee prices on the Living Income Reference Prices Fairtrade has defined. This is an important step forward. So that coffee producers receive the income they deserve.
Organic
Organic is better. For everyone.
Organic is better than conventional. We are convinced of that. Organic farming does not use synthetic pesticides. Organic also means compost instead of artificial fertilizers. And finally, organic farming means a sustainable use of water and soil resources as well as the promotion of biodiversity. This benefits nature and the climate. But also the producers, who have to apply less critical pesticides and receive an organic premium. And consumers, who receive a natural product.
That is why our green coffee comes exclusively from organic certified cooperatives and our products carry the EU organic label.
However, we are aware that there are also challenges in organic cultivation. For example, higher production costs. Or lower yields in the first years of conversion from conventional to organic.
In addition, organic certification can be difficult for smallholder coffee producers, who have to comply with many standards and document processes. To address these challenges, we work closely with our organic-certified cooperatives.
And although we think organic is good, it is not enough for us in the medium term. We believe that there is a need for measures in coffee cultivation that go beyond organic certification. In the future, coffee should increasingly be grown in sustainable agroforestry systems. In this type of cultivation, coffee is grown in mixed forests, for example together with bananas, fruit trees and shade trees. This improves soil fertility and stores CO2. And it generates additional income for the producers, as they can sell bananas, other fruits and wood in addition to coffee.
That is why we will promote the cultivation of coffee in such sustainable agroforestry systems. Directly on site. So that organic agriculture eventually becomes regenerative agriculture.
Organic
Organic is better. For everyone.
Organic is better than conventional. We are convinced of that. Organic farming does not use synthetic pesticides. Organic also means compost instead of artificial fertilizers. And finally, organic farming means a sustainable use of water and soil resources as well as the promotion of biodiversity. This benefits nature and the climate. But also the producers, who have to apply less critical pesticides and receive an organic premium. And consumers, who receive a natural product.
That is why our green coffee comes exclusively from organic certified cooperatives and our products carry the EU organic label.
However, we are aware that there are also challenges in organic cultivation. For example, higher production costs. Or lower yields in the first years of conversion from conventional to organic.
In addition, organic certification can be difficult for smallholder coffee producers, who have to comply with many standards and document processes. To address these challenges, we work closely with our organic-certified cooperatives.
And although we think organic is good, it is not enough for us in the medium term. We believe that there is a need for measures in coffee cultivation that go beyond organic certification. In the future, coffee should increasingly be grown in sustainable agroforestry systems. In this type of cultivation, coffee is grown in mixed forests, for example together with bananas, fruit trees and shade trees. This improves soil fertility and stores CO2. And it generates additional income for the producers, as they can sell bananas, other fruits and wood in addition to coffee.
That is why we will promote the cultivation of coffee in such sustainable agroforestry systems. Directly on site. So that organic agriculture eventually becomes regenerative agriculture.
