Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Ethical Coffee Debate in Vienna

On October 9, 2009, I had the opportunity to participate in a debate looking at the future of ethical coffee sourcing at the European Coffee Symposium in Vienna, Austria, which brought together more than 450 influential leaders from the coffee sector to talk coffee.

I shared a panel with representatives from several certifying agencies, including Utz Certified, Fairtrade Foundation, and Rainforest Alliance. A lively discussion ensued after Peter Grffiths presented the topic, “Why Fair Trade Isn’t Fair,” and I think the audience learned a great deal about the need for multiple solutions to this complicated global problem and ways to confront poverty at coffee’s origin.

Our message continues to be that there is no such thing as sustainable coffee. Sustainability is about people and community. Healthy communities produce quality coffee. Healthy communities happen when livelihood issues – such as healthcare, education and sufficient income – are properly addressed. Trade is one way to address issues of income and confront the many issues farmer’s face, but it is not the only way. It is critical that we all work together – certifying agencies, other nonprofits, development organizations, donors and consumers – to confront poverty at origin.

08-09_ck_annrpt.pdf (PDF; XX KB)