The rise of ethical and sustainable coffee farming
Child labor, rising climate temperatures, deforestation, unstable prices and below liveable wages are just some of the key issues that plague the coffee industry and impact on it’s ability to be ethical and sustainable.
However, times are changing and the option is available for you to make a conscious decision every time you order your favourite coffee. The rise of ethical and sustainable coffee farming has made it possible to sip on your morning brew without compromising on flavour or the environment. This is great news for those who know how important it is to take care of our planet, yet don't want to give up the delicious cup of high caffeine coffee that helps them kick start their day or workout.
Gone are the days when drinking the popular beverage needs to have a negative impact – sustainability has been incorporated in all aspects of the industry and it's up to us as a company and community to support it!
The Growing Demand for Ethically Farmed Coffee
With the rise of environmental consciousness among coffee drinkers, ethically farmed coffee is becoming an increasingly popular choice. From fair trade organisations to sustainable farming initiatives, there are plenty of options available to both wholesale buyers and individual consumers that have an eye towards doing business in an environmentally sensitive way. With the influx of interest in ethical farming, many new opportunities have become available for farmers and buyers alike, helping increase their overall satisfaction with the coffee industry. This growing demand for ethically farmed coffee produces a ripple effect felt by all involved—from agricultural workers to shop owners—demonstrating that everyone can contribute to a better tomorrow with every cup.
Sustainable Farming Practices to Protect the Environment
Sustainable farming practices are essential for protecting our planet's health and promoting conservation. By using techniques such as limiting chemical pesticides, using cover crops between harvests, and practicing crop rotation, the long-term integrity of our environment can be preserved.
This can be improved with the prevention of deforestation and increasing the proportion of native tree coverage in the surrounding areas. Collecting geolocation data to generate risk maps that illustrate deforestation hotspots is just one way the Rainforest Alliance helps enforce this with certified farmers.
Supporting farmers who practice these techniques not only saves us money in the long run with environmental impacts but offers us products with higher quality flavour, better nutrition and can contribute to the diversity of the local ecosystem.
Watch this video about how Juan Jiménez successfully restored ecosystems and biodiversity on his Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee farm in Cajamarca, Perú. His farm is now more productive, resilient to the impacts of climate change, and hospitable to wildlife.
Making a Difference in the Lives of Farmers and Their Communities
Making a difference in the lives of farmers and their communities is an effort that need not be taken lightly. At its core, this is about providing better wages for labourers, preventing human rights issues like forced or child labour and a more just distribution of resources among farming communities. Organisations such as Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance are enforcing this through their accreditation processes, helping with funding for educational programs, agricultural technology advancements, access to better markets for farm goods, or just a little extra support for food, making an immense difference in the day to day lives of farming communities.
How Skull Crusher Coffee is supporting Ethical Coffee Producers
Skull Crusher Coffee has always made positive strides to support ethical coffee producers. By working side-by-side with Rainforest Alliance Certified producers, the company takes a strong stance on sustainable actions to ensure those behind the coffee beans are provided fair wages, safe working conditions and environmentally conscious production methods. The result? A delicious cup of coffee with a conscience - something everyone can get behind! This type of win-win situation offers tons of potential - and we can’t wait to watch as this effort continues to roll on.
How You Can Get Involved in the Movement Toward Ethical and Sustainable Coffee Farming
The movement towards ethical and sustainable coffee farming is gaining steam and it’s never been easier to get involved. Whether you’re a coffee drinker wanting to make sure that your morning wake-up call was ethically harvested, or if you just want to get behind the mission of making global impact – there are so many ways for you to join in.
Through choosing to purchase the right coffee and educating those around you, to engaging with local organisations such as Rainforest Alliance, there’s a way for everyone who is passionate about environmental and social justice to contribute. Think outside of the cup and join the greater good – ethics are brewing!
