From the field to the coffee cup. How sustainable is our coffee

 

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and one of the most produced and traded commodities. In the UK alone, around 35,770 million cups of coffee are consumed each year. Grown predominantly in tropical, developing countries known as the “Coffee Belt”, coffee production raises year on year. The consumption of coffee is higher in developed countries such as Europe and the United States, however its popularity reached other parts of the world such as China and India, traditionally associated with tea. Coffee production is predominantly driven by 25 million smallholders representing 70%-80% of total coffee production. And around 125 million people worldwide depend on coffee for their livelihoods. 

Environmental and social impacts of coffee.

The coffee chain is increasingly at risk, facing many challenges in all three domains of sustainability. The social issues are closely related to the economic ones and mainly focus on coffee producers and their farm workers. One of the biggest problems in the coffee production sector is the level of poverty among farm owners, their workers, their families, and communities relying on the production incomes. It is estimated that 50-100 million people are living below extreme poverty and that includes not only farm workers but farm owners too. The raising cost of fertilizes and pesticides used in production puts an extra pressure on producers who must keep competitive prices to continue farming. Working conditions in coffee production are also known to be challenging with 70% of labour force represented by women but only 20%-30% of farms are managed by them. Finally, the very limited participation of producers in the coffee value chain governance means that they are left out from negotiation and decision making when it comes to coffee prices.  

With regards to environmental issues, there are several concerns related to coffee production but also beyond. The issue of deforestation, biodiversity loss, high carbon and water footprint, unsustainable production and consumption, and mismanagement of wastes are amongst the most challenging. Although coffee has a relatively low impact on global deforestation, compare to other crops, such as pail oil or soy crops, it is estimated that 25% of deforestation in Peru, is linked to coffee production. This on the other hand contributes to climate change and biodiversity loss. With coffee perennial crops being very sensitive to climate and temperate variances, researchers predict that by 2050, 60% of current coffee production areas will no longer be suitable to grow coffee.

As with all, the issue of waste is significant too. It is estimated that the consumption of 125 ml cup of coffee requires the use of 140 litre of water. The use of fertilizers and pesticides contributes to pollution and biodiversity loss in surrounding areas. On the consumer side the continues growth of coffee capsules in recent years combined with disposable coffee caps, pose a huge environmental impact due to low recyclability and high energy consumption by capsule-based coffee machines.

Sadly, for all coffee drinkers, coffee isn’t the most sustainable product facing many different challenges. But as consumers we can help minimize negative impact of coffee, by choosing certified coffee (Organic, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and Common Code for the Coffee Community (4C)* and elimination single use waste associated with coffee consumption.

*Organic – focuses on the environment and good agricultural practices, avoiding or prohibiting deforestation and the use of agrochemicals, hormones, or genetically modified organisms. It aims to maximize fertility of the land, preservation of biodiversity, ecological balance, and animal welfare.

Fairtrade – ensures social and economic stability of smallholders and their workers ensuring improvement of labour rights, fair pay and long-term trade. Certification also help farmers adapt to climate change, raising awareness of more environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Rainforest Alliance – brings protection and conservation of biodiversity, raising awareness of farmers to use more efficient methods of farming, and awarding those who invest in sustainability.

4C – uses transparent sustainable farming practices in production and it engages multi-stakeholders collaboration between coffee producers, traders, industries, NGOs, social sector and scientific community.