Rainforest Alliance reveals progress in regenerative agriculture – Global Coffee Report

Rainforest Alliance 2024 Annual Report: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through Regenerative Agriculture

Overview of Rainforest Alliance’s Impact

The international non-governmental organisation Rainforest Alliance has released its 2024 Annual Report, emphasizing significant progress in its certification program focused on regenerative agriculture. The report highlights the organisation’s commitment to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, life on land, and poverty reduction.

Key Statistics and Reach

• Supports 1.8 million coffee farmers and workers
• Operates across 1.9 million hectares in 29 countries
• Certification products available in 155 countries
• Daily impact includes 333 million cups of coffee and 96 million bars of chocolate bearing the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal

Addressing Global Environmental and Social Challenges

Rainforest Alliance’s efforts align closely with the following SDGs:

1. SDG 13: Climate Action – By promoting regenerative agriculture, the organisation helps mitigate climate change and build resilience in farming communities.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land – The program contributes to halting deforestation and restoring biodiversity in tropical forests, which are currently disappearing at a rate of 10 football fields per minute.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty – Supporting farmers and workers to secure better livelihoods through premium prices and sustainable practices.
4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Efforts to protect freshwater systems and maintain natural processes essential for planetary health.

Strategic Approach to Sustainability

Rainforest Alliance aims to transition agriculture towards a model that:

• Restores ecosystems through regenerative practices
• Empowers local communities to thrive economically and socially
• Builds resilience against climate impacts

The organisation’s evolution is guided by farmers’ knowledge and experience, ensuring practical and effective solutions.

Voices from the Field

Coffee farmer Christine Karimi from Mount Kenya shared her experience:

“As a Rainforest Alliance Certified farmer, producing good quality coffee has helped me secure premium prices at auction.”

Support Beyond Coffee: Cocoa Industry Engagement

• More than 3 million cocoa farmers and workers supported
• Coverage of 4.6 million hectares in 23 countries

Conclusion and Further Information

Rainforest Alliance’s 2024 Annual Report underscores the organisation’s role in advancing multiple SDGs through sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Their certification program not only addresses environmental conservation but also promotes social equity and economic development.

For the full report, visit Rainforest Alliance 2024 Annual Report.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses supporting rural communities and farmers to secure better incomes through premium prices for certified products.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By promoting regenerative agriculture and supporting coffee and cocoa farmers, the article relates to sustainable food production systems and improved agricultural productivity.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The article mentions supporting freshwater systems as part of maintaining natural processes.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The Rainforest Alliance certification promotes sustainable production practices and consumer awareness.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights efforts to build climate resilience and address the climate crisis through regenerative agriculture.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land – The focus on restoring ecosystems, halting deforestation, and preserving biodiversity aligns with this goal.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 1 – Target 1.2: Reduce poverty in all its dimensions by supporting rural farmers and workers to improve livelihoods.
2. SDG 2 – Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and maintain ecosystems.
3. SDG 6 – Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, such as freshwater systems mentioned in the article.
4. SDG 12 – Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources through certification and sustainable farming practices.
5. SDG 13 – Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
6. SDG 15 – Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of forests and halt deforestation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Number of farmers and workers supported: The article states 1.8 million coffee farmers and 3 million cocoa farmers/workers supported, which can be an indicator of outreach and impact.
• Hectares under sustainable/regenerative agriculture: 1.9 million hectares for coffee and 4.6 million hectares for cocoa are reported, indicating land area under sustainable practices.
• Production volumes linked to certification: 333 million cups of coffee and 96 million bars of chocolate daily with the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal reflect market penetration and consumer reach.
• Rates of deforestation: The article references tropical forest loss at 10 football fields per minute, highlighting the urgency and a potential indicator for forest conservation efforts.
• Premium prices secured by farmers: Implied by the farmer’s testimony, reflecting improved economic outcomes for producers.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: gcrmag.com