Empowering Coffee Communities: IWCA Chapter Forums Foster Crucial Conversations on EUDR Compliance and Beyond
On Saturday morning in the Lakeside Building at SCA Expo Chicago 2024, the International Women's Coffee Alliance hosted a dynamic forum for its Chapter members, bringing together members from across the coffee value chain to engage in vital discussions about the future of coffee production and sustainability. One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Coffee Lead, Miguel Gamboa, from the Rainforest Global Alliance, shedding light on how the Rainforest Alliance supports compliance with the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) from farm to retailer.
Miguel's presentation underscored the urgency and importance of meeting the EUDR requirements by December 2024, emphasizing the Rainforest Alliance's commitment to assisting coffee and cocoa companies in this endeavor. With over 35 years of experience in preventing deforestation worldwide, the Rainforest Alliance is well-positioned to be a trusted partner in this journey towards compliance.
Key points from the presentation included the built-in benefits of the Rainforest Alliance Certification Program, which offers tools and systems to support companies in assessing deforestation risks, ensuring traceability, and aligning with EUDR criteria. For farmers, specific requirements were outlined, including geolocation data collection and adherence to anti-corruption measures and tax payment systems.
The forum provided an invaluable opportunity for IWCA chapter members to engage in a productive Q&A session following Miguel's remarks. Thoughtful questions were raised, reflecting the real concerns and challenges faced by farmers and stakeholders throughout the coffee value chain in navigating the path towards EUDR compliance.
This event highlighted the significance of IWCA Chapter Forums as platforms for fostering meaningful conversations and sharing insights on critical issues impacting the coffee industry. By bringing together diverse voices from producing countries and beyond, IWCA creates a space where all stakeholders–including farmers and producers who are directly impacted by these regulations–have a seat at the table to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. IWCA and the Rain Forest Alliance will be signing an MoU in the coming months.
As the coffee industry grapples with the impacts of climate change and strives for greater sustainability, IWCA will continue to provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective action. Through open dialogue and collaboration, IWCA and its members are driving positive change in the coffee sector, ensuring that the voices of farmers are heard and their needs addressed.