Rainforest Alliance Introduces New Regenerative Agriculture Certification To Support Coffee Farmers – CoffeeTalk

The Rainforest Alliance, an international non-profit, has introduced its new Regenerative Agriculture Standard, a certification aimed at supporting coffee farmers and restoring ecosystems in tropical regions. The organization works with farmers, communities, governments, and companies worldwide, partnering with nearly 8 million farmers and more than 7,850 businesses in 2024. The “little green frog” certification seal is awarded to farms that meet criteria for sustainable practices across factors such as nourishing land, using fewer pesticides, fighting climate change, and treating workers fairly. The seal now appears on over 40,000 products, and many brands source through the Rainforest Alliance, including Starbucks, Ben & Jerry’s, Lipton, and Nestlé. By 2030, the group aims to reach 100 million farmers and workers.

Under the new Regenerative Agriculture Standard, products that meet the requirements will carry a unique seal, signaling to shoppers that they come from farms and companies dedicated to improving soil health and rural livelihoods. Regenerative agriculture practices aim to address the environmental impact of the sector, including techniques to improve and restore ecosystems, build soil health and fertility, reduce emissions, enhance watershed management, increase biodiversity, and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Independent audits will confirm compliance before farms and companies can display the regenerative seal.

The nonprofit plans to extend the certification to cocoa, citrus, and tea by 2026. The standard will offer a way to bolster supply chain resilience, improve ESG performance, and answer growing consumer demand for credible sustainability labels. The first certified products are expected in stores in 2026.

Read More @ ESGtoday