Category Archives: Agriculture

Rs 19.05 crore reserved for subsidy from Coffee Board in Kodagu

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), , , , , , , , ,

Kodagu grows coffee across 1197 sq km area and the district contributes to 35 per cent of the country’s coffee production.

Representational Image/ File Photo

Madikeri :

Even as the central government has released Rs 307.80 crore to the Coffee Board of India, funds have been reserved to extend subsidies to the coffee growers. In Kodagu, Rs 19.05 crore fund is reserved for the subsidy scheme and the growers can apply for the same before September 30.

Kodagu grows coffee across 1197 sq km area and the district contributes to 35 per cent of the country’s coffee production. However, the coffee growers in the district, especially the small growers, have become victims of the changing weather patterns and have incurred losses in the past.

While the Coffee Board extended subsidies to the growers through various schemes, the same ended in 2017 due to some financial implications. Nevertheless, the subsidies have resumed from last year.

In 2023-24, the Board extended subsidy for re-plantation of coffee crops and irrigation facilities including the establishment of ring wells, open wells, drip irrigation or sprinklers to all the growers alongside subsidy for construction of drying yard and godown to growers from the SC-ST category. Nevertheless, with more funds being released to the Board this year, additional subsidies are being extended to the growers from the Board.

“This year, a subsidy is being released for machinery purchase and for the establishment of a pulping unit alongside irrigation and re-plantation work. The subsidy for the establishment of a drying yard or godown has been extended to all the growers this year,” confirmed Dr V Chandrashekar, DD (Extension), Madikeri.

Further, with an aim to promote the education of the kids of the coffee labourers and workers, the Board will provide scholarships to the children of coffee labourers and coffee workers. “Scholarships will be extended to the students pursuing first PUC, first-year degree and for professional courses. The students must be children of coffee labourers or coffee workers including kids of labourers in coffee curing works,” he explained.

He added that the Rs 9.5 crore fund is reserved for subsidies for growers from the General category in the South Kodagu Gonikoppal extension. Similarly, Rs 5 lakh has been reserved for SC category growers and Rs 1 crore for ST category growers in the Gonikoppal extension. For North Kodagu growers, Rs 8.5 crore has been reserved for the subsidies. The growers eligible for the subsidies can submit an application to the Board before September 30.

The extension of the subsidy scheme is welcomed by the growers of the district even as Dr Kaverappa, former VP of the Coffee Board, urged the officials to continue the subsidies throughout the year. Meanwhile, the Coffee Board officials are conducting a joint survey alongside revenue and agricultural departments of the crop loss across heavy rainfall areas in the district and a report on the extension of the damage will be submitted to the district administration shortly.  

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna G R / August 28th, 2024

Centre to boost coffee growers with Rs. 308 crore aid package

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Records, All

Chikkamagalur:  

The Union Commerce Ministry has announced a significant boost for coffee growers with a grant of Rs. 307.80 crore.

This aid, channelled through the Coffee Board, aims to provide much-needed support to the coffee industry in the region. It will provide coffee planters with access to subsidies for plantation development.

According to Coffee Board President Dinesh Devabrinda, the grant has increased by 36 percent compared to the previous year. In 2022-23, Rs. 228.23 crore was allocated, while in 2023-24, the amount was raised to Rs. 307.80 crore.

Package highlights

Key highlights of the aid package include subsidies for machinery and infrastructure, an education fund for workers’ children and support for coffee community initiatives.

Dinesh Devabrinda said that the eligibility criteria for subsidies have been expanded, raising the limit from 10 hectares to 40 hectares.

Coffee planters can now receive subsidies for a range of purposes, including the development of drying yards, warehouses, pulper units and coffee bean drying machines. Additionally, subsidies are available for establishing open wells, constructing tanks, installing sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, and upgrading machinery in coffee curing units.

“Our goal is to support growers by providing subsidies to increase the quantity and quality of coffee produced,” he said.

Damage survey

In collaboration with the Revenue Department, the Coffee Board will conduct a survey to assess damage to coffee plantations, with compensation to be provided to those with damage exceeding 33 percent.

To improve education for the children of coffee plantation workers, the Government has allocated Rs. 4 crore for scholarships. Additionally, 17 committees have been formed following the recent coffee community meeting to explore ways to increase coffee production.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 27th, 2024

Planters seek GST exemption for black pepper, cardamom

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Pepper, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), , , , , , , , , ,

Planters seek GST exemption for black pepper, cardamom

Hunsur:

A delegation of Codagu Planters Association (CPA) met Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar on Aug. 20 during the 109th birth anniversary of former CM Devaraj Urs at Kallahalli, Hunsur.

The CPA presented a memorandum requesting the MP’s intervention to secure GST exemption for black pepper and cardamom. The delegation was led by CPA Chairman A. Nanda Belliappa and comprising Vice-Chairman A.A. Chengappa, members K.K. Vishwanath, K.K. Belliappa, Muthu Cariappa, and Secretary C.K. Belliappa.

The CPA’s memorandum highlighted that GST authorities have been issuing notices to coffee growers, insisting on GST registration due to the tax on black pepper. They argue that while green pepper is not subject to GST, dried black pepper attracts tax.

The CPA contends that the drying process does not alter the fundamental nature of the produce and should not impact the tax-exempt status of black pepper and cardamom.

This stance is supported by Section 2(7) of the CGST Act 2017, which exempts individuals or Hindu Undivided Families engaged in cultivation by their workers or with the help of family members or hired workers from GST registration.

The CPA also pointed out that imposing GST on black pepper and cardamom is inconsistent with the treatment of similar commodities like paddy and red chillies, which are exempt from GST.

The delegation briefed MP Yaduveer Wadiyar on the issue, who assured them that he would raise the matter with the Union Finance Ministry. A memorandum has also been submitted to the Union Finance Minister and the Finance Secretary through the MP.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 22nd, 2024

Kodagu’s monsoon tradition: Ancestral dishes, rituals amidst the rain

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Records, All

During the monsoon season, Kodagu’s unique culinary traditions involve dishes prepared with local ingredients like bamboo shoots and Justicia Wynaadensis leaves, reflecting a rich heritage aimed at maintaining health and body temperature.

The chilly weather and hard work in the farmlands demand that one stay healthy, leading to unique dishes being prepared during this period in ancestral times.Photo | Express

Madikeri :

Known to be an agricultural district, farming activities engulf Kodagu during the monsoon months. The chilly weather and hard work in the farmlands demand that one stay healthy, leading to unique dishes being prepared during this period in ancestral times. The indigenous cuisine acts as a natural nutrient supplement, helping the natives maintain body temperature during the chilly and moist weather. While agricultural activities have seen a gradual decline across the district in the recent past, the ancestral fare still make up a large part of the monsoon diet in Kodagu.

The district has a special vibe during the monsoon, and a stroll down any town road introduces one to unique items being sold on the streets. Natives from interior parts of the village turn street vendors and source natural resources available in plenty across the estates and forest fringes of the district, which they sell locally.

The wares vary from the traditionally made bamboo skep (to help clothes dry using charcoal heater) by the roadside in Madikeri, to natural products — a line of women wearing raincoats selling bamboo shoots, colocasia leaves, crabs, bracken fieldheads and leaves known as Justicia Wynaadensis or ‘maddu thoppu’ during the monsoon months from June to August. These locally sourced items make up for unique dishes that are prepared in all Kodava houses, and are now also being followed by all communities in the district.

“July 15 to August 15 is ‘Kakkada’ month in the Kodava calendar,” explained Ulliyada Dati Poovaiah, ex-president of Kodava Sahitya Academy. This month is synonymous with ‘Ashada’ month for Kannadigas, which is considered inauspicious. As the ancestors were busy with field work during this month, no auspicious events were hosted. Extreme weather conditions with heavy rainfall and gusty winds also stopped people from moving out of the safety of their houses, leading to ‘Kakkada’ month being considered inauspicious for any public or private gatherings.

“Kodagu used to receive the highest rainfall during ‘Kakkada’, yet people had to be involved in paddy cultivation for a living. Nevertheless, to ensure that one stayed healthy during the extreme weather conditions, special dishes found their way to the plate. All the dishes prepared during this month maintain body temperature, even as they keep other diseases, including pneumonia, at bay,” explained Dati.

Bamboo shoots are the highlight of the monsoon season and are sourced from within estates.Photo | Express

Bamboo delight

Bamboo shoots are the highlight of the monsoon season and are sourced from within estates. Bamboo shoot curry makes up a large part of the monsoon diet, even as indigenous mushrooms with high protein content take over banquet tables in Kodava houses. “The special dishes prepared during the monsoon ensured one’s good health. This ancestral ritual is now being followed every year with Kodava organizations hosting ‘Kakkada’ food fests to continue the ritual,” shared Kannanda Kavitha Bolappa, president of Madikeri Kodava Samaja Women’s Wing. She explained that all naturally available produce, including black nightshade leaves, Senna Alata aka ringworm leaves, raw mangoes and other veggies grown in the backyard along with country chicken, formed the ingredients of a rich diet during monsoon.

The highlight of the month’s special cuisine is the dishes prepared from Justicia Wynaadensis leaves that are popularly known as the ‘maddu thoppu’ (medicinal leaves). Kodavas, and today residents from other communities, believe that the Justicia Wynaadensis plants that grow in abundance across the district, attain their highest medicinal value on the 18th day of the Kakkada month. ‘Kakkada Padinet’ (padinet translating to 18th day) is celebrated and sweet dishes are prepared using the juice extracted from the Justicia Wynaadensis leaves. Besides this, mushroom, country chicken, bamboo shoots, freshwater fish, raw mango curry and other indigenous veggies are prepared for this special day.

“Earlier, farm work including cultivation and harvesting was done by owners of the land. Each family helped the others in cultivating the land. Entire stretches of farmland used to be cultivated by land owners, with help from other land owners, and after the farm work was done, a banquet would to be arranged. It largely included items that ensured balance of body temperature and good health during the chilly months,” explained Dati.

What started as a requirement has continued as a tradition, with residents from all other communities indulging in a rich diet with unique dishes prepared during monsoons in Kodagu.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR / August 11th, 2024

Karnataka High Court upholds amendment to Land Revenue Act on Kodavas’ land rights

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, , , , ,

Bengaluru:

The entry can be made without partition being effected among them, or an 11-E sketch obtained as regards area falling to the share of each individual family member, the court added.

The Karnataka High Court upheld the amendment brought to the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, regarding the entry of names of all family members of Kodava families in land records as occupants of the land, including Jamma Bane land.

The entry can be made without partition being effected among them, or an 11-E sketch obtained as regards area falling to the share of each individual family member, the court added.

Noting that there is no violation of law in bringing the amendment, Justice Suraj Govindaraj passed the order while dismissing a batch of petitions filed by Brigadier Maletira A Devaiah (retired) and others, questioning the legality of the amendment in terms of Section 20(2) of the Karnataka Land Revenue (III) Amendment Act 2011.

By way of amendment, the names of all members of the family would be entered into Column 9 of the RTC to recognise the rights of the entire family with respect of property owned, including Jamma Bane land.

The High Court directed the Kodagu district administration to issue a circular giving clarity and stating in detail the due process for entering names of joint family landowners into revenue records in terms of the amendment.

The petitioners have contended that the customary law of Kodavas restricts them from alienating the joint family property and there is no individual right for any member of the family in the joint family property.

The state, by way of the impugned amendment, has done away with the culture of Kodavas, thereby violating Article 51-A(f) of the Constitution, they claimed.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 03rd, 2024

Codagu Agritech launches Biocapsules for agriculture

Agriculture, Business & Economy, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

Codagu Agritech at Kudlur in Kushalnagar has come out with Biocapsules for agriculture to provide beneficial bacteria and biocontrol agents to enhance growth, root production, nutrient mobilisation and better yield.

Disclosing this at a press meet at Pathrakartara Bhavan here on Saturday  Dr. Chaitra Narayan of Codagu Agritech said that the biocapsule is the world’s first technology where biocontrol agents like Trichoderma and good bacteria are delivered in capsule form which is convenient as one capsule is equivalent to one kg or litre of formulation and handling is easy along with cost effectiveness.

She further said that the biocapsule technology is researched and patented by Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) in Kozhikode, Kerala, invented by former IISR Director Dr. Anand Raj.

Dr. Chaitra added that MP Pratap Simha had launched the biocapsules at IISR in Appangala near Madikeri last year.

Continuing, Dr. Chaitra said that Codagu Agritech is the first and only licensed commercial manufacturer of biocapsules with a wide market base in Kodagu, Chikkamagalur and gaining momentum in Maharashtra and a few other States with positive response from farmers.

She added that the biocapsules also protect crops from soil-borne pathogens and it is eco-friendly, easy to store and handle, with a long shelf-life of one year at room temperature and can be applied through drip irrigation.

She further said that the biocapsules are available in two forms — Trichocap (pure formulation of Trichoderma) and Powercap (combination of three plant growth-promoting bacteria strains).

The website of the company www.codaguagritech.com was launched by Dr. P.G. Chengappa, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Agriculture Sciences, Bengaluru.

Dr. B.C. Nanjappa was also present at the press meet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 17th, 2017

President Kovind witnesses Kodagu firm’s Biocapsule Technology

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

 Dr. Chaitra Narayan, Co-founder of Codagu Agritech, Kushalnagar, Kodagu district, was selected as one of the 17 Start-Up entrepreneurs among 150 Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes for a presentation of ‘Biocapsule Technology’ before President Ram Nath Kovind.

The event was held at Rashtrapathi Bhavan as part of Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship between Mar.19 and 23, 2018. The programme was conducted by the President’s Secretariat in association with National Innovation Foundation and Department of Science and Technology.

At the event in Delhi, Dr. Chaitra Narayan demonstrated the concept of ‘Biocapsule Technology’ to the President and a host of science and technology leaders and heads of research institutions.

Codagu Agritech is the only commercial manufacturer of ‘Biocapsules – Trichocap’ (encapsulated formulation of Trichoderma harzianum) and Powercap (encapsulated formulation of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria – PGPR).

This is the world’s first patented technology that has been developed by ICAR – IISR (Indian Institute of Spices Research), Kozhikode. These Biocapsules are extensively recommended for all plantation (pepper, ginger, cardamom etc.) and horticulture (fruits and vegetables) crops.

Farmer feedback in the past two years have proven that Biocapsules efficiently increase the yield, control soil-borne diseases and act as an efficient plant growth promoter.

According to Dr. Chaitra, the main advantage of this technology is that farmers can use a single capsule instead of 1 kg or 1 litre of Trichoderma or PGPR. There is a reduction of cost by 10 times and also with a guarantee of best quality product with a longer shelf life of one year.These Biocapsules can be easily used by dissolving one capsule in 100 litres of clean water.

“We want to make a difference in eco-friendly sustainable  agriculture. Due to extensive usage of chemical fertilisers, soil health has been drastically damaged in most cultivable lands. We want to promote eco-friendly solutions to farming community to take agriculture to next level by making latest innovations in chemical-free solutions,” she said.

Codagu Agritech was started in June 2016 by Dr. B.C. Nanjappa of Kodagu and Dr. Chaitra Narayan of Mysuru. While Dr. Nanjappa is a well-known environmentalist in Kodagu, Dr. Chaitra Narayan holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Mysore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 30th, 2018

Farmer’s Notebook: The Life of a Banker Turned Farmer

Agriculture, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Pepper, Science & Technology, , , , , ,

Struggling to improve yield levels with traditional methods at his coffee plantation, Hoysala found great success with technological innovations.

Hoysala at his plantation. Credit: M.J. Prabu

Farming, especially in India, is generally considered to be a traditional field that’s averse to innovation, however  M.G. Hoysala’s successful decision to quit banking for farming with the help of technological innovations, shows that keeping an open mind towards new, nontraditional cultivation techniques and interacting with experts in the field is essential for achieving farming success.

While many come into the profession unwillingly, Hoysala represents a section of people that actually wants to take on the family vocation. After spending five years working at a private bank, Hoysala came to realise the importance that the agriculture and plantation sector held for him. So he left his job and took over his father’s coffee plantation.

Since he took over, the Hoysala’s 40 acre farm in Karnataka’s Kodagu district has become a role-model of sorts for the other farms in the area.

As is common in the region, Hoysala grows Arabica coffee on his farm, but what differentiates his farming practices from the rest is the presence of tall indigenous trees that grow alongside the rows of coffee bushes, their height providing shade for the lower shrubs. Another distinguishing factor is the presence of black pepper vines that cover the trees’ trunks.

Starting off as an amateur, Hoysala initially followed the locally practiced traditional forms of cultivation. However, his lack of experience and the absence of proper guidance worsened his predicament. Disease-damaged crops, low productivity and a lack of knowledge about advanced production technologies were just some of the problems Hoysala faced when he took over the coffee plantation.

Collaborating with experts

Hoysala recalls contacting the Indian Institute of Spices Research around the same time as he started to realise that he would need technology if he wanted to stabilise his plantation’s yield level in a sustainable manner. His association with the institute started when he attended an eye-opening seminar organised by the organisation’s regional station at Madikeri, Kodagu.

That first seminar taught him about the varietal wealth of black pepper along with information on various crop production, protection and processing technologies that were being developed at the institute.

Drawing on his experiences from the banking sector, Hoysala was certain that the timely and meticulous adoption of technologies designed to aid crop production were essential to maintaining a profitable plantation.

“The productivity of vines was below the level of expectation and we could hardly harvest six tonnes from an area of 40 acres. We understood that not adopting recommended measures in time, especially to control diseases, could lead to heavy crop loss,” says Hoysala.

“Moreover, we were unaware that instituting shade regulation before the monsoon and irrigation during the summer months would improve the setting of berries and ultimately increase the yield.” 

After Hoysala had established a close relationship with the regional station’s scientists, he set about addressing his plantation’s problems one by one.

Shade regulation was the first priority, followed closely by the scheduling of fertiliser, increasing organic inputs fortified with growth-promoting organisms, regularly monitoring the crops for diseases and irrigation during the summer months. 

“By adopting these [new and] improved technologies, we have increased the production from six to 12 tonnes. [Which is] on average a two-fold jump within a time span of five years,” said Hoysala.

The plantation’s irrigation system was further strengthened by the construction of water harvesting structures like farm ponds and bore wells. Besides these measures, Hoysala also had pits dug between the rows of coffee plants to harvest run-off water as it also helps with enriching the soil.

The changes extend to pepper cultivation as well. Two years ago, Hoysala took ten acres of land which was used to grow ginger and transformed it into a well-designed pepper plot with silver oaks to serve as standards for the vines and robusta coffee bushes interplanted with the pepper vines.

It currently costs Hoysala a total of Rs 85,000 per acre to implement these measures along with paying the regular operational costs of running the plantation. In return, he earns Rs 1 lakh per acre per annum from the coffee and black pepper grown on the farm, allowing Hoysala to maintain the sustainable, profitable plantation he aspired to.

For further information, contact:  M. G. Hoysala, Sri Siddalingeshwara Estate, Hardur P.O., Suntikoppa, Kodagu, Karnataka–571 237, mobile: 09449682430, Email: hoysala.mg@gmail

and his guide

Dr. S. J. Ankegowda, Principal Scientist and Head, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research Regional Station, Hervanadu Post, Appangala, Madikeri, Karnataka – 571 201, Phone 08272 – 245451; 245514; 298574. Mobile:  09663069241, email: 

source: http://www.thewire.in / The Wire / Home> Agriculture / by M J Prabu / December 29th, 2016

Transforming Lives: How Rani’s Coffee Plantation Became a Symbol of Empowerment

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , ,

Meet Rani, a resilient woman from Heravanadu, a quaint village nestled in Kodagu’s Madikeri taluk, steeped in the rich history of Mysore’s royal legacy.

A century ago, Heravanadu’s origins were intertwined with the grandeur of Mysore’s royal legacy. The founding families arrived here at the behest of the Mysore king, tasked with caring for the royal horses. When the king eventually left, he granted them the very lands they had nurtured. Thus began the saga of Heravanadu’s small coffee planters and laborers.

Starting as laborers in the fields, they gradually transitioned to cultivating their own land, primarily focusing on coffee. Today, there are approximately 25 coffee farmers in the village, each owning plots of land ranging from 2023 square meters to 8094 square meters.

Rani HP embarked on her journey in Heravanadu as a young bride with hopes and dreams. However, tragedy struck when her husband expired, leaving her with the responsibility of raising their three children and only 8094 square meters of land.

Determined to secure a future for her family, Rani initially worked as a daily wage laborer. Seeking guidance, she turned to the Dharmasthala Sangha (SSG), where she received invaluable support from other women. With their assistance, Rani transformed her barren land into a flourishing coffee plantation over two decades of hard work and dedication.

As the coffee market evolved, so did Rani’s fortunes. From humble beginnings, she now commands a respectable price for her coffee beans, thanks to her expertise and perseverance. The turning point came when Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation spearheading the Unnati coffee project in Coorg, and ISWAR, an NGO, recognized her dedication and offered support to Heravanadu.

Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, and ISWAR’s collaborative assistance were instrumental in providing specialized training, modern techniques in coffee plantations, and sustainable farming practices to Rani and her fellow farmers. As a result, Rani embodied the true essence of Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference women empowerment campaign, which aims to uplift and empower rural women farmers and entrepreneurs like her.

Recognizing her leadership qualities, Rani was appointed as a board director for the Madikeri Highlands Farmers Producers Company Limited (FPO), launched by ISWAR in Coorg.

Rani’s story epitomizes the collective strength of Heravanadu’s community. With the unwavering support of her fellow villagers and her resilience, she transformed adversity into opportunity. Today, as she tends to her coffee plantation and manages her small coffee shop, Rani stands as an inspiration, showcasing how dedication and community support can lead to success.

Her legacy extends to her son, Raghu, who now manages her plantation and household. Inspired by his mother’s perseverance, Raghu actively participates in the affairs of the FPO, embodying the spirit of hard work and dedication passed down through generations.

source: http://www.businessnewsthisweek.com / Business News This Week / Home> Business / by Mansi )Praharaj / June 14th, 2024

Europe To Receive First EUDR-Ready Coffee Verified By Rainforest Alliance

Agriculture, Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion, , , , , , , , ,

India’s High Range Coffee Curing is poised to become the first farm verified by the Rainforest Alliance to ship EUDR–ready coffee beans to Europe later this month.

The coffee farm partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to meet the necessary compliance requirements of the regulation.

Established in 1995, High Range Coffee Curing is located in the Periyapatna and Kushalnagar Coorg districts, among 142 hectares of tropical forests, and is known for its quality beans.

The farm supplies coffee to leading global coffee brands, roasters and traders in India, including Nestle , Unilever, E-Com Commodities, Olam, Continental Coffee, Louis Dreyfus Company , Vidya Coffee and Allanasons.

EUDR-Ready Coffee

Zaidan M Saly, director of High Range Coffee Curing stated, “Implementing EUDR  [EU Deforestation Regulation] posed significant challenges for our team, but with the invaluable guidance from Rainforest Alliance representatives in our region, we overcame them and gained confidence in the process.

“Their expertise made the seemingly daunting task entirely feasible, facilitating a smooth and successful implementation, which now not only guarantees adherence to EUDR regulations but also sparked a revolution in our approach to traceability.”

Rainforest Alliance certification enables coffee and cocoa farmers to opt in for EUDR-aligned criteria.

This allows companies to source from these farms, track ingredients along their supply chains, and leverage farm data to demonstrate compliance with the regulation’s deforestation risk assessment and mitigation requirements by the deadline, at no additional cost.

‘Sustainable Practices’

Miguel Gamboa, coffee sector lead at the Rainforest Alliance stated, “The EUDR represents an important step forward to shift the global coffee sector towards more sustainable practices.

“Yet, many smallholder coffee farmers need support to align with the requirements, including traceability, deforestation risk mapping, local laws, and practical and technical guidance on key environmental practices.”

The Rainforest Alliance has urged the EU Commission not to dilute or delay the legislation or postpone its deadline in response to calls from some companies and governments.

It has also called on companies not to scale back purchases from smallholder coffee farmers, but rather support them in meeting the deadline of this legislation.

Gamboa added, “We are also piloting a deforestation risk assessment offering for companies buying non-certified coffee and cocoa, which we plan to roll out more widely later this year.

“With this offering, we aim to support more companies in their journey to compliance, but more importantly, to also reach non-certified farmers so their products can still be sold on the EU market.”

source: http://www.esmagazine.com / ESM, European Supermarket Magazine / Home> Supply Chain / by Dayeeta Das / May 06th, 2024