CRECER SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMME
We choose to pay a social premium to producer group Racafé in Colombia to support coffee farmers through their CRECER programme.
WHAT IS CRECER?
The CRECER standard covers different aspects of environmental, social and economic interest to coffee growers.
The objective is to provide a framework to generate changes in the production systems of Racafé's coffee suppliers, based on a progressive process of continuous improvement, leading them towards sustainable practices in the social, environmental and economic factors associated with coffee production.
The aim of the standard is to guarantee the future of the producers, through the conservation of soil, water, surrounding biodiversity and the communities that accompany them.
Producers, buyers and consumers assume a serious commitment to the protection of the environment, the conservation of the social structure of coffee growing areas and the promotion of a fair and inclusive market.
HOW IS OUR PREMIUM USED?
Our premium currently helps fund the implementation of a composting pit project. This is a centrally located facility that can be used by 18 – 20 farms in the Bolivar region.
This allows for the proper processing of coffee cherry pulp and its liquids, giving coffee farmers the opportunity to create some of the fertilisers required on their farms.
This means improved production, lower costs, reduced contamination, carbon capture and a lower water footprint.
The programme forms further bonds between Cafeology and farmers and promotes nature conservation, equal relations and quality and traceability in the production chain.