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World coffee buyers aren’t doing enough to help growers make a living income, and current practices actually keep most farmers below the poverty line, according to a new study by the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment.
Research focused on the impact of sourcing practices on producer and farmworker income and well-being. It analyzed practices among 10 of the largest coffee roasters and retailers, including Nestle SA, JDE Peet’s NV, J.M. Smucker, and Starbucks.
"While all of the companies have established sustainability commitments or projects relevant to producers, none are able to guarantee that all viable producers in their supply chains earn a living income," the study’s summary said. "All could do more within their sourcing practices to positively influence producer prosperity."