A fair deal for coffee farmers
Here at Wild Highlands Coffee, we are proud of our ethically sourced coffee. But what does that even mean, and what is the difference between ethically and unethically sourced coffee? Does it even matter?
When making a cup of coffee, we don’t often stop to think where in the world the beans came from or who was involved in the making of our drink. But this is an important consideration because if what we consume isn't sustainable, it will one day disappear. We don't want to be a part of the destruction of communities or the wider environment. So understanding the production of your coffee, from tree to mug, is crucial. Here's what you need to know.
What does ‘ethically sourced’ mean?
When you hear that our coffee has been ethically sourced, we mean that it has been produced in a way that prioritises fair treatment of workers, promoted sustainable farming practices and offers supply chain transparency.
Key to the ethical production of coffee is fair wages, good living conditions and a safe work environment. It also promotes environmental sustainability which can include organic practices and animal and forest conservation. At all steps along the production process, there must be no child or modern slave labour. All through the supply chain, from harvesting the beans to working with the farmers and buyers there should be ethical treatment and fair compensation for all.
Ethicallly sourced coffee is better for the environment, because problems like deforestation, soil degradation and high water usage are considered. Such methods of farming often produces a better quality bean, making the end result even tastier! So by combining a great flavour with the knowledge that the beans have been produced ethically, our drinkers can truly relax with the aroma of a freshly brewed mug.
What does ‘ethically sourced’ mean?
When you hear that our coffee has been ethically sourced, we mean that it has been produced in a way that prioritises fair treatment of workers, promotes sustainable farming practices and offers supply chain transparency.
Key to the ethical production of coffee is fair wages, good living conditions and a safe work environment. It also promotes environmental sustainability, which can include organic practices and animal and forest conservation. At all steps along the production process, there must be no child or modern slave labour. All through the supply chain, from harvesting the beans to working with the farmers and buyers there should be ethical treatment and fair compensation for all.
Ethically sourced coffee is better for the environment, because problems like deforestation, soil degradation and high water usage are considered. Such methods of farming often produce a better quality bean, making the end result even tastier! So by combining a great flavour with the knowledge that the beans have been produced ethically, our drinkers can truly relax with the aroma of a freshly brewed mug.
How to make sure Wild Highland Coffee is ethically sourced
On each and every packet of our coffee, you’ll find a little white frog. This is the logo of the Rainforest Alliance. The alliance offers certification that our coffee was produced by farmers, foresters, and companies working together to create a world where people and nature thrive in harmony. You can find out more about the certification scheme here.
The Rainforest Alliance collaborates with over 400,000 certified coffee producers across Latin America, East Africa, and Asia. Farmers in these regions face challenges like climate change, plant diseases, and price volatility. The Rainforest Alliance supports them by connecting them with responsible markets and providing training in climate-smart and regenerative practices to enhance yields and incomes. Their certification program encourages business best-practices such as digital record-keeping and employs a continuous improvement model to advance sustainability. The certification also promotes the human rights of coffee sector workers, understanding that their well-being is essential to coffee sustainability.
Choosing ethical coffee
So the next time you are shopping, make sure you check that you get ethically sourced coffee, just like Wild Highland Coffee. By doing so you can rest assured that everyone involved in its production has been respected and treated fairly, with a fair price being paid to producers. Discover our exciting and ethically produced range of coffee here.