Championing Coffee Sustainability

Frederick Kawuma

Individual Member

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

I am the founder CEO of Uganda Coffee Federation, Founder and CEO of AFCA, and former Secretary General of the Inter-African Coffee Organisation (IACO). I have been in several multi stakeholder engagements as well as leadership roles at the national, regional and continental levels and have a good understanding and appreciation of cross cultural engagements. I am a peacebuilder and like to bring reconciliation where there is strife.

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

I was engaged in the very beginning of the discussions of the Common Code for the Coffee Community, which later became branded as 4Cs. Actively participated in the different processes in the development of the Code. Having been at the helm of continental coffee leadership, I am familiar with the different issues surrounding the coffee landscape in Africa and how policies have evolved and the role of the private sector in the different countries. 

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

Updating the national sustainability curriculum as needed from time to time. To pursue collaborations in the different coffee countries to ensure sustainability practices and benchmarks are embedded in national plans. Support efforts that lead towards the prosperity of coffee farmers.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

Sustainable Ecosystem with Prosperity of Coffee Producers & Profitable Business to all Chain Players.

Dr Joseph Kimemia

Individual Member

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

 I am currently  a consultant in the agricultural sector having worked with the Ministry of Agriculture, Coffee Research Foundation and Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). For 10 years of my stay at Coffee Research Foundation I was the Director of coffee research in Kenya. I was for six years a board member of African Fine Coffee association out of which I was the Vice Chairman for three years. I was among the founders of Kenya Coffee Platform where I served as the Chairman for four years. I have been a consultant with Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) as a coffee expert in laying the strategy for growing coffee in Saud Arabia. Currently I’m the chairman of Eagaads Ltd a listed company in Kenya involved in coffee production. across the areas I haved worked and  consulted or advised the issue of sustainability and living income has been  one of the metrics for success. I have authored many publications on coffee.

I have been involved in coffee production aspects for over 35 years where I have also dealt with many environmental issues associated with coffee production and primary processing. I am a skilled in leading strategic planning and implementation.

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

I have an individual  member of GCP and have participated in many GCP events, I have also been a member of the Board under Producer category. I am involved in the Kenya Coffee Platform one of the Country Platforms under GCP and have contributed to a number of studies and the development and a subsequent review of the Kenya Coffee Sustainability Manual which have addressed to a great extent the issue of sustainability, regenerative agriculture, climate smart strategies and profitability/living income for the coffee sector in Kenya.

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

1. Empowerment of the country platforms with regional platforms in all the coffee growing areas
2. Recruitment/training of coffee farmers using the sustainability manual so as to increase their prosperity
3. In conjunction with AFCA recruit at least two more countries in Africa (Rwanda  Ethiopia, Cameroon) to join GCP
4. To encourage the local coffee buyers to undertake sustainable sourcing and report the same
5. In partnership with NGOS/ companies develop local collective Action on key areas like safe use of pesticides or involving the youth along the coffee value chain

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

Optimal production of high quality coffee fetcing remunerative incomes without compromising the environment and tehe dignity of the farmers and workers in the coffee farms.

Kenneth Barigye

Managing Director, Mountain Harvest

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Kenneth Barigye founded Mountain Harvest in 2017 to challenge the status quo of Uganda’s coffee production where smallholder farmers were producing coffee at a loss. He focused on building a model that improves the quality of life for smallholder farmers while supporting healthy and thriving natural ecosystems by emphasizing the need to boost productivity and improve profitability at the farm level. Over the past 6 years, Kenneth has built Mountain Harvest into a green coffee exporter, producer, and farmer services provider dedicated to quality consistent and innovative specialty coffee with transparent and reliable export services. Kenneth is actively cultivating direct relationships between impact conscious buyers and communities to improve terms of trade for smallholder farmers while building resiliency of the farmer and farmland through regenerative agriculture and business practices. Kenneth is now serving on the boards of the African Fine Coffees Association, Uganda Coffee Federation and the National Coffee Research Institute.

Donor Landscape: Prior to coffee farming I served as a Country Director for International NGOs for 10 years. This involved securing and managing large donor grants. Board Management: I am currently serving on three boards including the African Fine Coffees Association. Coffee Production: Beyond my support to the coffee farmers I source from, I own a 200 acre arabica farm in Western Uganda which is the 2nd largest coffee farm in Uganda. Value Chains: I run a consultancy that supports the government of Uganda to commercialize maize and rice value chains for 450,000 farmers. Social Dimensions: My work with NGOs from 2005 to 2019 focused on right based rural development. Environmental aspects: As an organic certified farmer and exporter, my business model focuses on protecting the environment for sustainable production and this includes supporting regenerative agriculture. Leadership: I have built my leadership skills as a Country Director, board member and business entrepreneur over the past 15 years.

Donor Landscape: Prior to coffee farming I served as a Country Director for International NGOs for 10 years. This involved securing and managing large donor grants. Board Management: I am currently serving on three boards including the African Fine Coffees Association. Coffee Production: Beyond my support to the coffee farmers I source from, I own a 200 acre arabica farm in Western Uganda which is the 2nd largest coffee farm in Uganda. Value Chains: I run a consultancy that supports the government of Uganda to commercialize maize and rice value chains for 450,000 farmers. Social Dimensions: My work with NGOs from 2005 to 2019 focused on right based rural development. Environmental aspects: As an organic certified farmer and exporter, my business model focuses on protecting the environment for sustainable production and this includes supporting regenerative agriculture. Leadership: I have built my leadership skills as a Country Director, board member and business entrepreneur over the past 15 years.

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

I have been an active member of, and participating in the National Coffee Platform since 2018. I officially joined the Global Coffee Platform this year in 2023 and participated in the GCP global meeting in Bonn.
Other: I have been serving on the board of the African Fine Coffees Association since 2020. All my coffee operations are organic certified. I have been participating in the Sustainable Coffee Challenge since 2021.

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

I believe that GCP as a membership organization will thrive if it has a strong membership base. My support will therefore prioritize generating resources for operations and new capital to support scale and growth of country platforms. GCP will be as strong as its country chapters.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

I envision a more sustainable and equitable future for all actors in the coffee value chain. A future in which smallholder farmers are thriving, not just surviving. I envision a future by which roasting partners are proud to be placing coffees on their menus because of the farmers’ full ability to meet market demands, while also knowing the farmers’ livelihood is fully supported by their coffee farms.

Rafael Furtado Fonseca

International Business Manager, COOMAP / CNC

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

I have been working as an international business manager for 7 years. During this time I have been engaged in several projects focusong on improving the lives of small coffee producers in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. I have been deeply involved with modern practices of coffee production in which small growers reach productivity levels of large farmers.

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

The co-op where I work at has been a a GCP member since its beginning. During this time I have been involved in many of the initiatives promoted by GCP. Over the last 3 years I have had the honor of being part of GCP board representing Brazil.

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

I want to support collective actions in countries where coffee production isn’t financially viable and help producers in these place to increase yields per hectare and consequently have a more decent life. Furthermore, I feel like being part of projects that help producers become more resilient to climate change.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

I believe the coffee sector will be sustainable when producers have decent living conditions, obtained by modern and efficient crop management cares, and are in condition to contribute to preserving the environment. At the same time, producers keep contributing to the sector by offering quality coffee produced under fair conditions.  

Deepak Kaul

Head EMEA and India, Global Head Sustainability and Technology, olam food ingredients (ofi)

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

My professional journey in the coffee industry in many ways mirrors the journey of the coffee bean over its lifetime. It started at origin, and in my case in Cote d’Ivoire’s central growing regions around Gagnoa and Daloa, and has ended up in Geneva, Switzerland, where I am currently based. In my current role I oversee ofi’s Coffee Business in Europe Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and India, covering origination, operations and marketing. In addition, I also oversee Global Sustainability and Technology for the Coffee business at ofi. Over the last 23 years of my coffee career, I have had the unique opportunity to work and live in multiple geographies and play multiple roles across the entire coffee supply chain. From starting in front-line sourcing to now playing a global business and functional head role, with stints in Indonesia as an origination manager and the longest stint in Singapore overseeing our Africa business, running the Robusta book as head trader, and over time taking over sales and marketing oversight.

My deep interest in sustainability started when I was starting-up our farming business in Africa and while building that business from the ground-up, I realized the challenges that producers face in our sector and how these challenges multiply for small holder farmers. I therefore jumped at the opportunity of leading global sustainability for the business when the opportunity arose in 2022.

Over the years working in a business management role, I have developed deep expertise in all aspects of finance including Corporate Finance, Accounting, Derivatives and trade finance, M&A and Valuations. 

Other skills include:

• Board Management: I sit on the board of directors of 2 corporate entities out of which 1 is a JV entity with ofi being the minority shareholder and 1 is an internal subsidiary where I Chair the board. In addition, I am also on the board of a philanthropic foundation. In the Coffee multistakeholder space I am on the Advisory Council of the SCC and a Sherpa at the ICO’s CPPTF. 
• Coffee Production: I started the Coffee Farming business for Olam in 2011 with the setup of a greenfield coffee plantation in Tanzania followed by the acquisition of a brownfield estate in Zambia. I led the development of both these plantation assets till the time they reached maturity. Both these plantations are today recognized as the reference of Corporate Coffee Farming in Africa. 
• Leadership: Leadership development is one of the key tenets of life in ofi. I am part of the senior leadership team of the coffee business and manage an organization of more than 400 people including senior leaders at origin and destination markets.

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

My direct involvement with the GCP started in 2022 after I took on the Global Sustainability oversight role and I have been closely involved with the GCP initiatives and workstreams since then. I am also on the advisory council of the Sustainable Coffee Challenge (SCC) and a Sherpa on the Coffee Public Private Task Force of the International Coffee Organization (ICO). In addition, I am closely involved with the European Coffee Federation (ECF) Executive Board on the topics of Responsible Sourcing and International Trade.

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

I believe that the GCP has a role in bringing the industry together and accelerating collaboration amongst the various bodies that are working on sustainability topics for the coffee industry. I would like to work with the GCP board on making this “one Industry’ approach a reality. In addition, ofi as an organization is heavily invested in making a positive impact on decarbonizing our supply chains and improving the livelihoods of our producers. These will be the areas that I would like to support and where I would like to help make a meaningful impact.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

I see a coffee world with diversity of production and consumption, where all producers are remunerated fairly for their efforts, and the most vulnerable of the lot see their living conditions meet the benchmarks of decent living. At the same time, consumers enjoying exceptional coffees in the way they desire.

Giacomo Celi

Global Sustainability Director, Mercon Coffee Group

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

I have been in the coffee business for over 2 decades now, starting as buyer and building the knowledge tree for illy, where I also lead the achievement in 2010 of the DNV Responsible Supply Chain certification. After 10 years I moved to setting up the coffee business of Caffe Nero, the UK retail chain, where I was in charge of sourcing, quality, logistics, risk management and sustainability. After that I moved for a short period of just over a year to work on business development for a start up sustainable consulting firm of ABF (associated british foods) to provide sustainability assessments and verification services for the sugar and tobacco industries. Finally since 2018, I am leading the global activity on sustainability for the Mercon Coffee Group, an integrated green coffee supplier.

I have a deep knowledge of coffee agronomy and post-harvesting and then worked for long time in the commercial side of value chains. I have been leading multi-tasking and diverse teams in background as well as collaborated extensively in Board dialogue and governance. Finally I have been involved with sustainable corporate finance and with managing multi-millions budget portfolios.

I have can also speak Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and a bit of French.

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

Working together with the coffee sector inside multi-stakeholders and industry-led initiatives is very important for its synergies with the supply chain activity. I have been involved with GCP during the first and second round of equivalence recognition (v1.2 and v2.0). I have also been studying the material produced, such as the Brazilian Living Income report and the work done as part of the release of the Coffee Barometer. In addition to GCP, I am also sitting on the Board of Directors at World Coffee Research and the Advisory Board at the Sustainable Coffee Challenge.

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

My future aspirations for GCP is to advance the agenda on Sustainable Sourcing by introducing more guidance and stimulating further dialogue on long term sourcing practices. I am also a supporter of collective actions deployed according to each origin platform. I envision for GCP an even more ambitious target for collective landscape investments.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

My future aspirations for GCP is to advance the agenda on Sustainable Sourcing by introducing more guidance and stimulating further dialogue on long term sourcing practices. I am also a supporter of collective actions deployed according to each origin platform. I envision for GCP an even more ambitious target for collective landscape investments.

Olivier Laboulle

Global Head of Sustainability – Coffee / Group Human and Labor Rights Lead, Louis Dreyfus Company

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

My experience with coffee sustainability began 20 years ago when, as a student with a limited budget, I started to buy Fairtrade coffee, understanding that my personal buying behavior could make a difference.
Since 2020, I have been working as Global Head of Sustainability for Coffee at Louis Dreyfus Company. In this role, I oversee the implementation of our non-deforestation commitment, compliance with EUDR, the production of responsibly sourced coffee and the roll-out of LDC’s new farmer support programme called Stronger Coffee Initiative, among other. Since 2023, I am also responsible for Human and Labor Rights in supply chains for the whole Group.
I have dedicated my career to sustainability, specifically focusing on agricultural supply chains and supporting cocoa and coffee smallholder farmers for the past 8 years.

Having extensive experience working for NGOs and UN Organizations reliant on third-party funding, I have had a lot of exposure to various types of donors, bilateral, multi-lateral and private. I worked for five years at the International Cocoa Initiative and participated in the organization and successful conduct of a dozen board meetings. I have had the opportunity to visit dozens of coffee and cocoa/coffee (mixed) farms over the years but I also build my expertise through the feedback from our team of coffee sustainability managers, agronomists and technicians deployed in coffee origins.  Nevertheless, I still have more to learn, and different origins to visit in order to better appreciate the differences in production models. Over the years, I have worked or advised on fisheries, bananas, cocoa, vanilla, etc. and therefore can rely on a wide array of experiences to advise the GCP. I have a Masters’ Degree on Human Rights and 8 years’ experience working on child and forced labour, living income, gender equity, education, community development, etc. in the cocoa, coffee and fisheries sector. I serve as LDC’s Lead on Human and Labor Rights in supply chains.

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

When I joined LDC as Global Head of Sustainability for Coffee, one of my first decisions was to join the GCP. Having worked as Head of Programmes for the International Cocoa Initiative, (a leading multi-stakeholder cocoa sector initiate), I am a firm believer in the importance of pre-competitive collaboration for sustainability. Since LDC joined in 2021, I have been representing LDC at the GCP, actively participating in webinars, taking part in strategic consultations, and advising on EM and Global Common Code reviews. In my current role, I also represent LDC in the Sustainable Coffee Challenge (SCC), the sustainability committee of the European Coffee Federation (ECF), the German Coffee Association (DKV) in the technical working groups of the ICO Public Private Task Force, the ILO Child Labor Platform and the Swiss Sustainable Coffee Initiative (SSCI). Together with a few of LDC’s competitors, I contributed to the co-design of www.tract.eco, a transformative sustainability performance measurement platform with common methodologies and metrics.

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

GCP recently adopted its 2.0 strategy with a bold commitment to deliver transformational change for 1 million coffee farmers by 2030. I participated in the consultations for its development and endorsed the strategy during the General Assembly in December 2021 so I intend to support its implementation as it is important to ensure institutional continuity.

The challenges facing the sector have already evolved since 2021 and below are the areas which I specifically would like to support:
1. Promote pre-competitive collaboration in origin to ensure local actors are supported collectively to meet the upcoming EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products.
2. Ensure greater alignment between all sustainability-related pre-competitive forums (SSCI, DKV, ECF, SCC, ICO, etc.) to limit the sector’s time spent on coordination and maximize the time spent on generating impact for the 1 million coffee farmers targeted by the GCP 2.0 strategy.
3. The Equivalence Mechanism v2.0 has created a credible level-playing field and prevents a race to the bottom. As a board member, I would promote it and make sure it stays relevant in the face of EUDR and other changes in the sector.
4. Following the adage “what is not measured, cannot be improved”, GCP’s work on Collective Reporting and the data framework is critical to make sure we, as a sector, can track our progress and hold ourselves accountable against our objectives. Linking to initiatives such as DIASCA and TRACT is important in this context.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

I see sustainability as a model of production and consumption that is financially profitable for all value chain participants, while restoring ecosystems, avoiding human rights violations and supporting communities to thrive. As part of a pre-competitive collaboration with JDE, IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative, ACOM, Mascopex, Simexco, and GCP, LDC contributed to a study that showed that highly diversified farms could become net carbon sinks rather than emitters of Greenhouse Gases (GHG). Imagine if each cup of coffee consumed around the world was actively contributing to the fight against climate change and yield a premium for the farmers! This could be truly sustainable.

Christien Parrott

Director of Sustainability, Strategy and Implementation, Mother Parkers Tea and Coffee

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

With coffee procurement as the foundation of my experience, I have advanced the sustainable sourcing coffee and tea program for Mother Parkers, focusing on climate action and strengthening the resilience of supply chains, communities, and wellbeing of producers.

I have extensive knowledge in the coffee production and supply chain, specializing in climate action, with demonstrated leadership in this space. Also, I bring the strength of sitting on the Board of the GCP and advising to other coffee industry boards. Previous to joining coffee, I have worked with large multi-national companies, as a Sales Director and Project Manager, which allows me to offer a unique perspective to understanding business and human story behind each cup of coffee and tea. 

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

Previous to joining the GCP as a board member, I initiated the coffee sustainability program at Mother Parkers in alignment and in-support of the GCP, understanding the foundational work that the GCP is doing for the coffee industry. Mother Parkers is also a member (and I am actively involved with) the SCC, CAC, NCA and Mother Parkers funds the NCA Gives Back Annual Award, to highlight charities dedicated to supporting coffee communities at origin.

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

Being a seed funder of GCP 2.0, Mother Parkers is focused on supporting the critical work that the GCP is doing at local and country level. Mother Parkers is actively pursuing our corporate coffee sustainable sourcing program in alignment with the GCP coffee sustainability reference code and equivalence mechanism. We are also working to bring this message to our supplier partners and customers. More to come!

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

A sustainable coffee sector is one that has longevity by supporting the planet (environment) and prosperity of coffee producers alike.

Daniele Buzzetti

Head of Strategy & ESG at Nestlé Coffee Brands, Nestlé

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

I have 13 years of experience in the coffee business, coffee lover since childhood given Italians’ passion for coffee. I had the opportunity to live in Colombia for 3 years (GM for Nespresso Colombian Region) and come to admire the importance of coffee in its history, culture, and unique hospitality. I have lived in 6 countries and worked for Nestlé in Europe, US, LatAm, China and Africa I nurtured a long-standing interest for agriculture, sustainability, and farmers livelihood, having my family been wine makers for generations in the north of Italy. I am committed to Shared Value, and to contribute to transforming Coffee into a force for good.

My strengths include:

Finance: risk management tools, financing, economics of production and value creation.
Coffee Production: Arabica and Robusta production, coffee research  & development.
Value Chains: Cocoa, Wine. 
Environmental: Regenerative Agriculture principles. Water management, soil and biodiversity conservation.
Leadership: Led both global functions (Marketing, Strategy) and businesses (General Manager with P&L responsibility) and consulting skills.

Fluent in English, French, Spanish and Italian.

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

I joined the Global Coffee Platform as Nestlé representative since end 2023, having the privilege of meeting many partners first in Bonn and then in Bangalore.
I am representing Nestlé in the ICO, contributing to advancing ICO agenda as Sherpa. I lead the orchestration. of Nestlé pre-competitive partnerships in the coffee sector. Since 2019 I have been closely involved with Nestlé Coffee sustainability and shared value creation initiatives, first in Colombia and currently at global scale, as Head of Strategy and ESG for Nestlé Coffee portfolio.

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

Evolving from GCP supporter to Board member represents a unique opportunity for me to directly contribute to the GCP Agenda, supporting it to achieve a deeper impact at scale. GCP is strongly positioned to enable tangible collaborative actions to happen within the coffee sector, driving measurable results and setting the standards for a broader impact.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

I believe Coffee can become a force for good, and I want to support this transformative change via GCP collective actions. The future of a sustainable coffee sector starts first and foremost with better livelihoods for farmers communities: farmers, their families, farm workers and the communities they live in. Sustainable management of natural resources and a transition towards better agricultural standards are essential to secure the long-term future of coffee supply.

Stefan Dierks

Director Sustainability Strategy, Melitta Group Management GmbH & Co. KG

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

I am (Coffee) Sustainability Manager for 17 years now, since 2019 as Director Sustainability Strategy at Melitta. In this role, I am responsible for the continuous (further) development and implementation of the sustainability-integrated global coffee strategy of Melitta Group.

I have extensive experience in:

• Board Management: Experience in management of diverse interest by my different advisory board functions as well as earlier leading functions in German Retail Associations.
• Value Chains and social/environmental dimensions: 17 years of experience as sustainability manager for coffee, cotton/textiles, wood & pulp, plastics/hardgoods and electrical appliances.
• Leadership: More than 10 years leadership functions with direct reporting line to Managing Director. 
• Data Ecosystem and Common Data Principles
• Impact Measurement
• Moderation Skills

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

I am an active member in the GCP right from the beginning. In the coffee sector I am or was also member of boards or working groups of: German Coffee Association DKV e.V., IDH Sustainable Trade Initiative, 4C Association, SAI Platform Working Group Coffee. Additionally, I am a.o., member of Board of Trustees of Deutsche Stiftung Verbraucherschutz and Advisory Board of B.A.U.M. e.V. 

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

I am an active member in the GCP right from the beginning. In the coffee sector I am or was also member of boards or working groups of: German Coffee Association DKV e.V., IDH Sustainable Trade Initiative, 4C Association, SAI Platform Working Group Coffee. Additionally, I am a.o., member of Board of Trustees of Deutsche Stiftung Verbraucherschutz and Advisory Board of B.A.U.M. e.V. 

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

A sustainable coffee sector enables a prosperous live for the producers communities, a fair competition for the players in the supply chain and best coffee enjoyment for consumers. 

Nadia Hoarau-Mwaura

Sustainability Director, JDE Peet’s

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

I have worked in coffee for the last 17 years, beginning my work in producing countries and working coffee farmers on technical assistance, and for the past 9 years have worked with JDE Peet’s directly building and implementing our Responsible Sourcing Programme – connecting our sustainability work to our brands, consumers and customers. 

I am tasked with setting up a global farmer programme, currently spanning over 23 countries. This requires financial oversight of the programme budget as well as managing public donor funding opportunities. The focus of the priority issues in the farmer programmes spans over both human rights issues – setting up child labour monitoring and remediation systems, as well as addressing climate and environmental challenges. 

I am particularly skilled in brand and consumer insights: in order for our efforts in coffee sustainability to succeed we need to make sure this is reflected in Brand strategies and ultimately that consumers understand and appreciate more about coffee farmers and the rich origin diversity.

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

I currently serve on the GCP board, am also a member of the Board of the World Coffee Research, represent JDE Peet’s on the ICO Public Private Taskforce and am a member of the European Coffee Federation Sustainability Committee. It is crucial to drive impact and action through collaborative initiatives as a sector especially now as we see increasing legislation and regulations that impact both the coffee smallholders and the sector as a whole. 

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

For the goal to be achieved we need more leadership and collaborative efforts as a sector. GCP should be the convening space to bring other initiatives both international and national to drive transformational change. We have the tools e.g. the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code which is a common language across the sector for sustainable coffee farming. What comes next is how can we measure progress against the CSRC framework to demonstrate real change. 

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

For the goal to be achieved we need more leadership and collaborative efforts as a sector. GCP should be the convening space to bring other initiatives both international and national to drive transformational change. We have the tools e.g. the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code which is a common language across the sector for sustainable coffee farming. What comes next is how can we measure progress against the CSRC framework to demonstrate real change. 

Bambi Semroc

Sr Vice President, Center for Sustainable Lands and Waters, Conservation International

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

I have been working on sustainable coffee for the past 20 years while at Conservation International – working with companies on sourcing commitments and investments, with field programs working with farmers in globally important areas for conservation and led the formation of the Sustainable Coffee Challenge. In my current role I oversee a Center that includes our coffee work, but also looks at how to leverage lessons across commodity programs ranging from coffee to palm oil and fashion. 

I have been leading and working with the coffee and other food and agricultural sectors for the past 20 years to promote sustainability, focusing on environmental and social impacts. I successfully led the start-up of the Sustainable Coffee Challenge and currently lead a team of 28 staff working on private sector partnerships for sustainable commodities and enterprise development engagements with rural producer communities. I have worked throughout the value chain on coffee – with retailers, roasters, traders and producers in developing sustainability programs and strategies, and I have spearheaded the development of tools and resources to assist decision-makers in prioritizing investments. 

Over the past 3 years on the GCP board I have provided a lot of strategic advice and input as the organization developed GCP 2.0. Looking forward to continuing to do so as the organization moves to implementing this strategy. 

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

I have been a board member of the Global Coffee Platform for the past 3 years and before that engaged in dialogue and collaboration with the GCP given the close linkages between the Sustainable Coffee Challenge and the GCP. The GCP is a member of the SCC Advisory Council and it has been great to have this representation on the board and in that council to ensure alignment and coordination across the initiatives. I think there is great complementarity between these initiatives in driving sustainability forward within the sector, especially given the renewed focus of GCP on farmer livelihoods and the strength of the SCC and Conservation International team on nature conservation and climate change.

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

I would like to find ways to support uptake of sustainable sourcing commitments and investments throughout the coffee sector that leads to positive outcomes on the ground and at scale with and for coffee producers and for the ecosystems that sustain coffee production. I think there is a great opportunity to link these commitments to the need for collective action in key coffee producing countries – building on the work of the country platforms and that of other organizations working at that local level. There is a great need to coordinate this to understand the collective impacts of this work. 

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

One where we can maintain coffee production on existing productive lands in a way that provides economic development opportunities for producer communities and supports the long-term conservation of nature. 

David Browning

Chief Executive Officer, Enveritas Inc.

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

20 years committed to helping to increase incomes for hundreds of thousands of growers. Expanded eco-pulpers in Africa, introduced natural waste water treatment in Africa, new approach to sustainability assurance to reach underserved farmers at no cost to farmer, AI innovation for EUDR compliance

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

Provided pro-bono support to GCP during recent strategic refresh. Enveritas is GCP aligned. Have been involved with a range of coffee sustainability organizations over the years; Board member SCA, Nespresso Sustainability Advisory Board member, ICO Coffee public-private taskforce – Transparency Sherpa, SCC participant for many years, various support to WCR, Cup of Excellence, provided IDH with analytic support and have been a recipient of IDH funding for technical assistance to support growers.

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

I’d be interested, via leveraging Enveritas, in helping GCP measure progress and impact towards the GCP 2030 goal.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

I have a strong interest in developing a sustainable coffee sector that protects the environment, supports future generations of coffee growers and eradicates extreme poverty from the coffee sector by 2030. I have devoted my career to this for the past 20 years.

Eduardo Trevisan Gonçalves

Head of Sustainable Agriculture, Imaflora

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Bachelor in Agronomic Engineering, MBA FGV and The University of Akron, and Master’s degree in development – regenerative coffee growing in IAC – Agronomic Institute, first Brazilian agricultural research institute founded in 1887.

Currently works for  IMAFLORA, leading the development and execution of ESG Projects and consulting for national and international agribusiness corporation like Nespresso, Coca Cola, Cargill, Nestle, Raizen, focusing in risk mitigation, Due Diligence Human rights and regenerative agriculture.  Eduardo is also Chairman of the board of SAN a non-profit organization based in Costa Rica and with members in 20 countries.

In coffee, I was National Coordinator of Sustainable coffee manager for Rainforest Alliance and local responsible for UNDP/GEF project for 5 years, responsible for expanding Rainforest Alliance certification for coffee and other crops, responsible for adapting the Nespresso AAA protocol for Brazil and projects with the same company over the last 18 years. Works directly with several cooperatives, traders, coffee producers in different projects throughout Brazil and internationally. Knows coffee growing in the main producing countries.

I have been working on these issues for over 18 years, mostly in Brazil, but also with expertise in several other countries, especially the Americas and Africa. About Value Chains I have experience with other chains such as cocoa, sugar cane, cattle, soybeans and others.

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

I have been with GCP since its inception, and was even responsible for hosting GCP in Brazil for two years in our office before moving to P&A management. In addition, I follow the meetings of the GCP working group in Brazil and have been to two global meetings of the platform (Switzerland and Brazil). I am responsible at Imaflora for interaction with the GCP in Brazil. 

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

From the point of view of Towards Sustainable Sourcing, it is essential to strengthen collective actions and pre-competitive training for good production practices, in setting carbon initiatives and transparency in the marketing of sustainable coffees. From the point of view of Collective Action for Farmers Prosperity, it is essential to strengthen regenerative practices combined with productivity, looking at income generation for small producers, and labor relations and human rights, which also includes large and medium-sized farms and their workers.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

The coffee chain plays a fundamental role in generating jobs, income and ecosystem services around the world. Most coffee-producing countries face major challenges in terms of combining increased productivity and the environment, so that coffee can help improve the living conditions of small producers. The transfer of technology from more advanced countries such as Brazil, Colombia and Vietnam is essential for this process to take place, so that production can increase in a sustainable way and at the same time coffee can generate income for millions of families.

Michelle Deugd

Director Forest and Agriculture, Rainforest Alliance

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Since I did my Msc. Thesis in 1993, in Tanzania, Bukoba, on the integrated Kibanja coffee system, I have been committed to Sustainable Coffee production. I started working for the FAO to support sustainable coffee production in Costa Rica and Honduras and have since then dedicated my work to coffee sustainability, the well-being of producers, workers, climate and nature. Since 15 years with Rainforest Alliance in both producer as well as market facing coffee related roles. 

I bring a great understanding of the donor landscape: Donor landscape: extensive experience with RA with proposal writing and donor interaction, coffee production involved since 1993, see previous pages, value chain beyond coffee: I manage a team of sector leads market and producer facing in a variety of sectors such as coffee, cocoa, tea, fruits etc; Environmental aspects I have a personal long track record working on environmental related aspects in coffee production specially soil conservation, biodiveristy and environmental coffee practices; leadership: a in director roles in RA since 2014, and served on a variety o boards since 2018. 

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

Rainforest Alliance, and I personally have been involved with the GCP and previously called 4C organization since 2010. In the first years I was part of the technical committee working on the then called baseline standard and equivalence mechanism. During the last 3 years I have been part of the board. For Rainforest Alliance it is an honor to have a seat on the GCP board and which we consider important, as a way to stay closely involved with the coffee industry, to support GCP in their ambition to create sustainability options in an accessible and inclusive manner, while at the same time ensuring that the reference code and overall system is designed in such a way that producers and the industry as a whole progress gradually towards higher levels of sustainability. 

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

*”Towards sustainable sourcing”:  supporting GCP in their ambition of growing the sustainable sourcing volumes, through advocating for progressive sustainability and assurance levels, supporting with data and insights, to insure true impact for people and nature.

* “Collective Action for Farmers and Prosperity”:  support collective action initiatives in the countries where RA has booths on the ground through collaborative actions. 

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

A sector in which people and nature thrive harmony, through the implementation of sustainability practices which continuously drive the improvement of farmers and workers livelihoods and wellbeing, and enabling adaption and mitigation to climate change, while protecting biodiversity.

Dr. Toan Ngoc Dang

Founder cum CEO, The Central Highlands Center for Community Development and Climate Change Adaptation(CHCC)

COFFEE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

I have been involved in the coffee industry for decades, wearing various hats from farmer to now being recognized as an expert. This sector has consistently captivated my interest and served as a wellspring of inspiration. It propels me to delve deeper, learning from its intricacies and working towards bolstering its sustainability, a cause that has encountered hurdles like climate change and the misuse of chemical inputs, such as pesticides. Furthermore, I’m deeply committed to addressing critical social issues within this realm, including the infringement upon child and women’s rights.

I possess an extensive track record of involvement in various capacities within the realm of coffee production. This experience has afforded me a unique opportunity to amass profound insights into the industry and the specific challenges it grapples with. In my capacity as an expert, I’ve delved deep into the intricacies of its value chain, scrutinizing its establishment and operation. Particular focus has been placed on identifying the necessary steps to secure its long-term sustainability. This endeavor encompasses the effective tackling of social issues like child rights and women’s empowerment, as well as environmental concerns such as greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and deforestation. 

My strengths also include Research skills (data collection, community consultation, problem analysis, presentation etc.)

INVOLVEMENT WITH GCP AND / OR OTHER SUSTAINABILITY ORGANIZATIONS

My initial and, perhaps, most practical experience was working as a coffee farmer at a very young age. This opportunity granted me invaluable insights into the formidable challenges faced by coffee farmers within our local context. Regrettably, involvement in this industry at that early stage deprived me of fundamental rights, such as the right to education and the right to simply enjoy life.
Presently, I am deeply entrenched in the field, specializing in sustainability, with a particular emphasis on pressing social issues including children’s rights, women’s empowerment, and stakeholder engagement. As the CEO of a local NGO, I have dedicated substantial effort towards fostering connections among stakeholders, especially by bridging the gap between local farmers and both private and public institutions. Currently, I’m also a member of the Asia Chapter of the Steering Committee of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA). 

HOW WILL YOU SUPPORT GCP’S WORK AND GOAL?

To begin, my foremost objective is to bolster GCP’s reach and influence on a global scale, with a targeted approach encompassing both coffee-producing and non-coffee-producing nations, particularly at the governmental level. This strategy aims to foster heightened awareness and engagement in addressing pressing global challenges confronting the coffee industry, most notably the formidable impact of climate change.
Following this, I am committed to championing vital social issues within the industry. This entails advocating for the rights of producers, ensuring equitable participation and representation, and addressing greenhouse gas emissions, including exploring opportunities in carbon trading within the realm of coffee production.
Lastly, a paramount focus of mine will be on diversifying revenue streams for farmers directly on their own farms. This will involve initiatives such as transforming their farms into tourist destinations, thereby creating additional income avenues and fostering sustainability within the coffee farming communities. 

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE SECTOR?

One of the visions is that apart from other structural problems such as climate change, Green House Gas emissions, how to ensure equal distribution of benefits among stakeholders will be a challenge that can disrupt the industry.