Columbian coffee farmers thrive under Nespresso sustainability plan

The independent study, carried out by Colombian organisation CRECE, looked at a variety of social, environmental and economic conditions among 1,000 farmers growing coffee in the country under Nespresso’s AAA sustainable quality programme.

It found that in 2011, participating farmers received a net income more than 40% higher than those not on the scheme. This level of earning also led to greater productivity, as those on the plan were able to invest in more fertiliser and resilient coffee varieties.

The research also showed that participating farmers had better awareness of prices on the local coffee market, enabling them to make smarter business decisions.

They also tended to operate more environmentally sustainable farms, often running recycling programmes and practicing soil conservation techniques.

The programme, developed in co-operation with the Rainforest Alliance, aims to encourage sustainable farming practices and enhance farmer welfare.

According to Nespresso CEO Jean-Marc Duvoisin, quality and sustainability are now intricately linked. “More sustainable farming increases the ability to produce consistent quality far into the future,” he said.

Maxine Perella