SCP Publications

The SCP has conducted research and reported on sustainability in the coffee sector, this group of research papers are available for download at the bottom of this page.

Background Documents:
1. "Building a Sustainable Coffee Sector Using Market-Based Approaches: The Role of Multi-stakeholder Cooperation"
Among the many challenges facing sustainability in the coffee sector, stakeholders have identified three principle barriers to sustainability over the long term. This background paper to the December 8th and 9th (2003) workshop provides a brief overview of these barriers and some of the initiatives under way to address them. The paper underlines the opportunity and need for enhanced collaboration among existing initiatives in the sector.

2. "Outline of Research Priorities in the Coffee Sector"
Based on input from the Geneva Brainstorming Workshop and consultations under the Sustainable Commodity Initiative Background to the meeting.

3. "Sustainability in the Coffee Sector"
This paper, provided as background for the February brainstorming workshop, outlines the broad range of sustainability issues facing the coffee sector and provides a basic rationale for the adoption of an integrated, cooperative approach to sustainability drawing upon supply chain relations and market forces.

SCP Publications:
4. "Trading Practices for a Sustainable Coffee Sector"
As the number of voluntary initiatives aimed at implementing sustainable development within the coffee sector grows, there is a growing concern about how such initiatives can contribute to the overall well-being of producers. This paper provides an analysis of the constraints, conditions and opportunities for building sustainable trading relationships between coffee buyers and producers. It provides concrete examples and recommendations for policy-makers and supply chain actors.

5. "Leveraging the Market for a Sustainable Coffee Economy"
Sustainability in the coffee sector is threatened by a variety of market imperfections that include market volatility, systemic poverty and environmental degradation. Attempts to improve the sector's sustainability have however focused on more efficient management of international markets and international supply chains. While complementary, these two approaches have been pursued independently without coordination of efforts and strategies. This brief outlines a series of concrete options for consideration by stakeholders within the context of the current ICA negotiating process.

6. "Alternative Trade Initiatives and Income Predictability"
This paper examines the effectiveness of private sector sustainability standards such as the organic and fair trade movements in the coffee sector and ways to provide coffee farmers with more predictable and stable incomes.

Download all documents using the links below.