Developing a peer-auditing satoyama label to support sustainable coffee production in Colombian SEPLs

Overview

This project aims to develop an environmentally and economically sustainable coffee value chain. CORFOPAL has been promoting sustainable agricultural practices like agroforestry and organic farming. However, farmgate coffee prices remain low due to farmers' lack of pricing power against intermediaries. To enhance economic incentives for farmers, the project proposes to develop and test a new certification mechanism called the "satoyama label." This certification scheme will primarily target small-scale farmers, keeping costs low through a peer-auditing approach. The scheme will also emphasize impact disclosure to boost consumers' willingness to pay a premium. Key activities include (1) developing and promoting a satoyama label that identifies and certifies coffee produced sustainably in SEPLs, (2) conducting a market study to align the direct-trade pilot and satoyama label with market needs, and (3) demonstrating the commercial viability of sustainably-produced coffee to motivate producers in SEPLs.
CORFOPAL will spearhead the development of the satoyama label by implementing a direct trade pilot for coffee producers in Colombian SEPLs. The organization will manage data collection, validate the satoyama label, train producers, and coordinate logistics for coffee shipments. Local farmers in the Dagua River Basin (DRB) will supply coffee, adopt sustainable practices, and provide feedback on the certification process and trade model. A Japanese company called Akita Satoyama Design will lead market analysis, evaluate market response, and collaborate on developing the satoyama label. They will also contribute to planning the direct trade pilot and Akita International University will provide key advisory support, leading the satoyama label's development, market analysis, and the project's final evaluation.

Planned activities:

• (1) Data collection on coffee supply in SEPLs.
• (2) Market analysis in Japan.
• (3) Market opportunity assessment.
• (4) Direct trade pilot planning.
• (5) Develop certification scheme and design satoyama label.
• (6) Label testing and validation.
• (7) Promotion of the satoyama label.
• (8) Onboarding train for producers to use the satoyama label.
• (9) Prepare coffee for shipment.
• (10) Coordinate shipping logistics.
• (11) Conduct market trial and collect feedback.
• (12) Analyze market response and viability.
• (13) Final evaluation of the project.