COLOMBIA
Rethinking Fair Trade and Sustainable Certification for Coffee Producers: Feasibility and Impact of Participatory Guarantee Systems in Rural Colombia
This year, we’re conducting a research project on the feasibility and impact of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) for coffee producers in Colombia. Our goal is to assess PGS as a viable alternative to third-party certification systems, helping small-scale farmers overcome financial and administrative barriers while promoting sustainability and fair trade. By analyzing its potential benefits and challenges, we aim to develop actionable recommendations that enhance producer independence, strengthen market access, and create more inclusive food supply chains.
Moreover, This year, we are thrilled to collaborate with This Side Up, a fully transparent coffee importing company that unites a global community of coffee producers through trust and respect. Their commitment to empowering farmers by transforming them into quality experts, ecologists, exporters, and storytellers aligns seamlessly with our mission to promote sustainable and fair trade practices through this research project. This partnership offers an exceptional opportunity to leverage This Side Up's extensive network and expertise, enhancing our research's impact and fostering more inclusive food supply chains.
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Starting in January, a team of approximately 15 enthusiastic researchers from different (Pre)Masters Specializations will undertake an average of 10 hours per week of hands-on research in the project. The research will entail 5 months of desk research and a two-week field trip in June. This project presents an excellent opportunity for students to actively tackle pertinent issues in sustainable economic development.
As part of the project, our research team will travel to Colombia to complement theoretical research with on-the-ground data collection. Through interviews with coffee producers and key stakeholders, we will explore the adoption challenges of PGS, evaluate consumer trust in certification systems, and assess its long-term implications for Colombia’s coffee sector. Additionally, we will organize workshops to facilitate knowledge exchange and engage directly with local producers.
This research will provide valuable insights into how PGS can empower Colombian coffee farmers, improve certification accessibility, and contribute to a more equitable agricultural sector.
