Strategies Of Coffee Producers’ Organizations In Costa Rica Toward Environmental And Social Certification Processes
Kessari Myriam, 2012
Name of publisher/editor
Cahiers Agricultures
Co-author
Guy Faure , Jean-francois Le Coq , Isabelle Vagneron , Henri Hocdé , Gabriela Soto
Geographic area
South America
Summary & key words
Environmental and social standards have experienced dramatic development in the coffee sector over the last decade. Although many studies analyse the effects of certification at producer level, the role of producers’ organizations (POs) has been poorly documented. This article presents the results of a study aimed at analyzing the role of POs in the certification process and understanding their choice regarding certifications. We show that POs assume a leading role in certification adoption processes, assuming the choice of certification and its promotion towards small farmers. We also show that the adoption of certification responds to POs’ strategic orientation, especially regarding commercial objectives. Finally, the POs’ choice regarding certification depends strongly on the quality of the coffee they produce and to a lesser extent on the volume they manage.