Irish coffee company Bewley’s has been commended by renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall for its pioneering role in sustainable coffee production.
Dr. Goodall praised Bewley’s efforts in Honduras, Central America, noting that their initiatives are setting a new standard for the coffee industry’s response to the climate crisis. She explained that coffee production often contributes to the destruction of tropical forests, and many farmers struggle with low wages, leading to widespread poverty.
One of Bewley’s major contributions is its support for the world-first Integrated Open Canopy (IOC) system. This system ensures that 50% of the land on a coffee farm is dedicated to preserving or restoring forest habitats.
The company is also investing in solar and biofuel technology to dry its coffee beans, reducing the need for firewood that often leads to deforestation.
“I applaud Bewley’s for leading the way in sustainable coffee production using the IOC method,” said Dr. Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute. “This program, which combines renewable energy with innovative farming methods, aims to set a new global standard for sustainability in coffee.”
Bewley’s has also endorsed the Mesoamerican Development Institute (MDI) model, which promotes sustainable coffee farming. The company’s Subirana coffee, produced using this model, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps restore biodiversity on coffee farms.
Through direct funding and purchasing coffee from the Comisyl cooperative, Bewley’s is driving investment in IOC farming. Additionally, the company has supported the Café Solar project, which uses solar energy and biofuels to power carbon-neutral coffee drying, further reducing the environmental impact of coffee production.
In another milestone, Bewley’s has become the first large-scale Irish coffee company to achieve B Corp certification. This certification measures a company’s positive impact on society and the environment.
“Bewley’s Subirana coffee shows the way forward for the industry,” said Cathal Murphy, Bewley’s Head of Innovation and Sustainability. “It is the first coffee recognized by researchers for going beyond shade canopy farming to actively restoring and conserving forest habitats.”
Murphy added that true sustainability in any supply chain must benefit farmers, support communities, and protect the environment. He emphasized that any solution falling short of these criteria is not truly sustainable and urged consumers to consider the ecological impact of their purchases.
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