The Council of Coffee Exporters of Brazil (Cecafé) actively participated in the Global Coffee Organizations Meeting during the Annual Convention of the National Coffee Association (NCA) in Nashville, United States. The main objective of the meeting was to align crucial points regarding new legislations in global trade and discuss the initiatives that coffee-producing countries are implementing to adapt to these constantly evolving norms.
The meeting had representative attendance from importing countries such as the United States, Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and countries from the European Union, along with coffee-producing countries including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Honduras, along with the participation of the International Coffee Organization (ICO).
During the event, importers shared legislative updates from consuming countries, while producers expressed their concerns, opportunities, and solutions, especially regarding the European Union Regulation for Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR).
Cecafé, through its representatives Márcio Ferreira and Marcos Matos, highlighted the initiatives they have been leading, particularly in traceability and sustainability. They mentioned the success of the Cecafé-Serasa Experian Platform, which has become a pilot project for the European Commission, serving as a reference for other coffee-producing countries.
Additionally, issues related to the costs of implementing traceability in producing countries were addressed. Cecafé’s president, Márcio Ferreira, emphasized that these costs go beyond just building platforms, encompassing investments in human capital and technologies such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
The event also provided an opportunity to strengthen ties between importers and producers. Bill Murray, CEO of the NCA, praised the sustainability of Brazilian coffee farming, highlighting the importance of the trust and friendship relationship between NCA and Cecafé.
As a result of the meeting, participants agreed to optimize alignment and prepare a joint manifesto involving the viewpoints of producers and importers. This manifesto would seek solutions for the next steps in the legislative process related to EUDR, considering its impacts on consumers and producers, and outlining how associations can support, shape, and direct opinions.
In summary, the meeting highlighted the importance of mutual collaboration and information exchange among associations to achieve a more effective future for all stakeholders in the coffee chain.
Source: Cecafé