We interviewed Emanuele Dughera, coordinator of the Slow Food Coffee Coalition, an organization committed to promoting coffee quality by safeguarding biodiversity and protecting the interests of producers.
Last September, we made official the partnership between Trusty and the Slow Food Coffee Coalition in the beautiful setting of Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin. The goal is to improve the traceability and transparency of the coffee supply chain, with the aim of ensuring greater equity for producers and better quality for consumers. In this interview, Emanuele will talk about the positive evolution of this partnership and the benefits it is bringing to the community of coffee producers and coffee enthusiasts.
What is the pioneering concept of a participatory model promoted by the Slow Food Coffee Coalition inspired by and what feedback is it getting from the stakeholders invited to join?
The centrality of the farmer who works with respect for nature and local biodiversity through agroecological practices has always been a central point for Slow Food. Terra Madre is the wind where this very important role is recognized and valued. Of course there is still a lot to be done, which is why we have started some participatory certification initiatives. Historically, PGS was born out of a need for farmers to collaborate and be valued more within the global community. In the case of the winding coffee food chain, we work with farmers who act with respect for local biodiversity by implementing regenerative agriculture but who would struggle to obtain third-party certification. PGS helps them tell their stories, value themselves, and improve themselves.
How are Participatory Assurance Systems and Blockchain reversing trends and can ensure compliance with production standards shared by all?
SFCC is taking its first steps-it was born in the spring of 2021-in the difficult world of coffee, however, it wants to give an alternative answer. There is a shared model, which starts with the participatory certification that has to be created with the farmers, This involves checking three important aspects: good, clean and fair. Aspects that are verified through a checklist that is discussed and created together (among farmers, experts, roasters) and then implemented by community working groups. Blockchain is a powerful tool that strengthens the collaborative and traceability sides of specific batches even more.
How has Slow Food's commitment to enhancing coffee supply chains and implementing digital innovation to support this end been perceived by producers?
The coffee farmers we are working with were extremely enthusiastic about the digital innovation that was used to track their coffee present for the first time at Terra Madre 2022. Many of them did not know that such technology could be applied their coffees. I would say with great enthusiasm they applauded this technology that Slow Food and Trusty applied to some of their coffees. A lot of them did not even know about this possibility and seeing it implemented they were really very happy about it
How relevant to global agri-food systems is the social and environmental impact of a supply chain as multifaceted as coffee, which calls millions of actors into play?
The climate crisis is devastating coffee production. Numerous studies warn us that if the situation continues as it is, by 2050 only half as much land will be available for coffee cultivation as today. Thirty years from now, we may not have the luxury of drinking as much coffee as we do today because it is at risk of extinction. That is why in our view it is critical that coffee be good, clean and fair.
What kinds of improvements can Blockchain technology make on unsustainable agribusiness supply chains?
I think we need to keep in mind that blockchian does not mean sustainable traceability, and therefore the use of this technology also needs to be commensurate so that it brings us back correct and clear information.
How does telling the story of coffee culture and "savoir faire" create shared knowledge and awareness generation about the right value of coffee for consumers?
The coffee fileiera is very little known. That is why clear and simple inoformation needs to be given. The Slow Food Coffee Coalition, for example, organized a two-day training event entitled"Last Course of Coffee" on the topic of coffee aimed at thirty cooks and restaurateurs from the Slow Food network in Italy.
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