
Bringing responsible, regenerative & traceable coffee to the EU market
This 10-year project in Western Uganda is set to revolutionize coffee supply chains, directly benefiting 18,000 farms and 90,000 people. We'll establish 10,000 agroforestry plots and create 1,000 new jobs, sustainably generating €40 million in income from 1,200 containers of coffee for the EU market. With a Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 35, this initiative offers traceable impact claims, a dedicated Farmer Finance Facility, and BSFL pulp fertilizer, ensuring responsible and future-proofed coffee imports to the EU.
In a world increasingly conscious of its environmental footprint and social responsibility, a groundbreaking initiative is taking root to transform the coffee industry. This project, aptly titled "Bringing Responsible, Regenerative and Traceable coffee to the EU market," is a commitment to a sustainable future for both the planet and its people.
Our Vision: A Cup of Conscience
At the heart of this endeavor lies a powerful Value Proposition. We believe that every cup of coffee can tell a story of positive impact. By championing regenerative agriculture practices, we aim to dramatically improve soil health, boost yields for farmers, and significantly reduce carbon emissions. This isn't just good for the earth; it's good for livelihoods. Farmers experience economic uplift through increased productivity and a stable, sustainable income. For EU coffee buyers and consumers, we offer unprecedented traceability and transparency, ensuring they know exactly where their coffee comes from and the positive journey it has taken. This commitment also aligns perfectly with the EU’s Net Zero and broader sustainability standards, making our coffee a natural choice for ethical consumers.
Cultivating Impact: Our Key Activities
To bring this vision to life, a series of meticulous Key Activities are undertaken. The journey begins with developing a robust impact assessment methodology and action plan, ensuring every step is measured and optimized for positive outcomes. We then carefully select, equip, and build the capacity of dedicated local staff who are the hands and hearts of the project on the ground. Farmers are registered, and crucial baseline data is collected to track progress.
The core of our agricultural transformation lies in comprehensive farmer training on regenerative practices, empowering them with knowledge and techniques that benefit their land and their future. To ensure financial stability, farmers are provided with tailored digital loan packages, facilitated by our partners. A truly innovative step involves the installation of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) fertiliser facilities, rolling out this sustainable solution directly to farmers. Throughout the process, data is diligently collected and verified to support all sustainability claims. A unique aspect is the direct payout of carbon farming earnings to farmers, incentivizing their commitment to agroforestry. Finally, robust business development efforts are focused on forging strong relationships with EU corporates, securing market access for this responsibly produced coffee.
The Pillars of Progress: Our Key Resources
Such an ambitious undertaking requires substantial Key Resources. Our most vital asset is our Human Resources: a dedicated team of skilled local staff, expert trainers, and digital platform specialists who drive the project forward. Financial Resources are crucial, providing the necessary funding for operational costs, essential infrastructure, and the vital farmer loans that empower communities. On the Technological front, our digital traceability platform (Fairfood’s Trace) ensures transparency from farm to cup, complemented by the innovative BSFL technology for sustainable fertiliser production. Lastly, our extensive Networks provide invaluable connections to EU coffee importers, roasters, and, ultimately, the consumers who will embrace our product.
A Symphony of Support: Our Key Partnerships
This complex ecosystem thrives on strong Key Partnerships. Fairfood International leads the charge, bringing unparalleled expertise in traceability, socio-economic impact assessment, and the development of the crucial digital platform. UGACOF contributes invaluable supply chain management, coffee processing, and agroforestry knowledge, ensuring the quality and integrity of the coffee. Marula Proteen is a vital partner, providing cutting-edge sustainable farming solutions, including the innovative BSFL-based fertiliser. Finally, Emata, as a subcontracted partner, plays a critical role in supporting farmers' access to finance through their digital loan solutions, bridging a crucial gap for small-scale growers.
Building Bridges: Customer Relationships and Channels
Our Customer Relationships are built on trust and mutual benefit. For the farmers, we provide continuous training, essential technical support, and vital access to finance. With EU Corporates, we cultivate strong, long-term contractual relationships, ensuring a reliable supply of sustainable coffee. For the end Consumers, we engage through compelling campaigns that highlight the profound social and environmental benefits of choosing our sustainable coffee.
Reaching these diverse customer segments is achieved through carefully selected Channels. The digital traceability platform (Fairfood's Trace) serves as the transparent backbone, allowing all stakeholders to follow the coffee's journey. Strategic partnerships with established EU coffee brands and importers are key to market penetration. Finally, social media, engaging events, and educational campaigns are employed to foster consumer awareness and drive demand for our ethically sourced product.
Our Community: Key Customer Segments
The project serves distinct yet interconnected Customer Segments. At the foundation are the Small-scale Coffee Farmers, primarily in Uganda, who are the direct beneficiaries of regenerative practices, improved yields, and crucial financial support. Next are the EU Coffee Importers and Roasters, actively seeking reliable, sustainable, and traceable coffee sources to meet growing consumer demand. Finally, the EU Coffee Consumers, a growing demographic of ethically minded individuals who prioritize sustainable and low-carbon products, are our ultimate market.
The Engine of Sustainability: Cost Structure and Source of Income
Like any impactful venture, this project operates with a clear Cost Structure. Significant investment goes into Personnel, covering the costs of training, local staff selection, and ongoing capacity-building. Infrastructure development is essential, particularly for the installation of BSFL fertiliser facilities and the implementation of digital tools. Outreach and Marketing efforts are dedicated to building consumer awareness and demand in the EU. Finally, Operational Costs encompass the critical activities of data collection, claim verification, and continuous monitoring to ensure integrity and impact.
The project's sustainability is underpinned by diverse Sources of Income. A significant revenue stream comes from the sale of Carbon Credits, generated directly from the agroforestry practices implemented by the farmers. Premium pricing is applied to Certified Sustainable Coffee Sales, reflecting the increased value of traceable, responsibly produced coffee. Long-term contracts with EU coffee buyers and corporates for sustainable sourcing form the backbone of our EU Partnerships, ensuring consistent demand and financial stability.
In essence, this initiative weaves together innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to sustainability, creating a regenerative cycle that benefits farmers, consumers, and the planet, one responsible cup of coffee at a time.
Project lead
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