Quality as a driver of sustainable agricultural value chains: The case of the relationship coffee model

Specialty coffee markets that recognize coffee¿quality price premiums can improve business conditions for smallholders and promote agro¿ecological practices. We studied the Relationship Coffee Model (RCM), a business model that supports long¿term partnerships between coffee buyers and smallholders b...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Hernandez¿Aguilera, J.N., Gómez, M.I., Rodewald, A.D., Rueda, X., Anunu, C., Bennett, R., Es, H.M.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:Colombia
Institución:Universidad de los Andes
Repositorio:Séneca: repositorio Uniandes
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.uniandes.edu.co:1992/47058
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/1992/47058
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bse.2009
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Driver
Sustainable Agricultural Value
Relationship
Coffee Model
Descripción
Sumario:Specialty coffee markets that recognize coffee¿quality price premiums can improve business conditions for smallholders and promote agro¿ecological practices. We studied the Relationship Coffee Model (RCM), a business model that supports long¿term partnerships between coffee buyers and smallholders based on product quality. We examined how biophysical conditions and production practices affect smallholders¿ ability to participate in this model. Furthermore, we considered common unobservable variables driving growers¿ participation such as farm soil quality and connection to social networks. In turn, we evaluated key environmental, socio¿economic and technological outcomes, including tree and bird population diversity. Our estimations indicated that RCM participants employed more sustainable resource management practices, had better access to credit and were more informed and optimistic about the coffee business. However, we did not find significant farm¿gate price differences. Increased adoption of organic farming and shade¿grown systems to elevate coffee quality can stimulate sustainable business strategies.