Summary
A study commissioned by Fairtrade examined the impact of Fairtrade on deforestation in the cocoa and coffee sectors. The research included a desk review, interviews, focus groups, and surveys with cooperatives in Colombia, Honduras, and Côte d’Ivoire, with non-Fairtrade cooperatives used for comparison. Findings show that Fairtrade cooperatives are better equipped to protect forests, aided by the Fairtrade Minimum Price, Premium, and initiatives like geolocation mapping. Fairtrade’s standards encourage forest conservation, while cooperatives benefit from external partnerships and training in agroforestry and agroecology. Recommendations include increased compensation for regulatory compliance efforts and financial support for reforestation and conservation measures.