Why Measure?
Brief History
COSA was originally formed in response to the findings of the Sustainable Coffee Partnership's Implementation Taskforce. The taskforce identified the need for more information on the impacts of operative sustainability initiatives in the coffee sector as a virtual pre-requisite to the widespread implementation of sustainability initiatives in the coffee sector. The project has since been unanimously endorsed by both the Executive Board and the Council of the International Coffee Organization.
Why Measure?
Recent growth in sustainable markets has created new opportunities for producers in developing countries to sell higher priced specialty products and create more stable trading relationships. The adoption of sustainable production methods and the entry into sustainable markets however, is becoming increasingly more complicated for producers to navigate, especially as the number of sustainable programs/processes and certification bodies grow.
With a diverse range of sustainability programs to choose from, producers need independent, credible data that details the social, environmental and economic costs and benefits associated with adopting one program or another.
The COSA team has developed a scientific methodology using multi-criteria analysis for gathering and understanding concrete, fact based data on the outcomes associated with sustainability programs. The COSA process will provide the first reference point for producers seeking to enter sustainable markets successfully.
The results of COSA studies will enable producers to make more informed business decisions when considering which one (or more) sustainable programs to adopt and anticipating how the program will impact their businesses. In addition to the direct data and tools available to producers, fact-based data will be accessible to traders, manufacturers and retailers who want to maintain the stability, quality and good management of their supply from sustainable sources.
As the first source of objective and comparable data on global sustainability initiatives, COSA will provide a robust foundation for policy makers and standards bodies as they work to prioritize policy issues and ensure the effectiveness of their programs.
Important Documents for Download:
The COSA background documents below include the official endorsement by the Council of the International Coffee Organization in the 'Council of the ICO' document. Also download the 'SCP's Implementation Taskforce Concept Note' for background on the foundation from which the COSA project was built.
