First regenerative organic certified coffee hits US market

The Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) scheme, a third-party social and environmental certification for farm practices, has been adopted for the coffee industry in the United States. This initiative, aimed at reflecting regenerative agricultural practices that support environmental sustainability and climate resilience, has been applied to coffee products from producer groups in Nicaragua and Sierra Leone. These products are now available through four California coffee roasters. The ROC certification goes beyond USDA Organic requirements, addressing soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. Fees for the certification are shared between farms and brands, with fee waivers for farms promoting the return of historically marginalized farmers and those offering educational internships. So far, 86 farms and 35 brands hold the ROC certification, covering over 90 countries. The initiative seeks to create a highly valued supply chain for regenerative organic products, supporting sustainable farming practices.