UTZ CERTIFIED (formerly Utz Kapeh) started developing code of conduct for coffee in 2000. In 2009 a new Code of Conduct for Coffee was launched. It is an internationally recognized set of criteria for environmentally and socially responsible coffee production and efficient farm management based on the idea of continuous improvement. The Code of Conduct is based on the international ILO conventions and includes the principles of good agricultural practices balancing the three pillars of sustainability: People, Planet and Profit. The new Code has been evaluated and recognized by all stakeholders involved in the UTZ CERTIFIED program. In a number of stakeholder workshops, the Code of Conduct 2006 was revised taking into account the context in which small-scale producers and large farms operate. Additionally, there is now a guidance document available that further explains how to implement the criteria of the Code of Conduct and for producer groups a specific group guidance document.
In 2009 also the Cocoa and Tea programs became operational: the Code of Conducts for Cocoa and Tea were launched, the first producers received their certificates, first certified produce is delivered to the market.
| Sub-Category |
Private Sector
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| Standard for |
coffee, cocoa and tea
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| Focus |
The focus of the program is making farmers more professional through training and education.
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| Structure |
The UTZ CERTIFIED Code of Conduct 2009 is based on the idea of continuous improvement: producers have to comply with all the requirements in the course of the first four years. The new structure lowers the threshold for producers however while assuring a basic standard of safety and quality. From year one the producer has to fulfill the core criteria concerning safety, farm management and record keeping, employees and environmental protection. In the subsequent years further more detailed requirements are added to these points to assure that the producer develops over the years.
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| Conformity Requirements |
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| Auditing System |
Certification by UTZ CERTIFIED is provided after independent third-party audits.
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| Geographic Focus |
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| Website |
http://www.utzcertified.org/
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