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Labor Rights in

Coffee Supply Chains

Verit¨’s Approach to Proactive Due Diligence

L ast June, I attended World of Coffee in Ath- developing and implementing robust human rights

ens, and in-between cuppings, competi-
due diligence systems.
They discussed cost-effective approaches for ad-
tions, and networking, I had the opportuni-
ty to attend a few lectures. One of those dressing labor risks based on lessons learned from their
lectures was entitled, “Farm Labor Due Diligence Ap- COFFEE project, which was funded by the U.S. Depart-
proaches that Benefit Workers, Farmers and Coffee ment of Labor. In addition, they walked us through
Companies”. The session discussed the rapidly evolving open-source tools and resources to help coffee compa-
human rights and labor due diligence requirements for nies reduce labor risks in an effort to support farmers
major coffee importing countries and their potential and improve working conditions on coffee farms.
implications to coffee companies. I found the topic highly engaging, and thought that
Quinn Kepes, Senior Director at Verité, an inde- the information presented could certainly help compa-
pendent, non-profit, civil society organization, and nies create a more responsible and profitable sourcing
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Miguel Zamora, Managing Director at Rural Voices/ model. Eager to expand my knowledge and share it with
Verité shared research insights regarding labor the specialty coffee community, I reached out to Quinn
issues in Latin America, as well as strategies for to answer a few of my questions.

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