My Experience with Sustainable Coffee Cultivation | Seneca Business: Principles for Responsible Management Education

Irvylia Laura Munaf is a student in the Supply Chain Management - Global Logistics program. In this blog entry, she speaks about her personal experience at a sustainable coffee plantation in Indonesia. 

Introduction

For me, coffee is not just a beverage; it is a passion that drives me. Being an ultimate coffee drinker and admirer, I had the opportunity to embark on a unique journey to a coffee plantation in Indonesia. This experience not only allowed me to explore the diverse coffee varieties that thrive in different regions of the country but also introduced me to the concept of sustainability in coffee production. In this blog, I will share my experience and shed light on sustainable practices in the coffee industry.

Counting Carbon Credit

I had the chance to join a coffee plantation trip event that was held by an Indonesian coffee cooperative. This coffee cooperative is called “Klasik Beans” and they are certified by Rainforest Alliance; one of the leading international non-profit organizations working at the intersection of business, agriculture, and forests to make responsible business the new normal. They are committed to building an alliance to protect forests, improve the livelihoods of farmers and forest communities, promote their human rights, and help them mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis (Rainforest Alliance).

During the trip, I was living in Jakarta and the plantation was situated in Bali. Upon arriving in Bali for the coffee plantation trip, I was introduced to the concept of counting carbon credit. This involved assessing the carbon emissions generated during the journey, starting from my flight from Jakarta to Bali. It was an eye-opening experience to witness the environmental impact of air travel. Additionally, the car trip from the airport to Kintamani, the mountainous region where the coffee plantation was located, was also taken into account. This exercise made me realize the importance of being mindful of our carbon footprint and taking steps to offset it.

Photo by Lazy Bear

Planting Trees for Carbon Offset

To compensate for the carbon emissions generated, each participant was required to plant a specific number of trees. This initiative aimed to restore the balance between nature and human activities. I actively participated in this tree planting activity, understanding the significance of reforestation in mitigating climate change. It was a gratifying experience to contribute to the restoration of the environment and witness the positive impact of our actions.

Sustainable Coffee Practices

The main focus of the coffee plantation trip was to learn about sustainable coffee cultivation practices. I was amazed to discover the various methods employed to ensure the cultivation of coffee in an environmentally friendly manner. One of the key aspects was the avoidance of pesticides in the plantation. Instead, natural methods were adopted to control pests and diseases, preserving the integrity of the ecosystem.

Another sustainable practice that caught my attention was the utilization of bees for pollination. Bees play a vital role in the coffee production process, facilitating cross-pollination and enhancing the quality of the beans. Witnessing the harmony between nature and agriculture was truly inspiring.

Furthermore, every step of the coffee production process, from seed to green beans, was carried out with sustainability in mind. The plantation emphasized the importance of preserving nature's contribution to producing high-quality coffee beans. This involved efficient water management, responsible waste disposal, and the use of certified sustainable farming practices.

Photo by Morepixel

Direct Trade and Empowering Farmers

In addition to sustainable practices, the coffee cooperative that organized the event played a crucial role in supporting farmers. They facilitated direct trade, allowing farmers to sell their green beans directly to customers, bypassing middlemen. This not only ensured fair prices for the farmers but also established a direct connection between consumers and producers, fostering transparency and accountability in the supply chain.

Conclusion

My sustainability experience in the coffee industry was truly enlightening. It opened my eyes to the importance of sustainable practices in preserving nature, reducing carbon emissions, and empowering farmers. This journey has further fueled my passion for coffee and inspired me to promote sustainability in my life as well as my writing. As consumers, we have the power to support sustainable coffee practices by making conscious choices. Together, we can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly coffee industry.

Irvylia Laura Munaf

Supply Chain Management - Global Logistics

Citation Sources:

Melissa. “An Indonesian Farmer Harnesses the Healing Power of Trees through Reforestation.” Rainforest Alliance, 4 May 2022, www.rainforest-alliance.org/in-the-field/an-indonesian-farmer-harnesses-the-healing-power-of-trees-through-reforestation/. Accessed 9 Nov. 2023.

Rainforest Alliance. “About.” Rainforest Alliance, 2023, www.rainforest-alliance.org/about/. Accessed 9 Nov. 2023.

“Coffee Conservation.” Klasik Beans, www.klasikbeans.com/coffee-conservation. Accessed 9 Nov. 2023.