The Rainforest Alliance

The Rainforest Alliance (RA) is an NGO that works on a not-for-profit basis, helping farmers improve not just their bottom line, but also their crops and their way of life.

Their mandate is “to protect ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Companies, cooperatives and landowners that participate in our programs meet rigorous standards that conserve biodiversity and provide sustainable livelihoods.” (from rainforestalliance.org)

With over 49 million acres of farm certified, RA is assisting those in coffee, as well as growers of bananas, citrus, cocoa, and flowers. Working only with donations and fundraisers, the RA is able to share more with the farmers, while keeping their operating costs as low as possible. The standards they impose on their farms help the farmers secure high prices for their coffees because of quality above anything else.

Reunion Island is in the early stages of introducing a full line of Rainforest Alliance coffees to our already extensive coffee menu. We recently introduced a Rainforest coffee from Honduras [link to .pdf press release of Honduras], for which we received great response from our customers, and this summer we will be featuring a Rainforest Alliance coffee from El Salvador. Our Holiday Blend for 2007 will also be Rainforest Alliance certified.

Our long-term goal is to provide farmers with financial assistance in order for them to meet RA certification standards, ensuring a fair price for their product and also high standards of quality in their crops and their lives. We believe that following this model will promote sustainable development that will benefit generations to come. We hope that you will join us in supporting the Rainforest Alliance.