Colombia Coffee Growers Federation FNC receives important sustainability and quality awards

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Bogota, Colombia, May 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)-in recent weeks, the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC) has received important sustainability and quality awards from key players in the global coffee industry, such as the Rainforest Alliance, the Coffee quality Institute and the Professional Coffee Association.

Last week (May 9), FNC won the Rainforest Alliance Sustainability Standard setter Award for its outstanding commitment to sustainable development, improving the lives of coffee growers and protecting forests.

Since its establishment in 1927, FNC has been working to improve the quality of life of the more than 540000 coffee growers it currently represents. Roberto Velez, CEO of FNC, accepted the award on behalf of Colombian coffee growers: "for Colombian coffee farmers, sustainable development is closely related to their survival. As a result, more than 236000 coffee farms in Colombia meet the sustainability criteria, and by 2027, the 100th anniversary of FNC, we want to help the coffee industry in all Colombia achieve sustainable development. "

Han de Groot, CEO of the Rainforest Alliance, said: "We emphasize that individuals, communities and businesses are working to address major related challenges such as climate change, rural poverty and biodiversity loss. Their work has brought about real change and is helping to improve the conditions of farmers and forest communities. "

CQI 2018 leadership Medal

On April 21, at its annual luncheon in Seattle, the Coffee quality Institute (CQI) awarded FNC its 2018 Medal for Excellence in Business leadership in recognition of its 90-year commitment to improving farmers' livelihoods, promoting sustainability, improving coffee quality, and helping to strengthen the entire Colombian coffee industry.

David Roche, Executive Director of CQI, said: "this is largely due to the work of FNC. Quality and sustainability are not the latest trends for Colombian coffee growers. These issues have been priorities for more than 90 years, as well as differentiated quality, added value and leadership in economic, social and environmental practices."

On behalf of all Colombian producers, V é lez, CEO of FNC, said: "We are honored to receive this honor: first, we thank CQI for its prestige in the global coffee industry; second, because at a critical moment, we have redoubled our efforts and adopted an approach in which all roles in the industry chain share responsibility, strengthening the sustainable development of coffee farmers not only in Colombia, but also around the world."

CQI recognizes that FNC has taken important and visionary measures to strengthen Colombia's coffee industry. CQI stressed that FNC's plan also helps farmers meet future challenges, including adapting to climate change, promoting sustainable coffee cultivation, and promoting generational continuity.

Manos al Agua wins SCA Sustainable Development Award

On April 19, in Seattle, the Manos al Agua project implemented by FNC, as part of a public-private partnership, won the 2018 Special Coffee Association (SCA) Sustainability Award, the most important award in the category. This is due to the results achieved in the sustainable project category.

The award was awarded for the importance and results of Manos al Agua, including water conservation and treatment systems installed on farms, an innovative project for integrated water resources management in the Coffee River Basin, a replicable model for sustainable rural development in Colombia.

Since 2004, the SCA Sustainability Award has been awarded to companies and organizations that create and implement innovative projects or business models for their contribution to expanding and promoting global coffee sustainability, while encouraging other companies to launch similar initiatives.

V é lez, CEO of FNC, said: "Manos al Agua is an overall project and one of the most successful coffee institutions in Colombia."

The project, which began in 2013, has a five-year public-private partnership consisting of FNC, the Dutch Cooperation Agency, the private company Nestl é & Nespresso, scientific and academic partners the Colombian Coffee Research Centre (Cenicaf é) and Wageningen University, as well as the President of Colombia Agency for International Cooperation (APC-Colombia).

Contact information:

FNC Press Office

(5701) 31300 extension 1790

Martha.sanchez@cafedecolombia.com