The new certification solution aims to empower farmers and businesses to establish resilient livelihoods while simultaneously restoring ecosystems across tropical landscapes.
Starting early next year, certified regenerative products will showcase a unique seal. This seal will indicate to consumers that the products originate from farms and companies dedicated to enriching both the land and the lives of local communities.
Initially, this certification will focus exclusively on coffee; however, the Rainforest Alliance has pledged to expand this initiative to other crops including cocoa, citrus, and tea by 2026.
This initiative arrives at a critical time, as challenges like extreme weather, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic pressures jeopardize the livelihoods of millions of coffee farmers globally—especially smallholders, who produce over 70% of the world’s coffee.
“Markets need to move beyond a ‘do no harm’ mindset to one that repairs and restores,” stated Santiago Gowland, CEO of the Rainforest Alliance.
“Now is the time to transition to a new model of agriculture—one where every cup of coffee gives back more than it takes from the land and the people who care for it. After years of research and collaboration with farmers and companies, we are proud to introduce a Regenerative Agriculture Certification to help drive this shift.”
Regenerative agriculture is increasingly recognized as a viable solution for restoring nature’s essential functions while enhancing livelihoods. Recent studies indicate that regenerative farming practices can boost income by up to 30%.
The Rainforest Alliance has woven these principles into its Regenerative Agriculture Standard, offering farmers a clear, science-based certification path. This framework measures progress across five critical impact areas: soil health and fertility, climate resilience, biodiversity, water stewardship, and livelihoods.
Currently, the Regenerative Agriculture Standard is being implemented in coffee farms throughout Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Moreover, companies sourcing from these farms are preparing to deliver their inaugural Rainforest Alliance Certified Regenerative coffee products to retailers by 2026.
