The ZimKaffee regenerative rating
Healthy soil, rated in leaves.
Like a guide to great restaurants, but for coffee farms. We visit African farms and cooperatives, look at six things that make farming regenerative, and award one to three leaves. Every lot we sell carries the rating of the land it came from.
Regenerative
Worth the journey. Soil, trees, water and people all improving, year after year.
Regenerating
Clear progress on most of the six areas, with a plan for the rest.
Committed
Real first steps, such as compost or shade trees, and a will to go further.
What we look at
Each area is scored from 0 to 3 on a visit, 18 points in all. 8 points earn one leaf, 12 two leaves and 16 three leaves. We visit again every harvest, so leaves can be won and lost.
- 1
Living soil
Ground cover, compost and mulch instead of bare soil.
- 2
Shade and biodiversity
Shade trees, intercropping and room for wildlife.
- 3
Water care
Clean water at the mill, terraces and erosion control.
- 4
Natural inputs
Less or no synthetic fertiliser and pesticides.
- 5
Farmers and community
Fair pay, training, and a voice for women and young farmers.
- 6
Care and traceability
Separated lots, records and cupping, from cherry to bag.
Rated so far
Our first visits are under way. The first ratings will appear here after this harvest's visits.
Grow coffee in Africa?
Ask us to visit. We look at your farm with you, give you the rating and a short plan for the next leaf.
Ask for a visitWant to help?
Members fund the visits, compost and shade trees. Investors can help the movement grow.
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