Attending a cross-sector dialogue on specialty coffee and social sustainability in Bergen which brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including the academia. The discussions were invaluable, highlighting the critical role that each of us plays in shaping a more sustainable coffee industry.
The discussions underscored the importance of collaborative efforts. Key contributors, like Prof. James Hathaway, Dr. Norma Hoi-lam Wong and Øyvind Økland from VID University College, are pioneering research that could reshape our understanding of sustainable coffee and drive further advancements in sustainability practices within the coffee industry. Organizations like Kaffemisjonen, Frelsesarmeen, with their "Others - Trade for Hope" project, and "Straffekaffe" brand, supported by Kriminalomsorgsdirektoratet, are leading the way in using coffee as a vehicle for social change.
Meanwhile, grassroots organizations such as Iburu Coffee and Tonamil continue to champion the voices of farmers and ecosystems, ensuring they remain central to these important conversations.
Other attendees committed to research, sustainability and ethical sourcing included representatives from University of Bergen, Bergen Kaffebrenneri, Kaffelaben, Etikaffe, Hubify, Robin Hood huset and Kirkens bymisjon.
This dialogue is part of a project funded by UH-nett Vest and is a partnesrhip bewteen four organizations in western Norway: Vid Specialized University, Volda University, Volda University College, Kaffemisjonene and Lystgården.
The efforts underscore the need for collective action. Coffee touches countless lives, and with initiatives like these, we can ensure its production and consumption are sustainable for generations to come.
The event took place at Lystgården, a house for food and urban agriculture, where people meet and food experiences are created. The city farmer's main goal is for people to grow a little more of their own food.
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