UTZ CERTIFIED Launches Code of Conduct for Rooibos

The UTZ CERTIFIED Code of Conduct for Rooibos is the first internationally accepted standard that is specifically developed for mainstream sustainable Rooibos.

3/31/2011 --- UTZ CERTIFIED has announced that the UTZ CERTIFIED Good Inside Code of Conduct for Rooibos has been finalized and approved. The UTZ CERTIFIED Code of Conduct for Rooibos is the first internationally accepted standard that is specifically developed for mainstream sustainable Rooibos. All four producers (with a total production of 793 MT) and two processors that were included in the pilot projects have been certified.

The standard for Rooibos has been developed in close cooperation with local stakeholders and local initiatives and is well adapted to the very specific issues in the Rooibos sector. Rooibos is very different from tea, growing in other conditions (dry, sandy soils) and in a very specific area (Fynbos biome in the Western Cape region in South Africa, with very large and unique biodiversity). Production and processing methods are also different, which calls for assorted GAP and food safety requirements. The Code of Conduct for Rooibos is similar to the other UTZ CERTIFIED product codes in terms of topics covered (traceability & record keeping, good agricultural practices, Food Safety, Social issues, Environmental issues); the Rooibos specific criteria can mostly be found in the chapters on post-harvest product handling (food safety) and in the social and environmental chapters.

Except from additional criteria in the Code, also an annex (guidance document) has been developed that gives an explanation and interpretation of each of the control points, specifically in relation to South African laws and practices. The guidance document has been developed as a parallel process in close cooperation with local stakeholders and experts.

All producers included in the pilot project have been certified, meaning that  there are now four UTZ certified Rooibos producers with a total production of 793 MT and two UTZ certified Rooibos processors in South Africa. UTZ CERTIFIED congratulates the producers and is happy to welcome them to the program. Another farm (345 MT) has expressed interest to join the program in April, which would add up to 1138 MT of certified supply. Rooibos exports have increased substantially over the last decade from about 1800 MT in 1999 to more than 6200 MT in 2009, with Germany as the main importing country. Total Rooibos production was in 2008 was 18.000 MT.

Willie Nel, owner of Ysterfontein Boerdery, South Africa  said: “We as farmers have a responsibility towards our workers to ensure that they are socially uplifted and that they work in an environment which is safe and hygienic.  In the same way we also have a responsibility towards nature and the environment to utilize and manage it correctly. To be an UTZ CERTIFIED producer also gives me an advantage in the market”.

Certification brings advantages for workers on the farm too: “Our workers are more driven because they have received specialized training and they are more aware of, and understand better why they have to do things when they receive specific instructions. In relation to the UTZ program, we also became part of the Biodiversity Initiative, joined the Fire Protection Association and we gave members in the community access to clean drinking water in their homes.” Mannetjies Smit, AMW Boerdery, South Africa.

Buyers also see positive effects: “Being an UTZ CERTIFIED buyer has improved the communication between us and our UTZ CERTIFIED producers.  It also enabled us to provide traceability of our product from farmer to tea bag.  We can now ask for a premium which we can refund to our producers, to be used to improve the working conditions of their workers.” said Johan Brand, Technical Manager Rooibos Ltd, South Africa

“Carmien Tea is proud to be in association and partnership with Bergendal – the first UTZ CERTIFIED Rooibos producer and processor. This professional farming and processing operation is a true ambassador for UTZ CERTIFIED, fulfilling the pledge of giving customers the assurance of “good inside and qualitative products, grown with care for people and the environment.” Said Mientjie Mouton, Managing Director, Carmien Tea, South Africa.

UTZ CERTIFIED Good Inside is a market oriented sustainability program and is one of the largest programs for sustainable coffee. Besides coffee, UTZ CERTIFIED has developed sustainability models for the production of cocoa and tea, and offers traceability services for palm oil. Within the UTZ CERTIFIED program farmers are trained to use cost efficient and environmentally and socially responsible farming practices.  Examples of this are a sustainable use of land, the exclusion of environmentally harmful pesticides and the compliance with labor laws. This way farmers become professional and responsible entrepreneurs and sustainable agricultural supply chains can be achieved. The industry takes responsibility by demanding and sourcing sustainably grown products. Consumers can enjoy their favorite brand while knowing it was produced in a way which meets their standard for social and environmental responsibility.