ABSTRACT
Coffee represents the highest proportion of agricultural area certified as compliant to sustainability standards, and is one of the longest certified agricultural commodities. Sustainability certifications have been useful in transforming the coffee industry, through this high proportion of certified area, however not without incidence of shortcomings. This chapter will discuss experience with sustainability certifications in Costa Rica. While market access attributes proved valuable for producers, alongside various other benefits, since 2009 some farmers evolved past a need, interest or reliance on the more popular sustainability certifications for market access. While the contribution of sustainability certifications to fast track sustainable practice was demonstrated, affordability compared to benefit of compliance can become an inappropriate element for producers of smaller landholdings and small producer organisations who do not already have a stable footing in the international market. With increased preference for noncertified markets which consistently offer superior prices, improved legitimacy and alignment with sustainable and fair trade practices and outcomes through noncertified markets must be assured. The difference between standards and certification maintains relevance, alongside the importance of consistency in transparency and legitimacy.
