CDPNER:QUC:SECOC

The scheme aims to encourage coffee growers to improve quality for higher returns and improve access to high-value specialty markets through the production of eco-certified coffees. It also encourages small growers to form groups/collectives to take up eco-certification.

The scheme "Coffee Development Programme in North Eastern Region: Quality Upgradation / Certification: Support for Eco-Certification / Organic Certification" is a Sub-Component of the Scheme "Integrated Coffee Development Project During the Medium Term Framework (MTF) Period: Development Support to Stakeholders" by the Coffee Board, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This scheme aims to encourage coffee growers to improve quality for higher returns and improve access to high-value specialty markets through the production of eco-certified coffees. An allied objective of this scheme is to encourage small growers to form groups/collectives for taking up eco-certification that will facilitate the creation of common facilities in the future.

• The applicants should be SHGs/collectives of tribal growers who obtain certification of their plantations for various sustainability and quality standards.
• The applicant can access support only for certification of estates as per Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Bird friendly/Shade grown coffee standards, or any other certification programs equivalent to the above programs.
• The applicant claiming support for Eco/organic certification should have been certified as per the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) standards, even if they are certified as per various international standards like EU Regulation, NOP (National Organic Programme of USA), JAS (Japanese Agriculture Standards), etc.
• The applicant should obtain the Certificate only from the Certification Agencies accredited by the respective Certification Programmes during the MTF period.

> Scale of Subsidy

For Organic Certification: 75% of the certification cost spread over 3 years or the Conversion period, whichever is less during the MTF period.

For Other Eco-Certifications: 75% of the certification cost for one year during the MTF period.

NOTE: This incentive is provided only as backend support for those who obtain certification of their estates. However, in the case of organic certification, the costs incurred towards certification during in-conversion period are also eligible for support.