Han de Groot, former president of UTZ and now CEO of the newly merged Rainforest Alliance, addressed a ballroom of breakfasters at the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Global Expo in Seattle April 20, to discuss the merger of the two certification bodies and the coming changes ahead.

In 2020, an improved, singular certification program will be introduced, he said, after an opportunity for public comment and contributions from the coffee community. The change, he acknowledged, is a needed one.

“We have more in common than we liked to admit,” said de Groot, explaining that it was time to work together to combine the strengths of the two organizations, which together reach 2 million-plus farmers across 78 countries.

“We want to bring more efficiency into the supply chain … and we think we can make your lives easier and relieve some confusion in the market,” he continued.

De Groot also acknowledged the need to respond to criticisms, to bring more rigor to processes, to “make sure systems are really water tight,” and to engage more information technology and innovative approaches.

“If you have opportunity,” said de Groot, “you have a responsibility to do something with it.”

Look to the Rainforest Alliance for upcoming details on the new certification. •