We cannot offer a precise reply because

1. There are eight recognised certification processes and one verification process, each with different standards and requirements, with costs ranging from very little to quite substantial *;

2. Certification costs are heavily influenced by the type of farming operation that is practised and local, in-country conditions;

3. Results (net income less costs, compared to the conventional basis) are extremely variable and as yet little formal analysis of actual results exists **;

Potential sources of information, other than the study mentioned below and the different schemes themselves, include www.cims-la.com in Costa Rica and of course www.juntadelcafe.org.pe in your own country, Peru.

*   See topic 03.07.02 of The Coffee Guide for a comparative overview of the 5 most important processes - others are Starbucks C.A.F.E. Practices; Nespresso AAA Practices; Biodynamic and the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.

**  Visit http://www.dgiovannucci.net/publications.htm and look for 'Seeking Sustainability; COSA Preliminary Analysis of Sustainability Initiatives in the Coffee Sector', published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD - www.iisd.org)

Posted 10 March 2009