Fonio, an ancient grain cultivated in West Africa for over 5,000 years, has recently gained attention for its resilience and minimal water requirements. Brewgooder, an ethical brewer based in the UK known for supporting clean water projects in Africa, has spearheaded the world’s first Fairtrade-certified supply chain for fonio, linking Guinea and the UK. This initiative aims to transform the fortunes of farmers in Guinea and beyond by creating new opportunities for shared prosperity and sustainable agriculture practices.
Fairtrade has always been at the core of Brewgooder’s mission to brew a fairer world. By developing the Fairtrade beer category and integrating fonio grain into their brewing process, Brewgooder is paving the way for a more equitable supply chain based on shared prosperity and opportunity. This innovative approach not only benefits farmers in Guinea but also sets a precedent for ethical and sustainable practices in the brewing industry.
The use of fonio grain in brewing holds immense potential to revolutionize farming communities in Guinea and beyond. Fonio’s rapid maturation period and minimal water requirements make it a sustainable choice for regions facing water scarcity. By creating a stable market for fonio and adhering to Fairtrade principles, Brewgooder’s initiative provides smallholder farmers with the opportunity to improve their livelihoods and adopt better agricultural practices. The positive impact of this project could extend to neighbouring regions as well.
Farmers in Guinea and West Africa have historically faced numerous challenges in getting their produce to market, including a lack of infrastructure, limited access to markets, low productivity, and financial constraints. The Fairtrade arrangement for fonio grain addresses these challenges by expanding market opportunities, ensuring fair compensation for farmers, and promoting sustainable development practices. By building capacity and facilitating market access, Brewgooder’s initiative aims to improve the quality of life for farmers and drive economic growth in the region.
Brewgooder has made the supply chain for fonio an ‘open grain’ system, inviting brewers from around the world to source the grain and use it in their brews. By encouraging mass adoption of fonio grain in brewing, Brewgooder hopes to amplify the impact of their initiative and unlock new opportunities for farmers in Guinea. The transparency and scalability of the supply chain make it accessible to brewers globally, fostering international collaboration and driving sustainable practices in the brewing industry.
While initially focused on the UK market, Brewgooder envisions expanding the Fairtrade fonio supply chain to other international markets. By inviting breweries worldwide to participate in the initiative, Brewgooder aims to create a global network of brewers committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. This collaborative approach not only benefits farmers in Guinea but also promotes cross-border partnerships and sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
Brewgooder’s pioneering efforts in developing a Fairtrade-certified supply chain for fonio grain have the potential to revolutionize agriculture practices in Guinea and beyond. By fostering sustainable development, empowering smallholder farmers, and promoting ethical sourcing, Brewgooder is setting a new standard for the brewing industry. As the demand for Fairtrade products continues to grow, initiatives like this hold the key to creating a more equitable and sustainable future for farming communities worldwide.