Environmental threat from agricultural growth

The revelation that many companies have purchased illegally grown coffee is indicative of a larger food supply issue (“Claims of ‘illegal coffee’ pursued,” Global Report, Jan. 29).

As companies seek to meet the food demands of a growing population, the world’s last remaining pristine forests are increasingly threatened by unchecked agricultural expansion.

By instituting supply-chain management systems that trace the source of their products, identify environmental concerns and create incentives for farmers to take positive environmental actions, companies can benefit the environment, communities and their bottom lines.

Starbucks Corp. has demonstrated this by purchasing 155 million pounds of coffee through its Coffee and Farmer Equity Practices program, which takes into account environmental and labor issues. McDonald’s Corp. has instituted similar systems to guide its purchasing of fish and agricultural products.

These companies are showing that the private sector and the conservation community can work together on proactive solutions that allow us to have our coffee and drink it too.

Glenn T. Prickett

Senior vice president, business and U.S. government relations

Conservation International

Arlington, Va.