| Agri-industrial processing is a crucially important part of society, since it is a major factor affecting public health and welfare and also contributes, directly and indirectly to the health of work environments and regional environments. Improving sustainability of agri-industrial processing implies reducing inputs, occupational hazards, and environmental burdens. This study investigated methods of coffee processing within regions of Costa Rica and Honduras to assess factors contributing to integration of cleaner and more just production within the coffee sector. To commence this research, clean and just production was defined along with development of principles and evaluation criteria as a framework. Qualitative methods were applied to conduct 100 in-depth interviews and 26 coffee processing site investigations. The research was constructed on four regional case studies that included Miramar, Costa Rica; and Marcala, Minas de Oro and El Paraiso, Honduras. Coffee processing methodologies and work environments of each region were analyzed utilizing the clean and just production framework and criteria.;Based on research findings, regional beneficios, cooperatives, organizations and policies were compared and contrasted to identify key factors contributing to and inhibiting clean and just production. Identification of potential intervention points to improve coffee processing methods and improvement of social, economic and environmental justice within the context of regional coffee processing presented include 12 solutions incorporating cleaner production design and 12 solutions incorporating just production concepts. This research also illustrated the need for further research regarding the impacts of coffee processing methodologies on quality of the final product, as well as the health and safety of the workers and the local environment. Policy that encourages or requires clean and just production is recommended. |
