From Bean to Claim: How Farmer-Owned Data Builds Trust in Supply Chains

Verified data for compliance with Scope 3

Digital tools can support data collection, but they are often controlled by buyers, certifiers or financiers. Farmers are left dependent, without real control over how their information is used. Data ownership changes that. It not only helps with compliance to new rules-it gives producers the power to prove climate-smart practices, communicate with clients, enter carbon markets and unlock new income streams.

That's why Progreso and Solidaridad decided to start a pilot within the Climate Heroes programme working with seven Colombian coffee cooperatives: Global Cafes, Asprotimana, Asprodig, Identidad Cafetera, Asopep, Asproccan and Asodesarrollo. By using Beyco's traceability tools to digitize data collection, improve traceability and link sustainability-linked data to carbon insetting, cooperatives gained control over their own data.

And importers and traders? They gain something invaluable too: reliable, verifiable proof of impact. Plot-level verified data supports Scope 3 reporting, EUDR compliance and traceability requirements - turning sustainability claims into demonstrable, verifiable impact.

One key challenge in linking carbon reduction and removal units to coffee volumes lies in tracing their origin. Without clear data pathways, companies struggle to validate where carbon benefits were generated. With this pilot project by Progreso and Solidaridad, we aimed to establish an insetting case using the data management and traceability platform 'Beyco', developed by Progreso.

From Household Size to Tree Density: Collecting Detailed, Field-Level Data

In this pilot, farmers and cooperatives worked with two complementary tools. Through the Beyco Farmer Platform, field staff collected data directly on farms-covering everything from household information and coffee deliveries to farm size and tree density. This allowed cooperatives to build a complete picture of production and climate-smart practices.

The data then flowed into the blockchain-powered 'Beyco Traceability Platform', where cooperatives created verified coffee offers and connected their sustainability-linked data to potential buyers. Crucially, this included linking agroforestry practices to carbon insetting-an initial step turning climate action on the farm into a measurable value within the supply chain.

The milestones achieved:

• Data of 350 coffee producers has been collected using Progreso's traceability tools
• 1.67 million kilograms of coffee traceable back to farmers
• A potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with agroforestry practices was measured, averaging 4,290.5 kg eq per kilogram of coffee (applying the Cool Farm Tool)

Strengthening Partnerships Through Transparency

This pilot demonstrates what becomes possible when cooperatives gain clearer access to and control over their environmental data: stronger organizations, more transparent supply chains and more credible climate action.

For companies, this approach provides a bridge between sustainability claims and verifiable impact. For cooperatives, it creates a foundation for informed decision-making, continuous improvement and recognition of their climate-smart efforts.

Ultimately, this initiative showcases the power of collaboration. By combining robust methodologies, digital traceability and producer-centric data practices, we can build supply chains that benefit people, businesses and the planet.

Ready to partner? Explore the full case study and see how you can scale solutions that benefit both farmers and the planet. Download the full case study here.