The Poabs group has managed to secure support from the international certification agency, Demeter International, in its tussle with the Kerala government over the non-extension of lease of an estate.
The State government refused to renew the lease of the Thuthampara Estate, until recently managed by Poabs Organic Products, after the lease period expired .The estate is one of two in the world to be certified by the German agency Demeter for producing biodynamic coffee.
Demeter is an umbrella organization for biodynamic agriculture and is involved in the certification of biodynamic enterprises, trademark protection and facilitation of trade in biodynamic products. In a letter written to the agriculture ministry, Demeter has expressed concern over the arbitrary decision that threatens livelihoods of farmers, processors and traders. The organization points out that the decision is also not in line with international trends, which increasingly call for responsible attitudes concerning husbandry of the land. It is also mentioned that the carbondioxide sequestering effects, scientifically proven high under biodynamic management, offset any similar advantages from forest.
Some international firms’ involved in the trade of organic coffee have also written to the Indian embassies calling for a renewal of lease. However, the State government is standing firm on its decision of not renewing the lease, as it fears more such demands onrevenue land.