The 4C Association enables its broad and diverse membership to fully participate in all major decision-making processes of the organization.
A key element of the 4C Association is its participatory decision-making process. Coffee farmers, trade and industry, as well as civil society members are all represented in the governance structure of the association and have equal decision-making powers.
These three stakeholder categories are grouped into three chambers: the producer chamber, the trade and industry chamber, and the civil society chamber. The three chambers are equally represented in every 4C governance organ, including: the General Assembly, the Council, the Executive Board, the Technical Committee and the Mediation Board.
The General Assembly
The General Assembly includes all members and is the supreme authority of the 4C Association. If possible, the decisions are taken in consensus.
Read the By Laws of the General Assembly.
The Council
The Council of the Association is elected by the General Assembly and is the representative decision-making body. It comprises 17 members representing the three chambers, with the strongest representation reserved for the producers' group.
Read the By Laws of the 4C Council.
The Executive Board
The five members of the Executive Board are elected by the Council. Members include one representative from each chamber, the Chairperson of the Technical Committee, and the President of the Mediation Board.
Read the By Laws of the 4C Executive Board.
The Technical Committee
The Technical Committee is appointed by the Council. Its primary task is to recommend modifications and revisions of the 4C Code. It is also responsible for assessing the conceptual quality and impact of 4C Services, tools, technical documents and capacity development activities.
Read the By Laws of the Technical Committee.
The Mediation Board
The Mediation Board is responsible for settling disputes arising from the misinterpretation of or the failure to respect the Statutes of the 4C Association, its Rules of Participation and the 4C Code itself.
Read the By Laws of the Mediation Board.
The 4C Secretariat
The Secretariat administers the 4C Association, intensifies cooperation with existing initiatives, coordinates support activities and prepares for the decision-making processes. Get to know our team, visit the contact page.
