How participatory is the 4C Association in its decision-making processes?
The 4C Association is a multi-stakeholder membership association with a transparent and participatory decision making structure. It consists of three chambers: coffee farmers, coffee trade, industry, and civil society (including NGOs and trade unions). All three chambers have the same rights in the decision-making processes. The statutes and respective bylaws also treat all three chambers equally This tripartite structure is a core element of all the 4C Association’s organs, the Council, the Executive Board, the Mediation Board and the Technical Committee. All members meet every three years for the General Assembly, to decide on fundamental issues and to elect the Council. The Council meets at least once a year to decide on strategic issues, priority activities and budget. The Council also elects the Executive Board, the Technical Committee and the Mediation Board for a term of three years. The Executive Board meets once a month and decides on political and important operational issues
