INDICOFS / KNOWLEDGE GUIDE
Level 1: a practical start
Understand the route, then explore the requirements and supporting evidence.
- For holdings below 10 hectares in total. Exactly 10 ha is outside this route.
- Coffee Board auditors inspect; the Board reviews and issues the certificate.
- Start with your land records, map, self-assessment and farm diary.
- Soil, water, crop protection, worker welfare and forest safeguards still matter.
- Correct findings with evidence; the guide cannot certify your farm.
- 01Choose your route
- 02Prepare & self-assess
- 03Apply & agree scope
- 04Audit & correct gaps
- 05Decision & ongoing care
What the matrix lists for this level
Conditions in each row still apply. Collective additions belong to the group’s responsibilities, alongside member-farm duties.
4.1-1Farm and owner or authorised personLevel 1 · 2 · 3
4.1-2Ownership and identity proofLevel 1 · 2 · 3
4.1-3Location addressLevel 1 · 2 · 3
4.1-6Scale of farmingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
4.1-9Sustainability processLevel 1 · 2 · 3
4.1-12Employees and workersLevel 1 · 2 · 3
4.2AFarm MappingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Farm Mapping: Growers owning an area of 4 hectares or less shall maintain a sketch of a farm map with boundaries on all sides of the farm, depicting one geographic coordinate point for identification of the farm and different blocks planted to coffee, buildings, and other infrastructure. Document: Sketch of the Farm with a single geocoordinate.
4.2BFarm Data ManagementLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Farm Data Management: Growers owning more than 4 hectares of farm shall maintain a farm map indicating borders, geo-coordinates in all directions, coffee blocks, location of infrastructure facilities like residence, farm pond, processing unit, drying yard, etc. Document: Farm map or Polygon if exporting to EU.
4.2CFarm DiaryLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Farm Diary: The grower and members of collectives shall maintain a Farm Diary for recording details of the farm, including cultural operations, inputs, labour engaged, wages paid, and production, for each year. Document: Farm Diary
4.2EIncome DiversificationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Income Diversification: The grower should consider options other than coffee growing for income diversification and improving livelihood.
4.2GLand RightsLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Land Rights: The grower shall have legal right over the land. In case of any acquisition of land, it shall be with free, prior and informed consent from the affected people. Document: Ownership document
4.3AFarm Land CharacteristicsLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Farm Land Characteristics: The grower shall maintain the characteristics of the farmland, including water sources, soil types, vegetation/ shade trees, wildlife, etc. Document: Farm map
4.3FSustainable Input SourcingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Sustainable Input Sourcing: The grower should prioritize selecting and using farm inputs (like seeds, fertilizers, pest/disease control materials, etc) that are known to be sustainable, effective, safe, and appropriate for their specific farm conditions and local environment. Document: Farm diary
4.3GAccess to Information and TechnologyLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Access to Information and Technology: The grower shall actively seek information (from peers, extension services, radio, mobile apps, etc.) based on needs and adopt, where feasible for their situation, improved farming techniques, tools, or technologies that enhance productivity or sustainability.
4.4.1ALand SuitabilityLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Land Suitability: The grower shall establish the suitability of land for coffee cultivation while establishing a new farm.
4.4.1BTree PreservationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Tree Preservation: The grower shall preserve key forest trees on the farm and practice canopy management based on needs; the fallen or removed trees should be replaced. Metric: Knowledge of shade management in plantations.
4.4.1DReplantingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Replanting: When replanting coffee blocks, the grower shall protect terrain and landscape. Metric: Knowledge of planting and care.
4.4.2ASelectionLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Selection: The grower shall select planting materials that are suited to their growing conditions, resistant to pests and diseases, and appropriate for the local climate.
4.4.2BSourcingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Sourcing: The grower shall source seeds/seedlings/clones from authorised suppliers unless he grows his own seeds/clones. The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is strictly prohibited.
4.4.2DNursery Management KnowledgeLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Nursery Management Knowledge: The grower shall know about nursery management, if applicable.
4.4.3ASoil AnalysisLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Soil Analysis: The grower shall get the soil analysed at least once every three years and implement soil pH corrective measures Document: Soil test reports
4.4.3BINM PracticesLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
INM Practices: The grower shall follow balanced and integrated nutrient management (INM) practices based on the soil test results.
4.4.3CFertilizer ApplicationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Fertilizer Application: The grower should possess knowledge of correct method of application of fertilizers.
4.4.3DSoil and Moisture ConservationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Soil and Moisture Conservation: The grower should adopt practices such as trenching and cradle pits in a staggered manner across the slope to conserve soil and retain moisture. These act as in-situ mini compost pits.
4.4.3ECover Digging/ScufflingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Cover Digging/Scuffling: The grower should adopt cover digging, scuffling, mulching, etc. in all newly planted blocks to suppress weed growth. Any soil disturbance is prohibited on steep slopes.
4.4.3FWeeding and Biomass ManagementLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Weeding and Biomass Management: The grower shall adopt recommended cultural and mechanical weed management practices such as slash weeding or machine weeding, and utilise the resultant weed biomass for mulching/composting.
4.4.3GUse of Permitted WeedicidesLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Use of Permitted Weedicides: Use of chemicals for routine weed control is prohibited. Only recommended, safer weedicides are permitted for controlling perennial weeds, preferably through spot applications. Weedicides shall not be sprayed within 100 meters of natural water bodies.
4.4.3HWeed management and its utilisationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Weed management and its utilisation: The grower should have adequate knowledge of weed management practices and weed biomass utilization
4.4.3IBiomass CompostingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Biomass Composting: The grower shall ensure that the biomass generated on the farm is converted into organic compost and that this conversion is verifiable.
4.4.4AOrganic MulchingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Organic Mulching: The grower shall adopt appropriate recommended measures to conserve the soil moisture.
4.4.4BWater Storage and ExtractionLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Water Storage and Extraction: The grower shall follow locally prescribed norms for the storage of rainwater and the extraction of groundwater. The grower shall know water usage norms as prescribed by the local authorities
4.4.4CWaterway ProtectionLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Waterway Protection: The grower shall implement measures to protect waterways from soil erosion.
4.4.4DEfficient IrrigationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Efficient Irrigation: The grower shall employ efficient irrigation equipment, wherever applicable, and avoid excess irrigation.
4.4.5AResistant VarietiesLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Resistant Varieties: The grower shall select resistant/ tolerant coffee varieties recommended by Coffee Board Research Department for replanting and new planting purposes, wherever applicable
4.4.5BIPMLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
IPM: The grower shall adopt integrated pest and disease management measures involving cultural, mechanical, biological methods, and judicious use of recommended PPCs (Plant Protection Chemicals).
4.4.5CMonitoring and SurveillanceLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Monitoring and Surveillance: The grower shall monitor pests and diseases and determine appropriate interventions. The grower knows the identification of all critical diseases & pests of coffee and their control measures.
4.4.5DBanned PPCsLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Banned PPCs: The grower shall not store or use the PPCs, banned by the Indian regulatory authorities or public/ multilateral organizations.
4.4.5ESelective Use of PPCsLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Selective Use of PPCs: The grower shall ensure very selective use of PPCs to specific plants and specific plant parts with minimal impact on non- target areas. Document: PPC application record (it should also reflect PPC, if any, used in the intercrop raised)
4.4.5FChemical ApplicationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Chemical Application: The grower shall ensure PPC application equipment is safe, regularly maintained, and suited for targeted application to prevent spills and losses.
4.4.5GPPCs and First Aid TrainingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
PPCs and First Aid Training: The persons involved in the application of PPCs should be adequately trained in the safe handling of PPCs and in First Aid methods. They should also be provided with protective gear and First Aid Kits. Document: Training record
4.4.5HPPC Usage RecordsLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
PPC Usage Records: The grower should document all relevant details of PPCs used on the plantation, such as the name of the chemical, time of application, etc., in the farm notes/diary.
4.4.5IPlant VigorLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Plant Vigor: The grower should maintain plant vigor through appropriate nutrition based on soil/leaf analysis, sound soil health management, and timely cultural practices (such as proper pruning and shade regulation) to enhance the coffee plant’s natural resistance.
4.4.5JNatural EnemiesLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Natural Enemies: The grower should adopt practices that conserve and promote beneficial insects and other natural enemies of coffee pests within the farm, primarily by minimizing broad-spectrum pesticide use and maintaining habitat diversity (e.g., through diverse shade trees and ground cover).
4.4.5KPhysical/Cultural ControlLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Physical/Cultural Control: The grower should prioritize physical and cultural control methods for managing pests and diseases when practical and effective, such as setting traps, manually removing infested plant parts (like CWSB-affected stems), or adjusting planting practices.
4.4.5LBiological AgentsLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Biological Agents: The grower should consider and utilize recognized biological agents (like beneficial fungi, bacteria, or nematodes) available locally for controlling specific coffee pests or diseases, where they offer a viable alternative to chemical controls.
4.4.5MShade CanopyLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Shade Canopy: The grower should establish and manage a multi- strata shade canopy with diverse tree species appropriate for coffee cultivation regulating shade levels to optimize coffee health and create a less favourable microclimate for certain pests and diseases.
4.4.5NPhyto-sanitationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Phyto-sanitation: The grower should practice consistent phyto- sanitation by removing and destroying diseased plant material (leaves, berries, stems), managing alternative host plants for pests/diseases, and keeping the farm environment clean to reduce sources of infection and infestation.
4.4.5OCompost ApplicationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Compost Application: The grower should regularly apply well- decomposed compost or other suitable organic matter to the soil to improve its structure, fertility, and biological activity, thereby enhancing plant resilience against stresses, including some diseases.
4.4.6ASelective PickingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Selective Picking: The grower should practice selective picking of ripe coffee fruits for wet processing and use picking mats for harvesting cherries for dry processing to ensure quality.
4.4.6BHarvest ContainersLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Harvest Containers: The grower shall use clean, washed bags/ baskets for handpicking and transporting of coffee fruits to the pulper or drying yard to maintain hygiene and quality.
4.4.6FUniform DryingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Uniform Drying: The grower shall ensure uniform drying of coffee by maintaining proper thickness of parchment/cherries on drying yards, regular raking, and covering beans during evenings.
4.4.6GMoisture MeasurementLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Moisture Measurement: The grower shall use either the test weight method or a calibrated moisture meter to assess the moisture content of dried coffee.
4.4.6HKnowledge of Coffee ProcessingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Knowledge of Coffee Processing: The grower shall possess adequate knowledge of various steps of wet and dry processing of coffee and drying standards.
4.4.6ICoffee StorageLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Coffee Storage: The grower shall store dried coffee in a clean, well- ventilated warehouse in clean gunny bags. No PPCs, odorous materials, oils, or lubricants are stored in the same space.
4.4.6JWaste ManagementLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Waste Management: The grower shall treat the effluent generated during wet processing as per applicable norms prescribed by the Pollution Control Board. The hazardous waste, such as empty pesticide containers, shall not be reused and disposed-off suitably.
4.4.6KQuality TestingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Quality Testing: The grower shall be aware of quality parameters and should undertake coffee cup quality testing periodically.
4.5.1ANo ConversionLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
No Conversion: The verified farm, or any portion thereof, shall not have been established after December 31, 2020, through deforestation. Document: Land ownership records and Farm Map
4.5.1BLandscape ModificationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Landscape Modification: The verified farm, or any part of it, shall not have been developed through large-scale landscape modifications, including clean felling of tree stands, levelling or significant alteration of natural topographies.
4.5.1CBuffer ZonesLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Buffer Zones: The grower shall not have cultivated or processed coffee in buffer zones or areas designated as high-value conservation zones. Document: Farm Map
4.5.1DTree PruningLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Tree Pruning: The grower shall follow shade regulation as per the recommendations of the Coffee Board Research Department and avoid excessive pruning of tree canopies, ensuring that shade levels remain optimal for crop production at all times.
4.5.1ENative Tree SpeciesLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Native Tree Species: The grower should maintain a sufficient population of native tree species. In cases of natural decay or loss, efforts are made to restore or increase the proportion of native trees across all farm sections.
4.5.2ALegal ComplianceLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Legal Compliance: The grower shall comply with all legal requirements, if any, for the extraction of surface and/or groundwater.
4.5.2BRiparian BuffersLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Riparian Buffers: The grower shall maintain riparian buffers from the outer edge of water bodies, wherever applicable. No inorganic plant protection chemicals or fertilizers shall be allowed to mix with the water bodies. Document: Farm Map
4.5.2CWater StorageLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Water Storage: The grower should establish adequate water storage structures, with necessary approvals, ensuring these structures do not obstruct surface water flow or restrict equitable access for downstream users.
4.5.2DWastewater TreatmentLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Wastewater Treatment: The grower shall not release untreated coffee wash water (effluent) or other processing waste into farmland or water sources. Treated liquid waste, if discharged, must comply with applicable regulations prescribed by the Pollution Control Board.
4.5.2EHousehold WastewaterLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Household Wastewater: The grower shall ensure that untreated household and non-farm wastewater does not enter cropping areas or water sources.
4.5.2GKnowledge on Water ConservationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Knowledge on Water Conservation: The grower shall knows conservation of natural water resources and protection of water bodies.
4.5.3BHunting and ExtractionLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Hunting and Extraction: The grower shall prohibit and refrain from participating in the hunting or extraction of endangered plant and animal species.
4.5.3DGMOsLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
GMOs: The grower shall ensure that the genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not cultivated on the farm.
4.5.4AShade CanopyLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Shade Canopy The grower shall maintain a mixed shade canopy, comprising native shade trees and temporary second-tier leguminous shade trees wherever applicable and suitable.
4.5.4BInter-cropsLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Inter-crops The grower should cultivate suitable inter-crops that provide additional revenue. Additionally, inter-cropping enhances shade, improves soil fertility, and creates a favourable microclimate.
4.5.4CSoil Erosion ControlLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Soil Erosion Control The grower shall implement soil erosion control measures, such as contour planting/ terracing at the time of establishing new plantations on slopes, and maintaining staggered pits (cradle pits/trenches) on sloped terrain in established coffee plantations.
4.5.4DCompostingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Composting The grower shall practice on-farm composting using farm- generated waste, applying the resulting compost to crops to improve soil health.
4.5.4ENitrogen FertilizersLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Nitrogen Fertilizers The grower shall apply nitrogen fertilizers only in recommended quantities, based on soil analysis, while accounting for nutrients supplied through organic sources.
4.5.4FDrought MitigationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Drought Mitigation: The grower should adopt drought mitigation strategies, such as planting drought-tolerant varieties and utilizing recommended drought ameliorative measures, if the farm is located in areas prone to recurring droughts.
4.5.4GEnergy EfficiencyLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Energy Efficiency: The grower shall use energy-efficient equipment for both on-farm operations and household energy use.
4.6.1ARegulationsLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Regulations: The farm shall comply with all applicable workplace safety and occupational hazard regulations.
4.6.1BWorking HoursLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Working Hours: The grower shall not compel personnel to work beyond the daily hours stipulated by local laws. If extended work hours are necessary, the grower shall adhere to applicable overtime regulations. Extended hours are voluntary, and workers shall not be coerced or threatened into working additional hours. The grower shall ensure one mandatory holiday after 6 days of continuous work.
4.6.1CFirst-AidLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
First-Aid: The grower shall ensure that a first-aid kit is available at no cost on the farm.
4.6.1DEmergency CareLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Emergency Care: In case of accidents or emergencies, the grower shall provide on-farm first aid and arrange free transportation to health centers, if needed. Access to this facility shall not discriminate based on gender, designation, tenure, or worker status (migrant/local).
4.6.1EPPC HandlingLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
PPC Handling: The grower ensures that farm workers use prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE) when applying plant protection chemicals (PPCs) to prevent inhalation, eye contact, or other accidental exposure. The grower shall create awareness among workers about the safe use of PPCs and First Aid measures.
4.6.1FBasic AmenitiesLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Basic Amenities: The grower shall provide basic amenities, including safe drinking water, rest shelters for protection from rain and sun, toilets, etc.
4.6.1GEquipment MaintenanceLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Equipment Maintenance: The grower shall regularly maintain and service equipment to prevent accidents during use or storage. Only safe and fully functional equipment shall be provided to workers.
4.6.1HHigh-Risk TasksLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
High-Risk Tasks: Workers performing high-risk tasks, such as pesticide spraying and tree pruning, shall be provided with protective gear. Workers below the age of 18 years shall not be engaged in such tasks.
4.6.2ASocial Safety LawsLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Social Safety Laws: The grower shall adhere to all applicable social safety regulations regarding farm labour, child protection, women's safety and employment, wages, paid leave, non-cash benefits (if applicable), and insurance, etc.
4.6.2BChild LabourLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Child Labour: The grower shall not employ child labour* for any farm activities at any time.
4.6.2CSelf-DeclarationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Self-Declaration: The grower shall submit a self-declaration affirm- ing its stance against child labour, gender and other forms of discrimination, worker exploitation, forced labour, and violence. The grower shall demon- strate that the farm has not engaged in or supported such practices. Document: Declaration in Farm Diary
4.6.2DEducationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Education: The grower shall actively encourage their children and workers' children in attending school and ensure that no farm activity hinders their education.
4.6.2ELegal RecordLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Legal Record: The grower shall have no record of convictions or charges related to child labour, worker exploitation, or violence against workers. Document: Declaration, if applicable
4.6.2FWelfare ProgramsLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Welfare Programs: The grower shall encourage workers to enrol in government or private welfare programs and insurance schemes and shall not restrict access to these benefits.
4.6.2HMedical ServicesLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Medical Services: If necessary, the grower shall ensure access to pri- mary medical services for its workers, in accordance with regional regula- tions.
4.6.2IWages and BenefitsLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Wages and Benefits: The grower shall pay wages and provide benefits equal to or greater than the rates stipulated by regulatory authorities or as per the collective bargaining agreements. Equal pay must be ensured for men and women performing the same tasks, including temporary or contractual workers.
4.6.3AFreedom of AssociationLevel 1 · 2 · 3
Farm requirement · Source wording
Freedom of Association: The grower shall respect, support, and uphold the right of all personnel to freely form, join, or not join worker organizations of their own choosing, including trade unions, without fear of penalty, intimidation, or reprisal. The grower shall also recognize the right to collective bargaining and engage with duly elected worker representatives in good faith.