Source: Business and Human Rights Centre and industry reports
Author: Qahwa World
Date: May 16, 2026
- A new report highlighted forced labour risks in Brazil’s coffee sector.
- Investigators found indicators of abuse in every worker interview.
- Workers described poor housing and abusive recruitment practices.
- Many exploitation cases reportedly remain undetected.
- Industry groups and government bodies issued public responses.
- ADERE-MG said the struggle against forced labour continues.
- The findings renewed pressure on coffee supply chain transparency.
New human rights reports have renewed attention on labour conditions in Brazil’s coffee sector after investigations revealed continuing signs of forced labour during the 2025 harvest season.
The findings followed the release of the latest food and beverage benchmark by the KnowTheChain Project in February 2026.
The benchmark warned that many global companies remain unprepared to address climate-related forced labour risks across agricultural supply chains.
In parallel, field investigations conducted in Minas Gerais revealed recurring labour violations on coffee plantations.
Field Investigations Reveal Labour Abuses
KnowTheChain partnered with the Articulation of Rural Employees of the State of Minas Gerais, known as ADERE-MG, to investigate working conditions on Brazilian coffee farms.
According to the report, investigators identified indicators of forced labour in every interview conducted with workers.
Workers described abusive recruitment methods and degrading living conditions.
They also reported a lack of transparency regarding the companies purchasing the coffee they harvested.
As a result, workers struggled to seek remedies or accountability.
The report stated that Brazilian labour authorities sanctioned some plantations during the 2025 harvest.
However, many additional cases reportedly remained undetected because of limited enforcement resources and weak corporate action.
Government and Industry Responses
The findings generated strong reactions across Brazil’s coffee sector.
The National Coffee Council and Brazilian government representatives issued statements reaffirming their commitment to decent work and efforts to combat forced labour.
In response, ADERE-MG published a separate statement stressing that serious labour challenges remain unresolved.
The organization argued that existing measures still fail to address widespread exploitation in parts of the coffee supply chain.
The Business and Human Rights Centre also released a statement responding to comments made by government officials and coffee industry representatives.
| Date | Organization | Content Type | Main Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2026 | Business and Human Rights Centre | NGO Response | Response to government and industry statements |
| May 14, 2026 | ADERE-MG | NGO Response | Continued fight against forced labour |
| April 17, 2026 | National Coffee Board | Article | Commitment to decent work and labour protections |
| March 23, 2026 | National Coffee Council | Article | Rejection of generalizations about coffee farming |
Supply Chain Pressure Continues
Brazil remains one of the world’s largest coffee producers.
Therefore, labour conditions in its coffee industry attract significant international attention from buyers, regulators, and human rights groups.
Analysts say supply chain transparency remains a major challenge.
Companies face growing pressure to improve traceability and verify labour conditions across coffee-producing regions.
In addition, climate pressures and seasonal labour shortages continue to increase concerns about worker exploitation in agricultural industries worldwide.
FAQ
What is ADERE-MG?
ADERE-MG is an organization representing rural workers in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
What did the investigation find?
Investigators reported indicators of forced labour in all worker interviews conducted during the study.
What labour issues were identified?
Workers described abusive recruitment practices, poor living conditions, and limited transparency.
Did authorities take action?
Brazilian labour authorities sanctioned some plantations during the 2025 harvest season.
How did the coffee sector respond?
Industry representatives said they remain committed to decent work and labour protections.
Why is the issue important globally?
Brazil’s coffee industry plays a major role in international coffee supply chains and exports.
