In a significant move for global coffee governance, Mr. Tore Hattrem, Ambassador of Norway to the United Kingdom, has officially signed and deposited the instrument of ratification for the International Coffee Agreement (ICA) 2022. This step completes Norway’s accession process under the new agreement and affirms the country’s long-standing commitment to sustainable coffee development and multilateral cooperation.

Norway, known for its high per-capita coffee consumption and deeply rooted coffee culture, has been an active and engaged member of the International Coffee Organization (ICO) for decades. Its ratification of the ICA 2022 marks a continuation of this engagement, aligning with the country’s support for sustainable agriculture, transparency, and equitable trade practices.

A New Framework for the Global Coffee Sector

The International Coffee Agreement 2022 represents a modernized and more inclusive framework for international cooperation in the coffee sector. It was adopted on 9 June 2022 by the International Coffee Council and opened for signature from October 2022 through April 2023. As of mid-2025, the agreement has attracted strong support from both producing and consuming countries, with over 40 exporters and multiple major importers—such as the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, Switzerland, and now Norway—having signed or ratified it.

Unlike previous agreements, the ICA 2022 introduces a hybrid governance model that includes both public and private sector actors in decision-making. This approach aims to foster more effective, responsive, and inclusive global coffee policies.

What ICA 2022 Offers Its Members

Under the ICA 2022 framework, member countries gain access to a wide range of strategic, economic, and policy benefits:

• Shared governance between governments and private stakeholders: This structure ensures that voices from across the value chain—producers, roasters, retailers, and civil society—are represented in shaping international coffee policy.

• Commitment to sustainability and climate resilience: Members benefit from collaborative programs focused on sustainable farming practices, climate adaptation, and environmental protection in coffee-producing regions.

• Access to market intelligence and transparency tools: ICA 2022 enhances the role of the ICO as a global hub for reliable data, market analysis, and early-warning systems to mitigate price volatility and supply shocks.

• Promotion and value-added initiatives: Members participate in global campaigns, research projects, and technical support to promote quality, increase domestic consumption, and support value addition in producing countries.

• Development and cooperation mechanisms: The agreement facilitates joint initiatives to support smallholder farmers, address living income gaps, and improve access to financing and digital tools.

• Fair contribution system: ICA 2022 includes a revised structure for financial contributions, making membership more accessible to developing countries while ensuring operational sustainability.

Norway’s Role in the Global Coffee Community

Norway’s ratification comes at a time when the coffee sector faces significant challenges, including climate disruption, supply chain instability, and economic pressure on producers. As one of the world’s top coffee-consuming nations per capita, Norway brings to the ICA 2022 not only its economic weight but also its commitment to ethical sourcing and international development.

The International Coffee Organization expressed appreciation for Norway’s continued engagement, highlighting its valuable contribution to policy dialogue, sustainability discussions, and advocacy for producer livelihoods.

With this latest ratification, Norway joins a growing coalition of countries committed to building a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient global coffee sector. The ICA 2022 now serves as the primary multilateral framework for aligning public and private efforts to ensure the future of coffee—from farm to cup.