July 2010 by CoffeeTalk Magazine

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Editor’s Prologue By Miles Small, Editor- CoffeeTalk Magazine Once again, CoffeeTalk is proud to host our annual E-Zine “Making a Difference” that highlights groups and individuals who are rising above day to day business considerations and giving back to coffee through volunteerism and good works. Turning the spotlight toward those who walk the extra mile for all of us is one of the most gratifying things we do here at CoffeeTalk. All of the non-profits highlighted in this E-Zine are looking for your financial, in-kind, and volunteer support to continue their positive missions in the coffeelands. There is no doubt that we are living through difficult economic times.. The world economy is starting to show signs of recovery but it is a slow process. Much of the wealth in developed countries was an illusion and, when the bubble finally burst, this false wealth quickly evaporated. The global recession is most felt in the less developed countries that rely on consuming countries to purchase their exports.

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Coffee is just such a product. However, we cannot ignore our responsibilities to all the partners in the coffee supply chain. Give back somehow, even if you cannot donate cash! Volunteer, donate airline miles, and donate materials. Being ready to step forward and lend a hand when you see a need, regardless of the inconvenience or cost, is part of what sets our industry apart from others. Regardless of political or spiritual beliefs, we all seem to understand that there are things all of us can do to support our business partners in the coffeelands and in our own communities. This year, CoffeeTalk is doing something different. We are tracking every click-thru to the projects’ websites between now and September 15th of 2010. The project that receives the most web views will win a $1000 cash donation from CoffeeTalk. So, vote with your heart and with your computer mouse.

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Table of Contents Editor’s Prologue - By Miles Small, Editor- CoffeeTalk Magazine.................................... 2

Las Mercedes Farm – Clinic los Ortiz.............................. 22

Sponsor’s Index.................................................................. 4

“Building Coffee Farmers Alliances in Uganda” (CFAU Project)...................................................... 24

New CQI Database | Market Linkages............................. 6

Ernesto Illy Espresso Coffee Quality Award.................... 26

Grounds for Health............................................................ 8

Walaalo Sisters Sewing Collective – Dean’s Beans......... 28

Coffee Grown Like Wine................................................ 10

Training in Mushroom Spawn Creation – Equator Coffees....................................................... 30

Cup for Education - El Paraíso Computer School........... 12 The Clovernook Center – 100% compostable paper hot cups......................... 14 Fair Trade Towns USA.................................................... 16 The CoffeeTalk Foundation – Project First Taste........... 18 The International Women’s Coffee Alliance.................. 20

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn Working with Local Schools to Make a Difference.............. 32 Walk for Water – Portland Roasting............................... 34 The Coffee Trust – Project Ixil........................................ 36 CoffeeFest Gives Back Program....................................... 38 Growers First.................................................................... 40

Sponsor’s Index Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Web Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page#

Baratza LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BriteVision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bunn-O-Matic Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coffee Holding Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cup of Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Design & Layout Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equator Estate Coffee & Teas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Gavina & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . illy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . InterAmerican Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Java Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LBP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Portland Roasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probat Burns, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quality Packaging, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scolari Engineering S.p.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stalkmarket Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Superior Imaging Group/IdentabrewÆ . . . . . . . Swiss Water Decaffeinated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TightVac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weldon Flavorings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

877.701.2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877.479.7777 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.637.8606 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.458.2233 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406.542.3509 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.471.8448 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.809.7687 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.428.4627 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877.455.9347 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.346.2810 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.208.4128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.545.6200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.949.3898 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 901.363.5331 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215.997.1872 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 856.988.5533 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 503.295.4977 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888.872.5620 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800.668.9981 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888.428.4448 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502.797.2937 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

www.baratza.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 www.britevision.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 www.bunn.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 www.coffeeholding.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 www.cupofexcellence.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 www.designlayout.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 www.equatorcoffees.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 www.gavina.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 www.illy.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 www.iaccoffee.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 www.javajacket.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 www.lbpmfg.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.portlandroasting.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 www.probatburns.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 www.quality-packaging.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 www.scolarieng.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 www.stalkmarketproducts.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 www.identabrew.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 www.swisswater.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 www.tightvac.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 www.WeldonFlavorings.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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New CQI Database | Market Linkages Project Web Site: Project Location:

www.coffeeinstitute.org Long Beach, CA USA

Project Description

CQI’s Q Coffee System locates specialty coffees at origin and helps to improve those that have the potential to meet specialty standards. The effect is a common language between buyers and sellers that draws attention to more specialty coffees while creating an infrastructure that gives producers greater opportunities to enter the marketplace and to increase their economic viability. When a coffee moves through the Q Coffee System and becomes verified as a Q Coffee™, it signifies an independent certification of quality that can truly be deemed specialty. Green coffee samples, each which represent one lot or less, are submitted to an In-Country Partner (ICP), and 3 Licensed Q Graders (professionally accredited cuppers) cup and score the coffee. Coffees that meet the standards for green, roasted, and cup quality, as defined by SCAA, are issued a Q Certificate and become a Q Coffee™. If a coffee does not meet specialty standards, it receives a technical report that explains why. With new forms of social media becoming an integral part of daily communication, CQI has created a new database similar to these social media sites to improve efficiency, expand awareness and increase transparency of the Q Coffee System. Through the new database, all users will be able to create profiles, track information in real time, contact other users and view activity within the database. Additionally, all Q Coffees™ will be showcased in real time through our Market Linkages page.

also include contact information and be directly contacted by any interested buyer. Additionally, it provides buyers the opportunity to view all Q Coffees™ in one arena and search for coffees based on preference or need. Interested parties can view these unique coffee profiles that provide a detailed overview of the coffee, including specific information about that lot, breakdown of attributes and scores, a flavor star, cupping notes from the Q Graders and green grade information. Through the page, buyers and sellers now have the opportunity to make a more personal, direct connection.

How You Can Help

Everyone is welcome to visit our website, www.coffeeinstitute. org, and browse our site for more information. To view our Market Linkages page, simply click on the button on the home page, “View Current Q Coffees

Project Beneficiaries

Our Market Linkages page is a new form of promoting Q Coffees™ to the public. Now, the owner of the Q Coffee™ has the ability to reach new markets and promote his/her coffee through this page via a coffee profile. The owner can customize his/her profile by including a photo, more information or history about the coffee/farm, how much coffee is left and where it is currently located, in addition to detailed information about the coffee. The owner can

About the Coffee Quality Institute

The Coffee Quality Institute is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the quality of coffee and the lives of the people who produce it. CQI has successfully managed a number of development projects at coffee origin. CQI is a highly efficient organization with more than 90% of revenue going directly into programs. Its board and staff have more than 450 years of combined experience and its database of more than 400 coffee experts provide countless more. As the only organization in the world doing the work to measure quality, CQI is committed to working with industry to create marketbased approach to sustainability. © copyright CoffeeTalk magazine 2010

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Grounds for Health Project Web Site: Project Location:

http://www.groundsforhealth.org Waterbury, VT USA

Project Description:

Grounds for Health is an international non-profit that works with coffee-growing communities to establish sustainable cervical cancer prevention programs. Cervical cancer is the #1 cause of cancer death for women in low-resource settings, killing more than 288,000 women globally each year. There is no direct correlation between coffee and cervical cancer; women in these areas are no more prone to cervical cancer than women in the United States. They simply do not have access to adequate screening and treatment facilities. Grounds for Health uses the structure and strength of coffee communities to bring cervical cancer screening and treatment programs to the women who need them most: women in poor, rural areas. Grounds for Health trains local health professionals in the “Single Visit Approach,” which is an effective, low-resource-appropriate method to prevent cervical cancer. Using simple vinegar, cotton balls and a good light, trained medical personnel visually inspect for the early stages of cervical cancer. They then use cryotherapy to freeze off the potentially cancerous cells. The critical advantages of the Single Visit Approach are that it requires simple resources, non-technical equipment and provides immediate results. Women can be screened and treated in the same day. It has been estimated that it costs just 25¢ in supplies to screen and treat one woman using the Single Visit Approach. Grounds for Health currently has programs in Latin America and Africa. The organization only comes to communities when invited, and collaborates closely with the coffee cooperatives to ensure dissemination of accurate information and to secure transportation for the women. While at the program site, Grounds for Health focuses on training medical personnel through one-on-one mentoring. This way, Grounds for Health empowers local health officials with the Single Visit Approach so they can continue this life-saving work well into the future.

Project Beneficiaries:

Grounds for Health’s cervical cancer screening and treatment programs benefit the people who are often the last to receive any form of medical care: poor women who live in rural communities. Through Grounds for Health programs, these women often receive life-saving cervical cancer screening and treatment services for the first time. In addition, Grounds for Health programs have the added

benefit of creating a gateway for poor rural women to access a host of other reproductive health services. Women who come for screening are also asked about other needs and offered family planning and general medical services as requested. However, Grounds for Health programs benefit more than just the women who receive direct services. Women in rural coffee-growing areas are integral to the health and success of their communities as a whole. As men leave to find higher paying work, women are left to tend the fields and bring money to the family. Since cervical cancer kills women in the prime of their lives, the disease has wideranging repercussions. The loss of a mother impacts her whole family and puts her children at risk, particularly her girl children. Children whose mothers have died are more likely to die early, suffer from malnutrition and her girl children are most likely to drop out of school to assume her mother’s responsibilities in the family. In most developing countries one third to one half of all hospital beds in existing cancer facilities are filled with women dying of cervical cancer. This would not be the case had they been screened and treated before cancer set in. The loss of their lives is nearly 100% preventable.

How You Can Help:

You can make a financial donation on the Grounds for Health website: http://www.groundsforhealth.org/donate, or contact the Development Team to arrange corporate sponsorship (see below). The Grounds for Health Coffee Auction is a great way for people from all sides of the coffee industry to get involved. Coffee roasters and retailers can also hold in-store promotions for Grounds for Health or offer co-branded coffees that benefit the organization. Please call or email the Development Team for more information. There are also opportunities for licensed health professionals and non-medical general volunteers. Please visit http://www.groundsforhealth.org/volunteer/ for more information about volunteering. Grounds for Health Development Team: Phone: (802) 241-4146 Email: development@groundsforhealth.org

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TM/® are registered trademarks of Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company Inc.

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Coffee Grown Like Wine Project Web Site: Project Location:

www.konajoe.com Kona, Hawaii USA

Project Description Coffee grown on a trellis. The young coffee trees are trained to grow on wires the same way wine grapes are cultivated. The trees are shorter and easier to harvest. More importantly yields are increased by 30% and dissolved sugars are increased as a result of increased sun exposure and aeration. Kona Joe Coffee has been growing coffee this way since 1995. Results have been verified by Dr. Sip Bittenbinder of the University of Hawaii Dept of Agriculture. Dr. Cecil Goodrich of the Jamaica Coffee association described the method as “the greatest coffee cultivation advance in the last 100 years”. Ted Lingle founding member of the SCAA said “ Kona Joe has the right idea following the wine industry to elevate consumer awareness of specialty coffee”. This new cultivation method has been featured on the history channel and numerous other TV shows including the food network.

Project Beneficiaries Coffee growers around the world will benefit from the use of the coffee trellis by increasing crop yields and coffee quality. Coffee consumers will benefit from improved coffee flavor. The entire coffee industry will benefit as consumers develop greater appreciation and awareness of specialty coffee.

How You Can Help Small independent farmers need help to adopt these new cultivation techniques. There is a start-up cost for materials and labor needed to build the trellis and train the young trees. © copyright CoffeeTalk magazine 2010

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Cup for Education El Paraíso Computer School

Contact Name – Karen Gordon e-mail - kgordon@coffeeholding.com Project Name - El Paraíso Computer School Project Location - La Democracia, Huehuetenango, Guatemala, June 2009

El Paraíso is a small village located 215 miles west of

are motivated

Guatemala City, 4,800 feet above sea level. Most of the 600

participate

families that live in the region depend on the coffee market.

There are 6 other villages (Peña Roja, La Barranca, El

appropriate activities for their ages.

Boqueroncito, Bojonal, and El Aguacate) involved in coffee

near El Paraiso. The Development Centre provides health

It started early in the year, and ended in October, just as

and educational facilities for all of these communities.

our national education system. Unfortunately, once they

In 2006 Coffee Care together with Cup for Education

completed the course, their interest in coming back to class

initiated a computer program. The lessons are taught in

dropped drastically. Therefore, the need to provide another

a building that is also home to a clinic and a pharmacy.

type of educational program was identified.

A doctor, a nurse, and one computer teacher have been

working at the center for over 3 years. The funds used in

properly. Only 5 out of the original 10 turned on. Therefore,

projects and activities are taken from the savings account

many of the students that wanted to take part in this course

of the center through the payments to the doctor, and the

were not accepted.

small fee paid by every student for the computer class. The

cost of the course is Q.20.00 per month – this is less than

contacted, Eight thousand American dollars were donated

US$3.00.

to El Paraiso for computers and programs.

One of the main purposes of the computer program

Until now, only a basic computer course was offered.

In addition, the computers were not functioning

In order to find a solution, Cup for Education was

El Paraiso needs additional donations to purchase

was to give children and teenagers an alternative to coffee

additional programs, equipment, and repairs to the building,

collection. Usually, these young boys and girls are forced to

the roof leaks and it is very expensive to repair.

work in the fields helping their parents. With this program they

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100% compostable paper hot cups Project Web Site: Project Location:

www.clovernookmfg.org Memphis, TN USA

Project Description

customers will be able to purchase one lid for both

Clovernook introduced the first 100% compostable and

the 12 and 16 ounce cups. Currently, each customer

renewable environmentally-friendly paper hot cup on

that buys both sizes has to purchase two separate lids.

the market. These cups have received FDA approval

This will save customers money in regards to the

and comply with ASTM standard 6400 for compostable

purchasing of their coffee lids and will help streamline

testing.

their business expenditures.

For the convenience of our customers,

Clovernook is re-tooling their cup machine equipment

2 - Clovernook employs people with visual impairments.

in order to manufacture a 12 ounce, 100% compostable

By providing employment services to individuals

paper hot cup that will fit one common lid for the 12/16

who need Clovernook most, we are able to provide

ounce size.

job opportunities for those who are blind or visually impaired.

Project Beneficiaries The people that will benefit from this project can be

How You Can Help

categorized into two separate classifications.

Community awareness of the new cup and lid Advertising

1 - Clovernookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current and potential customers. These

space Donations to keep the machine running smoothly.

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Fair Trade Towns USA Project Web Site: Project Location:

www.fairtradecertified.org All 50 States; USA

Project Description

Project Beneficiaries

Fair Trade is a growing movement in the U.S. While we in the coffee industry are very familiar with the concept, only 29% of U.S. consumers are aware of Fair Trade and the nearly $200 million in additional income that the Fair Trade Certified program has generated to support sustainable business development and to improve communities in the developing countries that grow our coffee. We’d like to re-ignite the U.S. Fair Trade Movement and invite everyone in the coffee industry to join the Fair Trade Towns USA campaign. Fair Trade Towns USA’s ultimate goal is to raise consumer awareness, grow the availability of Fair Trade products, and drive sales in order to help lift millions of farming families out of poverty. The specific criteria to be officially recognized as a Fair Trade Town include showcasing Fair Trade products available in local stores, an active citizen support network, business engagement, and local government support. These criteria are designed to empower citizens to develop a permanent platform in their communities for continued outreach and advocacy. Currently, there are more than 50 active campaigns taking place in towns and cities across the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago, Boston, and Seattle. To start, join or support a campaign, learn more at www. FairTradeTownsUSA.org.

Greater awareness of Fair Trade will benefit the farmers in developing countries who work hard each and every day to supply us with great coffee. The campaign will also benefit brands and retailers as it will raise overall awareness of Fair Trade products.

How You Can Help Donating time and talent to a local campaign. Financial contributions to support a local campaign or event. Donating space to host meetings. Donating product for events. Promoting and supporting Fair Trade and the campaigns at your locations and on your product packaging.

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Project First Taste Project Web Site: Project Location:

www.projectfirsttaste.org Seattle, Washington, USA

Project Description

Project First Taste, a project of The CoffeeTalk Foundation,

has developed training and networking curriculums to

take away valuable

show coffee growers what their coffees taste like, how they

information

compare to known taste profiles of consuming countries

the

The growers in the conference then return to their farms

they also leave with the means

better prepared to develop coffees that appeal to consumers,

to continue to grow and enhance their knowledge. Each

market those coffees more effectively to roasters, and most

participant receives the Project First Taste Roasting and

importantly earn more money for their families and their

Cupping kit, which includes a simple, yet effective coffee

communities.

sample roaster, basic cupping lab equipment, a grinder and

Coffee growers typically do not know what their coffee

scale, and all the workbooks and teaching materials from

crop tastes like. All their coffee enters the export market

the class. Growers will continue back at their farms to cup

and they have no means or standards to prepare brewed

and learn about their coffee as well as share their skills with

coffee to specialty standards nor are they able to compare

the rest of their communities.

their coffee to others. Project First Taste changes this.

Assembled in Co-ops and at meeting places throughout

growers instant Q Graders and cuppers but they will be set

countries of origin, we gather farmers together for 2 day

upon a course that may, with practice and care lead to better

conferences where international and in-country trainers

value for their crops, recognition in their communities, and

prepare their coffees and rate them to SCAA standards

possibly one day, they may stand on the stage as the proud

as well as lead classes in coffee cupping. The growers are

winner at a Cup of Excellence auction.

Not

only

the

growers from

conferences

but

The course and the kit will certainly not make all the

able to taste their own coffees, typically for the first time, as well as the coffees of the other growers in the class. The

Project Beneficiaries

attendees also taste specialty coffees that meet the taste

Project First Taste is focusing on smallholder coffee

standards of the consuming countries.

growers. Through this project growers will have a better

understanding of the value of their coffee and be better

The participating growers are also taught aromatics and

how ‘handling for quality’ can change the value of their

positioned to receive full compensation for their crop.

coffees and therefore the price of their coffees. Finally, the growers take advantage of the trainers’ marketing expertise

How You Can Help

to craft a compelling marketing message for their coffees

Project First Taste is looking for volunteers to serve as

and their farms. This carefully crafted message is then

trainers and facilitators, interpreters, and donations from

published in CoffeeTalk Magazine and distributed directly

individuals, companies, and foundations to further this

to CoffeeTalk’s extensive Roaster Directory – the largest in

work.

the industry. © copyright CoffeeTalk magazine 2010

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International Women in Coffee Alliance Project Web Site:

www.womenincoffee.org

Project Description

all aspects of the

The World Bank estimates that more than 500 million

coffee industry,”

people throughout the world are dependent on coffee, and

the IWCA, from

of that number, 25 million are coffee farmers.

its inception, has

remained focused

Unfortunately, coffee farmers typically live and work in

substandard conditions, which are compounded by the fact

that they receive only a small percentage of the final price

possibilities

that the coffee is sold to the consumer.

women in coffee communities throughout the world.

Women, who represent a good majority of coffee

promoting for

The IWCA is a global network of women in coffee that

farmers, face additional challenges. Aside from the day-to-

advocates for the reduction of barriers for these women in

day struggles women coffee farmers face in order to maintain

coffee producing countries, by providing access to resources

a respectable standard of living, they must also struggle with

while creating a forum in which to connect with other

the long-established machismo attitude that is prevalent

women throughout the coffee chain from seed to cup.

throughout the world’s coffee growing regions. Frequently

suffering from abuse, neglect and poverty, women are unable

empowering them with the knowledge and monetary

to gain economic, social or political power in their family’s

support that will help shift the role of women in coffee

coffee business, or in their communities.

growing communities.

Our goal is to give women the independence by

Recognizing that women in consuming countries also

hold an integral part in ensuring the success of coffee in

Help make a change in the lives of these women by joining

the marketplace, six women had a vision that would bring

together with countless women and men in the coffee

together women in coffee from seed to cup in an effort to

industry. Join, donate or volunteer your time and expertise to

reduce these barriers and build a more sustainable future for

the IWCA and help us in our plight to promote possibilities

women in coffee and their communities.

for women in coffee around the world.

The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA)

strives to create a difference in the world of coffee. With

For more information about IWCA projects or to join,

a mission to “empower women in the international coffee

volunteer or donate, please email

community to achieve meaningful and sustainable lives; and

mail@womenincoffee.org.

to encourage and recognize the participation of women in © copyright CoffeeTalk magazine 2010

Probat supports IWCA events throughout the world through target sponsorships of educational opportunities

CT 22 July 2010

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CoffeeTalk

Clinic los Ortiz Project Web Site: Project Location:

www.cafelasmercedes.com santiago de Maria, usulutan; el salvador

Project Description

Clinic las mercedes: Is a clinic inside LAS MERCEDES FARM in El Salvador which helps more than 1,800 people on the surrounding farms, we have a permanent nurse plus a doctor that comes three times a week. In the clinic we help children, women, men, and are not exclusively for Las Mercedes workers, but for all the surrounding communities we have. In this clinic we have also dentist day, so we bring a dentist once a month to give assistance to the community, also we have pregnancy controls, vitamins day so we give vitamins especialy to children and old people. We also give conferences about hygiene, birth control, and how to use a bathroom that in the countryside in this third world country is not as common as in the main cities. This clinic is for free, all the expenses of the salaries, and medicines is cover by the Ortiz family and LAS MERCEDES.

Project Beneficiaries

Patients treated between, february and december 2009 Kids under 5 years old 450 teenagers 260 WOMEN 330 MEN 338 TOTAL treatments 1378

How You Can Help

What the clinic mostly needs is medicines, especialy those to treat women, kids and old people. Cash donations will be great to buy medicines, and medical supplies to cover emergencies at the farm.

ÂŠ copyright CoffeeTalk magazine 2010

CT 24 July 2010

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CoffeeTalk

“Building Coffee Farmers Alliances in Uganda” (CFAU Project) Project Web Site: Project Location:

www.hrnstiftung.org Mityana, Luwero, Mityana, Mubende, Masaka, Uganda

Project Description

In terms of population growth, Uganda holds the second position worldwide. It grows by 3.5% every year, hiding the fact that the Ugandan people face a high death rate due to AIDS, a generally low life expectancy and considerable infant mortality. Much of this can be traced back to one problem: poverty. The project “Building Coffee Farmers Alliances in Uganda” was initiated by the Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS) in late 2009. Following the objective of expanding the success of a previous project in the region, the HRNS and its partners want to make more people benefit of the activities. The concept is quite holistic: HRNS aims at strengthening the farmers’ stake in their own business. Make them aware of both the economic, but also the environmental role of their farm, and provide them with the necessary knowledge to change their future. By hands-on trainings directly in the fields, the project’s main objective is to tackle the challenges of combating poverty by improving the income of coffee farmers. The key elements are straightforward: to provide reliable services to the farmers, HRNS encourages the establishment of professional and transparent farmer organizations, structures that often don’t exist or lack a member focus which keeps them from functioning in their favor. Furthermore, farmers are supported to raise the productivity of their fields, while at the same time they are provided with access to tools and knowledge to refine the quality of their coffee. Also, the efficiency of their operations is addressed. The project team furthermore helps the producers to improve their commercialization and marketing, so to obtain direct access to export companies instead of selling to local intermediaries. The project’s vision is that within the next 8 years, up to 35,000 farmers and their families will be able to make a significantly better living off their coffee than today. And, thanks to the valuable knowledge and support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the European Union, the

Uganda Coffee Development Authority, USAID, DANIDA and the export company Ibero Uganda, the CFAU is very likely to achieve this aim.

Project Beneficiaries

We direct our activities toward coffee farmers, their families and their communities living in the rural areas of the country. It is not only the farmer himself, but also his or her husband/wife/partner, their children, and any other person that is part of their commune. These people live a very simple life, far away from technological innovations, electricity, running water, even medical assistance, higher education or access to information. Clothes and tools are often second-hand, children play with hand-made toys. Most of the people are used to losing family members and close friends to AIDS, hepatitis, typhoid or malaria. Children die because of simple infections that could have been easily treated with antibiotics. Only 2% of the population is older than 65 years. Our approach to sustainability means to embrace every member of the coffee farming communities within the districts in which we are active. Men and women, young and old, farming or not: the idea is to strengthen the situation of women in the countries, to give perspectives to the children – and to thereby contribute to forming better futures. Coffee is the motor of growth and by doubling and at times even tripling income, opportunities for investments into families and communities rise.

How You Can Help

As most of our projects, the CFAU is financed by partners from both the public and the private sector, amongst others the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Yet, obviously, every dollar helps to support the farmers. We thereby most appreciate monetary donations of any amount possible. Please check our website (www.hrnstiftung.org) and contact our Hamburg office to obtain more information on the procedure.

InterAmerican supports this and many other charitable projects at Origin. © copyright CoffeeTalk magazine 2010

CT 26 July 2010

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CoffeeTalk

Ernesto Illy Espresso Coffee Quality Award Project Web Site: Project Location:

illy.com Sao Paulo, Brazil

Project Description

Established 20 years ago, illy’s annual Ernesto Illy Espresso Coffee Quality Award program (formerly called the illy Brazil Awards, recently renamed for illy’s late chairman) recognizes Brazilian farmers’ achievements in sustainable, high-quality coffee production, in the process, raising the nation’s reputation for high-quality Arabica, through financial incentives and knowledge sharing. Every March in Sao Paulo, a $30,000 cash grand prize is given to one Brazilian farmer for producing the nation’s finest Arabica. All but one of 19 annual winners has reinvested the prize in their farms, sometimes doubling land holdings. Since illy launched the program, Brazil’s Arabica has gained a reputation on par with the world’s best, and growers have directly received more than $2 million. Beyond direct benefits to winners, the program has been a major force in increasing quality (going beyond Brazil’s reputation for high-volume, lower price Robusta production), helping develop growing regions within Minas Gerais and beyond. Striving to win, hundreds of farmers accept illy’s hands-on assistance in improving crop quality, at no cost. Motivation comes in knowing even if they don’t win a prize, raising quality to illy standards may well trigger direct purchase by illy. For the one farmer who wins the cash prize, there are many others who win in becoming new illy suppliers. In turn, other coffee companies that track illy’s purchase patterns often start buying from those farms, magnifying the program’s benefits to individual farmers and a region’s reputation. As part of the program, illy-employed agronomists visit participating farms, working with owners to improve quality, teaching the latest, sustainable methods, at no cost to

participants. Independent judges assign code names to farmers and their yields, so personalities and politics never come into play. After months of tasting and testing, the winning bean’s code is matched to its producer just before the awards ceremony. In sum, this program has been essential in pioneering the equating of quality and sustainability (for illy, they are one and the same), and of roasters developing deep, direct relationships with key growers to mutual benefit. The Quality Awards go beyond charity, generating direct, lasting wealth generation.

Project Beneficiaries

Multiple, overlapping groups gain from the program: (1) Brazil’s economically-challenged farmers – as described above, this program provides multiple, substantial financial incentives to participate, and provides hands-on training by some of the world’s leading experts on coffee agronomy at no cost to farmers. The program is all the more vital during a tough year such as 2010, when climate challenges and other issues are taking a strong toll on Brazilian farmers’ livelihoods. (2) Brazil’s coffee industry in general – the program’s effect on Brazil’s overall reputation for premium quality production, realized over two decades of experience and rising prices, is incalculable. (3) Global coffee industry -- the work illy does identifying farms and regions capable of producing ultra-high quality Arabica benefits high-quality roasters everywhere. Illy does not lock farms from which it purchases into exclusive contracts, so other roasters are free to buy, and often follow illy’s lead after a first purchase. (4) End consumers – the program’s single-minded focus on quality produces optimal results where it counts most, in the cup, raising the bar for other roasters, and creating a virtuous cycle of enhanced enjoyment through better coffee.

How You Can Help

A commitment by roasters to a direct trade model, and to embracing and spreading knowledge about quality-centric sustainable farming techniques would greatly enhance this program, in striving to meet illy’s long-time objective to raise global quality industry-wide.

“Coffee prompts social activity, stimulates friendships and conversations, and it should never be enjoyed alone. You should always share it with someone.”

Ernesto Illy The Ernesto Illy Foundation was founded on this simple idea. Donate $150 or more and receive these two gold-rimmed cups joined by one shared saucer. One hundred percent of your donation will go to support the work of the Ernesto Illy Foundation. Your donation will sustain three important projects of the Foundation: pilot project in Colombia to introduce beekeeping and honey production in coffee plantations •as Aa new source of income and environmental sustainability.

• A research, preservation and development project of the native coffee plant in Ethiopia. Scholarships for a Master’s degree in Coffee Economics and Science for qualified students from •coffee-producing countries. Visit http://www.fondazionernestoilly.org to make your donation and receive your limited edition espresso cup set.

i l ly . c o m

CT 28 July 2010

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CoffeeTalk

Walaalo Sisters Sewing Collective Project Web Site: Project Location:

http://www.deansbeans.com/coffee/swbag.html Springfield, MA USA

Project Description How A Small Bag Can Create Big Change! Last year Dean Cycon heard a radio interview with some Somali Refugee women who had resettled in Springfield, MA. He was tremendously moved by the plight of these ordinary folks, just trying to survive and support their families. These women had finally made it to America after years of wandering by foot from Somalia through refugee camps in different countries, through leaky illegal boat trips across the Mediterranean and much horror to come to this land of sanctuary. They formed a support group, Walaalo Sisters, and said their greatest need was an economic base that would recognize the women’s need to raise their kids, the language and cultural barriers, and their absolute lack of resources. Together with Yasmin, Nasra, Habibi and several of the women, we came up with the idea of a sewing collective, with an interesting twist. Dean’s Beans supplied Walaalo with four high quality sewing machines, instruction and a designer. We then provided them with some of our jute and burlap bags that the green coffee comes to us in. The bags often have logos from the coops we buy from and marks for organic and fair trade certification. We designed a reusable grocery tote from the bags, and the women went to work! The women have created beautiful grocery totes, lined with muslin fabric. They are strong, hold the right amount

of groceries, are reusable and made from recycled coffee bags. And 100% of the proceeds go to the women so they can support their families. Cart all of those groceries around in style and with compassion!

Project Beneficiaries This is the only source of income for these women. So the Walaalo sisters and their families are the ones who will benefit from this project.

How You Can Help Donation of supplies - muslin fabric, thread, and sewing machines.

It’s what’s in the cup that matters.

A Partner You Can Count On

™

www.bunn.com www.trifectaexperience.com

Fan us, Friend us, Follow us!

CT 30 July 2010

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CoffeeTalk

Training in Mushroom Spawn Creation Project Web Site: Project Location:

www.equatorcoffees.com Mkatanga Village, Tanzania

Three women leaned over to water dozens of plastic bags filled with compacted coffee pulp and mushroom spawn, which filled the air with an earthy aroma. A small crowd had gathered at the open doorway, letting scattered bands of sunlight into the dark room. A few people laughed at the women’s curious work, but the mushroom growers responded with cheerful confidence. “We will show you how to grow mushrooms,” they responded. “You’ll see them grow out of plastic bags.” Six weeks later, the crowd at the door was larger. Instead of laughter, voices were tinged with amazement. No one had ever seen a cultivated mushroom before; they could only find mushrooms for sale during the rainy season, when children hunted for wild varieties in the early mornings to bring back to town. These mushrooms were something entirely different. Hundreds of floppy white oyster mushrooms, some as large as a fist, had sprung out of the coffee pulp. The women plucked them out of their bags and dropped them into a bucket. They then stoped to divide up the crop into piles: some for each member to take home, and some to take to the afternoon market. In 2009 Equator Coffees and Sustainable Harvest began a partnership to support a group of fifteen widows in the remote Tanzanian village of Mkatanga, called the Pulp to Protein Project. The women received training on how to use coffee pulp as a substrate to grow oyster mushrooms, which can be a source of protein in their own families’ diets, and sold at local markets as a form of income diversification. The women represent some of the most vulnerable community members in Mkatanga: they must support large families of up to nine children, depend on subsistence

farming for food and income, and have tenuous property rights. The Pulp to Protein project teaches women a skill to improve their livelihoods, and also empowers them as leaders in the community. Many people from nearby villages have come to the group asking for training in growing methods. In August the group will travel to Rwanda in order to share their knowledge with a women’s group there. In order to continue growing their mushroom business, the women must learn the delicate process of creating spawn, the “seed” that grows mushrooms. Without that ability, the group will need to buy spawn from distant producers, an expense they cannot afford. Sustainable Harvest agronomist Thangale Thangale points out that education is the key to sustainability: “Once the group knows how to grow spawn, they will not need us to help them. They will not need money from us, and the project will continue on its own.” Luckily, with a few tools like cotton, mason jars, wheat and a simple training session in techniques, the group can produce spawn themselves from mushroom tissue culture. It is this ability that will ensure the long-term success of the project, create food security, and provide steady income for the group. Equator has renewed its commitment to support the group, and will sponsor a spawn production training session in August 2010. A mushroom expert will make the threeday bus journey to Mkatanga village, and teach the women how to continue growing mushrooms with the materials they have on hand. After the weeklong training, this Pulp to Protein project will achieve self-sustainability.

Farmer

Organic Beans

Fair Trade

Coffee Obsessed

Sustainable

(800) 809-7687 San Rafael, CA www.EquatorCoffees.com

Eco-Friendly

CT 32 July 2010

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CoffeeTalk

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn Working with Local Schools to Make a Difference Project Web Site: Project Location:

www.fincarosablanca.com Santa Barbara, Heredia; Costa Rica

Project Description

Since the beginning of their adventure as owners of Finca Rosa Blanca in 1985, Glenn and Teri Jampol have concentrated on an ambitious plan of recycling and regeneration, social consciousness and education. For the last 15 years, they have worked with their local primary school, children aged 5-13, in the town of Jesus. Over the last 4 years they have concentrated on the program called Ecological Blue Flag Program for Schools which helps the school to improve sanitation and water, recycling, and offers “environmental education” and creates campaigns to clean the rivers, reforest with native plants and trees. Finca Rosa Blanca has 30 acres of hard bean coffee which is certified organic. Since 2003, with the help of the local school children of Barrio Jesus and Santa Barbara they have planted over 6,000 native trees on the coffee plantation and hotel grounds. They are planning an organic garden on our coffee farm which the children will help to plant and tend and will use the produce from the garden. They have donated computer tables to the local high school for their computer lab. They teach “Good Ecological Practices” sessions with groups from outside the country in sustainable farming and tourism, and these groups have donated books to the local schools. Many guests arrive with books for the schools, soccer balls, uniforms, games, art materials, and spend time in the schools through Finca’s programs working with the children and their teachers. Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation and Inn, the first certified sustainable hotel in Costa Rica, has evolved over the last 20 years to become the highest ranking member of the prestigious Sustainable Tourism Certification program (CST).

How You Can Help

We would very much appreicate books for the elementary children about environment, art materials, funds to buy materials for a hydroponic garden and funds to buy food for the food bank.

Project Beneficiaries

The school children of Jesus Elementary School (Escuela Jesus), the children of the Food Bank of Barrio,Liceo de Santa Bárbara de Heredia.

Cup of Excellence® has Changed the World of Coffee

Congratulations to all the winning bidders during the latest Central America 2010 auctions and especially to exemplary roasters who pursue excellence in all coffee and who support the farmers that produce it. Wataru & Co., Ltd. Kaffebrenneriet as Bontain Coffee Royal Coffee NY Time’s Club for C-COOP Coffee Bean International Target Solberg & Hansen AS Maruyama Coffee Mikatajuku Group Mercanta the Coffee Hunters San Antonio Coffee Roasters honuKatocoffee Inc. Terarosa (Haksan Co., Ltd.) Toby’s Estate coffee InterAmerican Coffee GmbH Ecom Japan Limited Nippon Coffee Trading Co., Ltd. Tashiro Coffee Co., Ltd. Ogawa Coffee Barefoot Coffee Roasters, Inc. Bewley’s Speakeasy Kyokuto Fadie Corporation Green Mountain Coffee Orsir Coffee

Tim Wendelboe Mareterra S.L. Doi Coffee Löfbergs Lila AB Camec S.A Café Imports Union Hand Roasters Andronicas Coffee Has Bean Twoday Coffee Roasters Kaffitár Melbourne Coffee Merchants Toa Coffee Co., Ltd. Kaffeespezialitaet Inoue Coffee Rocket Coffee Åre Kafferosteri Golden Coffee Box Cafes El Magnifico Kasai Coffee Kean Coffee Fonte Coffee Roaster Terroir Coffee Oren’s Daily Roast Conservatory for Coffee Tea and Cocoa

Green Coffee Buying Club Coffee Klatch Bird Rock Coffee Roasters St. Berry Coffee AIR Five Senses ONA coffee UCC Ueshima Coffee Co., Ltd. Nagahama Coffee Inc. St Ali Pty Ltd Elbgold Kaffeerösterei Ohg Café Leon Hisashi Yamamoto Coffee Your Coffee Coffee Libre Sensory Lab Pty Ltd Café Grumpy No Quarter Coffee Dallis Bros Coffee Kobrick’s Coffee Co. Rojo’s Roastery M.I. Coffee Corporation Carrboro Coffee Roasters Bard Coffee Marumi Coffee Hayakawa Coffee

Firestorm Coffee Roasters Company Bailie’s Coffee Crema Kaffebrenneri AS Paul Verbunt Koffie BV gimme!coffee Invalsa Coffee Seven Seeds Monmouth Coffee Company Mecca The Source The Coffee Tree Roasters Madcap Coffee PTs Coffee Roasting Co. Sweet Maria's Intelligentsia C&C Co., Ltd.

406-542-3509

www.cupofexcellence.org

CT 34 July 2010

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CoffeeTalk

Walk for Water Project Web Site: Project Location:

www.worldwaterdaypdx.com Portland, OR USA

Project Description

access to fresh, potable water with the placement of wells,

Walk for Water is Portland

children are freed up to attend school and women are freed

Roasting’s annual fundraiser to

up to tend to other areas of their lives. Additionally, disease

bring wells to coffee-growing

rates drop considerably in families and communities since

communities

hand washing occurs more frequently. Hepatitis rates in

sub-Saharan

Africa. Participants gather at

particular drop.

the banks of the Willamette

River in downtown Portland,

awareness regarding global water issues. Walk for Water

Ore.,

water-

organizers envisioned the walk as an educational event

gathering containers to amble

that sheds light on how people in sub-Saharan Africa (and

along on a 3.1-mile route. The

elsewhere) live and what daily life is like when you don’t

and

pick

walk is designed to approximate the plight of millions of

On a local level, the community benefits from raised

have running water.

predominantly women and children who lack access to fresh water daily. Hours of the day are spent carting water for daily

How You Can Help

use, precluding school for many young girls.

The Walk for Water will grow through participation and

Walker donations and sponsorship money goes to

funding. We are happy to welcome walkers, volunteers, in-

Water for All, a non-profit organization that sites, drills

kind donations of services that will help us promote the event

and constructs wells throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The

throughout the community, specifically to the educational

placement of wells in these communities drastically improves

system. We are also happy to bring more sponsors to the

the quality of life for all. School attendance rates skyrocket as

fore. We envision our event as a group effort pulling in many

young girls are freed from the chore of carrying water. Disease

interested partners and sponsors.

rates drop considerably as people are able to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly.

On a local level, the Walk for Water raises awareness

of water issues for participants who visit educational kiosks strategically placed throughout the 3.1-mile route. Portland Roasting also enlists a community partner in Portland State University. A senior-level capstone class takes part in executing the event.

CT 36 July 2010

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CoffeeTalk

Project Ixil Project Web Site: www.thecoffeetrust.org Project Location: Chajul, Nebaj & Cotzal, Quiche, Guatemala

Project Description

Project Ixil is a comprehensive grassroots development project promoting education, health care, and economic development in the indigenous Ixil region of Quiche, Guatemala. The project operates along side Asociacion Chajulense, a fair trade, organic coffee cooperative that has not only survived in a region devastated by war and overwhelmed by poverty, but has managed to improve its quality and production over the last 20 years. An independent NGO [and Coffee Trust partner], Fundacion Ixil, was formed to undertake a grassroots development effort working in parallel with, but separate from, the cooperative with the goal to overcome poverty’s relentless sustainability in the region. ProjectIxil,offeredtoyoungindigenous Ixil women and men, promotes all levels of education by providing scholarships for young people to attend primary school, secondary school, vocational training and a university education as well. Currently, a pilot education project provides scholarships for 13 students to attend the Universidad de Valle de Guatemala. In another pilot, seven students are attending secondary school, six of whom are on a teacher-training tract. A medicinal herbs/traditional medicine pilot is also underway. Environmental education in the region will be promoted, which will focus on clean water and sanitation. Soon, a micro-enterprise component will offer skill-building trades and promote cultural tourism in an effort to develop the local economy and provide employment at the same time. A magnificent culture and the people who produce some of Guatemala’s finest coffee are threatened. To address these concerns, The Coffee Trust and Fundacion Ixil are undertaking a comprehensive, community development effort. The project unites the sometimes competitive forces of fair trade and independent development into one unified force. This unique combination takes full advantage of the commercial benefits of fair trade along with the broadbased community development benefits that result from local, grassroots community development. The goal is to reverse downward spiraling poverty and convert it into a powerful and sustainable community-based development effort. The success of the project will create a healthy collaboration between fair trade and independent development, which could lead to a new development

paradigm to reverse sustainable poverty where coffee is grown.

Project Beneficiaries

The beneficiaries are the Ixil people, descendants of an ancient Mayan culture preserved over the centuries through their indomitable spirit of independence, despite the Spanish conquest and the onset of colonialism. In fact, the indigenous communities of Chajul, Nebaj and Cotzal were named by the Guatemala military as The Ixil Triangle for their fierce resistance during the long Guatemala civil war (1962-1996). The armed conflict was characterized by brutal massacres, and a halving of the population. The war has ended, and the population is rebounding, but a growing number of adolescents are at risk. Lack of services such as electricity, potable water, sanitation, health care and education combine with a post-war trauma to overwhelm the region and threaten its recovery as well as the high quality coffee produced by Asociacion Chajulense.

How You Can Help

Cash donations are needed most. The philosophy behind the development effort is ‘Big vision, small Steps’. The comprehensive development effort is the Big Vision. However, to ensure that the effort is based upon the priorities and values of the community, and that there is cultural sensitivity in the process, the first steps are small steps. In following that philosophy, The Coffee Trust and Fundacion Ixil have begun with several pilot projects. The idea behind the pilots are to discover the most respectful route through which to navigate the many complex cultural layers of Ixil life. Mistakes will undoubtedly be made, but if made small, they can be corrected without too much damage done or money spent. By making immediate course corrections, we demonstrate to the Ixil communities that we are not bound to our vision of their future, but are determined to help the Ixil people carve out their own vision of the future. Additionally, a comprehensive diagnostic is in process to help clarify the most pressing needs of the communities. The pilot projects are followed by more focused, more fully-developed, more costly projects. So, cash donations will be the most pressing need of The Coffee Trust and Fundacion Ixil for the next few years. © copyright CoffeeTalk magazine 2010

CT 38 July 2010

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CoffeeTalk

CoffeeFest Gives Back to Café Femenino Project Web Site: Project Location:

www.coffeefest.com Seattle, WA USA

Project Description

around them; so in this aspect, CoffeeFest is benefiting

During Seattle CoffeeFest, each year, the CoffeeFest team

those persons inside the first-world coffee industry.

supports the effort to alleviate poverty in coffee producing

regions by partnering with Cafe Femenino Foundation.

and support for the Café Femenino Foundation, CoffeeFest

Through the efforts and support of CoffeeFest Seattle, as

is directly assisting in several in-country programs to

well as all CoffeeFest events nationwide, several projects and

alleviate poverty in coffee producing regions through

programs inside the various coffee producing nations where

education and awareness. These in-country projects range

poverty, hunger, and illiteracy are far too commonplace

from food security to illiteracy programs. The benefits to

are being addressed. CoffeeFest provides an excellent

the coffee farmers who are on the fringes of surviving from

opportunity to educate the roasters and consumers about

year to year growing coffee are numerous. These issues are

situations facing the coffee producing regions of the world.

being addressed through projects supported by CoffeeFest’s

It is an event where the people from North America can

educational outreach during show events and their

feel a bit more connected to these issues and to the people

partner on the ground and in-country; the Café Femenino

who grow the product that we all make a living from. By

Foundation.

Secondly, and most importantly, by providing a venue

providing a venue and an opportunity to educate the public, CoffeeFest is providing a very important opportunity in the

How You Can Help

strategy of raising the awareness needed to alleviate poverty

To best support the efforts of CoffeeFest, I would recommend

in coffee producing nations.

seeking out the Café Femenino Foundation booth at each and every show event. By providing space and marketing,

Project Beneficiaries

CoffeeFest is a wonderful venue to stop in and see what

The benefits from the efforts of CoffeeFest are twofold. First,

you can personally, or as a company, do to make the lives of

they are providing a platform for awareness education. As

people living in coffee growing regions better. This can be

the coffee industry becomes more and more interested in

done by adopting a project funding request, or donating to

ethical sourcing, fair-trade, organics, and “doing no harm”

the Foundation, or stopping in and getting more educated

to the people who produce coffee, there is very little, if

on the situation of the majority of the world’s coffee

any opportunity for the consumers and roasters to become

producers.

CT 40 July 2010

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CoffeeTalk

Growers First Project Web Site: Project Location:

www.growersfirst.org Santiago Ixcuintetec, Oaxaca, Mexico

Project Description Growers First works with indigenous farmers in several countries to establish sustainable socioeconomic programs to support and enrich the lives of the farmers and their communities. We’re about human sustainability - and going beyond fair trade. For the world’s poor, who primarily live in developing countries, Growers First represents one of the few global support resources that empowers them to seek their own way out of poverty through hard work, entrepreneurial ingenuity and dignity. We provide a hand up, not a hand out. We have a compelling story that goes beyond fair trade, and beyond certifications. It’s about TraceableTransformation. Something that we can demonstrate to consumers through our web based platform that connects consumers to farmers and shows demonstrative results of our efforts which include agricultural education, health and welfare, medical and dental, water & sanitation, schools/ education. Our projects are long-term comittments with the farmers and community. We are there to create positive, sustainable impact and help people help themselves get out of poverty. With a decade of service, we are looking at significant growth this year, expanding the number of coops and communities we work with and replicating our successes. The key is Traceable Transformation. It’s imperative that we measure and show positive results of our efforts and with the funds we receive and allocate ourselves and through alliances with other nonprofits, NGO’s and government agencies. We have green coffee coming in from two of our cooperatives, Oaxaca, Mexico and Honduras; one of the Honduran growers has earned a Cup of Excellence Award for his coffee – that helps exemplify the overall quality we’re helping our farmers produce.

chain of coffee and other commodities, benefiting farmers. We all know the imbalance in the equation, the question is whether we are ready to make the sacrifices and do the work to change the imbalance.

How You Can Help There are two key areas - First, you can buy and resell our coffee through our co-branding program - in which we’ll roast and bag to your specs and ship to you for resell, all the while helping us tell our story of traceable transformation - helping us create more fans and donors. Second, you can make direct donations, either in general or to support a specific initiative (call or email for any further input or specifics.

Project Beneficiaries Coffee Farmers around the world. With strategic partners and support, we can change the economics and value