Over the years, some of the relationships we’ve built with farmers have produced far more than coffee.
Starbucks and a number of farms have collaborated to improve local water systems, construct coffee mills and support other projects that benefit farming families and their communities.
The projects are funded in two ways. First, Starbucks pays an additional premium on top of the purchase price for coffee from a specific farm. The added premiums go toward the project. Second, the farm matches Starbucks contribution so they have a vested interest in the project.
Many of these initiatives are ongoing efforts. That ensures that once the projects are developed, they are sustained.
Bensa Ware Water Project Ethiopia 2002