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Sunday, January 10, 2010 7:06 AM CST
For THE NEWS
GLENWOOD CITY – As economies struggle around the globe, one small, Wisconsin-based nonprofit is gearing up to increase its support of small coffee growers in Latin America.
Farmer to Farmer began importing high quality, shade-grown coffee from the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala in 2000, a time when coffee prices had plummeted worldwide. This year, the organization expanded its offerings to include a line of certified organic Honduran coffee, and it is exploring a source for certified organic, Guatemalan beans.
Farmer to Farmer has recently contracted with Cari Witcher of Downsville, to help market the coffee directly and through retailers. A long-time member and former board member, Witcher’s enthusiasm for and knowledge about the organization and its coffee project have been enhanced by her five visits to Guatemala with other Farmer to Farmer members.
Greater, more reliable income
The group’s goal is to significantly increase sales in order to support more small farmers in Latin America with a fair price for their coffee. Being able to count on a higher price gives these families an income security they would not otherwise have. World coffee prices are around 60 to 70 cents per pound, and fair trade certification requires a minimum payment to growers of $1.26 per pound, $1.41 minimum for certified organic (www.globalexchange.org).
Farmer to Farmer pays $2.07 to $2.50 per pound to the grower or to the cooperative of growers. Because the street price for coffee fluctuates daily, this fixed price is very important to the growers and can be nearly three times what they might receive on the open market.
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