Farm Identified in Our Supply Chain

During FY ‘08, 39% (15.9 million pounds) of the coffee we purchased was Farm Identified. This figure includes all our purchases of Fair Trade Certified™ coffees as well. Of the 83 farms and cooperatives in this category:   

• We visited 11farms and cooperatives representing 3.8 million pounds of green coffee contracted for FY ‘08 delivery (13.3% of identified farms and cooperatives, 9.4% of total FY ‘08 purchases, and 23.9% of our total FY' 08 Farm Identified purchases).
• We met with representatives of an additional 11 farms and cooperatives representing 4.4 million pounds (13.3% of identified farms and cooperatives, 10.8% of our total FY ‘08 purchases, and 27.7% of our total FY' 08 Farm Identified purchases) at off-site locations. 
• 12 farms and cooperatives representing 3.6 million pounds (14.5% of identified farms and cooperatives, 8.9% of our total FY ‘08 purchases, and 22.6% of our total FY '08 Farm Identified purchases) benefitted directly or indirectly from a GMCR grant.

We believe our Farm Identification program will continue to yield improved product quality, product differentiation, more secure long-term supply of high-quality coffee, and pricing stability. We also believe a greater engagement with our farm partners will have a positive impact on the social and environmental bottom lines for farm workers and their families.