It’s how millions of us start our day, and a companion to countless conversations. An estimated 2 billion cups of coffee are brewed every single day. Worldwide, millions of people depend on coffee for their livelihoods, yet many are unable to earn a reliable living from this beloved and valuable crop.
There are an estimated 12.5 million coffee farms today, 95 percent of which are less than five hectares in size, owned by smallholder farmers. In fact, around 8 out of 10 coffee farms are even smaller than 2 hectares -- about the size of three football pitches. Yet smallholder farmers grow 60 percent of the world's coffee.
Fairtrade certifies coffee cooperatives whose members are small-scale farmers precisely because they are the heart of coffee production and of their communities.
Exploring impact: key data about Fairtrade coffee
Learn more about Fairtrade coffee farmers, Fairtrade benefits such as the Fairtrade Minimum Price and Premium, and how Fairtrade supports progress in areas such as decent livelihoods, strong cooperatives, climate resilience, and more.
Learn how Fairtrade and coffee farmers are protecting forestsand and preparing for compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation.
Choosing Fairtrade coffee makes a difference
Despite the popularity of their product, coffee farmers face a number of challenges which Fairtrade is working to address.
For various reasons, the global price of coffee is highly volatile. Fairtrade aims to give farmers stability in this unpredictable environment by offering a Fairtrade Minimum Price, which protects them from sudden price drops. Organically grown coffee receives an additional price incentive.
Coffee farmers also receive a Fairtrade Premium – an extra sum of money paid on top of the selling price that farmers and workers invest in business or community projects of their choice. A set portion of the Fairtrade Premium goes toward improving production or quality.
By supporting smallholder farmers to organize themselves into small producer organizations – such as cooperatives and associations – farmers can negotiate better terms of trade and reach wider markets.
When you choose Fairtrade coffee, farmers can build a better quality of life for their families and communities. Your purchase also supports them to invest in growing better quality beans and confronting challenges like the effects of climate change. It’s win-win.
Are you a farmer, worker or business interested in Fairtrade certification?
Fairtrade cocoa and coffee cooperatives are in a better position when it comes to protecting forests and complying with the EU Deforestation Regulation, according to a new study.
In an effort to reduce environmental degradation, Fairtrade has updated its Coffee Standard requiring certified producers and traders to strengthen deforestation prevention, ...