Over Thanksgiving weekend, devastating cyclones caused massive flooding and catastrophic mudslides across Southeast Asia. As a result, millions of people in Sri Lanka and Indonesia are facing the immediate impacts of losing their homes, their loved ones, reliable communication channels, food and safe drinking water. In addition to the humanitarian crisis, Fairtrade farmers are also grappling with the loss of their livelihoods, experiencing severe crop losses, damaged fields and loss of home gardens. The needs of this climate emergency are urgent and threaten farmer’s livelihoods both today and in their long-term resilience.

To respond to the crisis, Fairtrade has stepped up. Through  our deep relationship with farmers and our dedication to support their communities, Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers (NAPP) has mobilized their Climate Disaster Relief and Resilience Fund, which aims to provide rapid relief, support recovery and rehabilitation and promote long-term resilience. Through this emergency fund, Fairtrade farmers and workers affected by the disaster can access the financial support they need to start rebuilding their lives.

In addition to the Climate Disaster Relief and Resilience Fund, Fairtrade America is collaborating with some of the most mission driven brands to provide additional, immediate support. Grace Farms Tea & Coffee has launched their own Sumatra Resilience & Rebuilding Fund, providing direct support to the Ketiara Cooperative in Indonesia. Initial emergency support has allowed the cooperative founder and chairwoman, Ibu Rahmah, to secure generators, communications devices and essential food supplies for their more than 1,700 members and their community in Sumatra.

While we know that not everyone can help every natural disaster, we want to take a second and highlight the incredible brand partner Grace Farms for their efforts in uplifting the Fairtrade farmers they work with. If you want to support Grace Farms efforts, $5 from every bag you purchase right now goes to support Ketiara Cooperative. Buy a bag. Or twenty. 

Stay tuned for more updates on how Fairtrade is responding to the humanitarian crisis in the coming weeks.