Starbucks Coffee

Hello!  My name is Dub Hay and I am the senior vice president of Coffee and Tea at Starbucks.  Recently we announced a new initiative that builds upon our existing decade-long relationship with FairTrade Labeling Organization and TransFair USA.  I’m proud to introduce the Small Farmer Sustainability Initiative. 

Starbucks, Fairtrade Labelling Organization and TransFair USA have a long a history of working together to improve market access for small-scale coffee farmers.  With the addition of the Small Farmer Sustainability Initiative, Starbucks will be able to build upon our existing efforts to help foster improved livelihoods, environmental stewardship and economic stability in the coffee industry.  Together, we hope to increase the participation of small-scale farmers in the global specialty coffee market.

The Small Farmer Sustainability Initiative is a three-year pilot in which small-scale coffee farmers will have access to a $20 million loan program.  Through loans from this program, farmers will have the opportunity to send their kids to school, bring clean water to farming communities, and provide food for their families. 

So, why is this important?  As many of you know, our business relies on increasing the production and stability of small-scale coffee farmers around the world.  What you may not know is that 85 percent of Starbucks® coffee is grown on family farms with less than 12 hectares of land!   By increasing their access to affordable loans and technical support, we can help these farmers provide a better life for their families, have support in this current global economic crisis and emerge as stronger business partners for the future.  

It’s an exciting initiative and I’ll make sure to share stories from the farm, as I hear them, right here on MyStarbucksIdea.