Coffee Kids blog

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Indigenous Rights and Development in Peru

On June 5th and 6th, clashes between indigenous protestors and government forces over land rights in the northern Bagua Province of Peru resulted in a number of people on both sides dead (“Fatal Clashes Erupt in Peru at Roadblock,” The New York Times). On the surface, the origin of this problem appears to be in who controls natural resources, but the true nature of the conflict is based in a lack of education and opportunity in indigenous communities and lack of understanding or interest on the part of the government and large corporations.

As in many indigenous areas, land managed by indigenous groups cannot be taken or used by the government or outside companies without first consulting and receiving approval from the communities there.

For more than 30 years, pueblos in the Bagua Province have solicited the government for property titles to ensure these rights and protect their land from mining and petroleum interests. However, transnational companies have found ways to exert their influence on the government and gain access to these indigenous lands. Two recent decrees opened indigenous lands to mining and petroleum companies.

On this occasion, the Peruvian government ran into a well-organized indigenous movement. Protesters illegally blocked roads and threatened to cut natural gas and oil pipelines to Lima, which led to confrontations between government security forces and protesters. As a result, the government decrees were suspended, but indigenous groups are girding themselves for a protracted legal battle.

It’s sad to see this news, especially given the effort that the coffee farmers of Peru have put forward in the past 15 years. In February, I traveled there to follow up with our partners. During the visit, I also had the chance to learn about other coffee communities in the northern part of the country around the community of Jaen, in the Bagua Province, site of some of the conflict.

A lot of work has been done in this country to regain ground as one of the most important coffee producers in the Americas. Between 1993 and 1994, many of the largest cooperatives collapsed due to administrative problems, low coffee prices and other problems. But through hard work and dedication, coffee production in Peru has grown by 50%. Coffee now represents 25% of the value of all exports from the country.

The cultivation of coffee in indigenous communities is common, which obliges organizations like Coffee Kids who work in the community to understand their traditions, their unique culture and their worldview. But above all, it is important to collaborate with these groups in the inevitable process of global integration.

Many of the problems at the root of these dramatic confrontations are not just the result of an oppressive government, but more a result of few educational opportunities in indigenous communities. Without the ability to operate in the political climate in which many indigenous groups find themselves, they cannot properly defend their rights.

In my opinion, a possible solution is not to give the indigenous groups free reign over the land or grant unrestricted business development, but provide sufficient educational opportunities to indigenous communities so they can defend their land rights and utilize their resources wisely.

The best social projects in these areas are those that answer immediate needs of the people and help them gain access to the tools to properly defend their rights, make strategic decisions and create a better future for the next generations.

Read more about this issue here:
“Protesters Gird for Long Fight Over Opening Peru’s Amazon,” The New York Times

“Peruvian Police Accused of Massacring Indigenous Protesters in Amazon Jungle,” Democracy Now

“Images reveal full horror of ‘Amazon’s Tiananmen’,” The Independent

Featured Donor: DaVinci Gourmet

DaVinci Gourmet, the industry leader in gourmet syrups, is that rare company that extends support of the specialty coffee industry through the entire chain of supply – from coffee growers to beverages served worldwide. Whether it is sponsoring a myriad of barista competitions or providing menu and technical support to small cafes, many witness first hand DaVinci’s support. In particular is their exceptional support of Coffee Kids.

Since 2006, DaVinci Gourmet has been a major sponsor of Coffee Kids, contributing over $500,000 with the funds channeled toward the organization’s quality of life programs in coffee communities. Through this level of contribution, Coffee Kids has been able to not only maintain, but also expand its program, reaching over 3,200 families served by Coffee Kids’ 12 partners in Latin America.

“We are very committed to the specialty coffee industry on many levels. Through Coffee Kids we are able to help and support those who are vital to this industry, the families who grow the beans. With this relationship we can affect the lives of those thousands of miles away, creating a connection,” said Jennifer Faren, brand manager at DaVinci Gourmet.

DaVinci Gourmet syrups are used throughout the United States and internationally in specialty coffee drinks. Their commitment to coffee-farming families is an investment in the future of coffee.

“We know first hand the intricacy of the coffee process, from farm to cup and therefore understand the essential part each and every family plays in the global coffee economy and the need to sustain themselves for future growth,” Faren said.

Besides monetary support, DaVinci Gourmet further promotes Coffee Kids to others with a mention on every bottle, POP materials and the company’s website and publicity materials (http://www.davincigourmet.com).

“The impact of DaVinci Gourmet’s support has put Coffee Kids at another level. Thanks to them, awareness of our efforts to help families and the resources to put the programs in place have increased substantially,” said Coffee Kids’ Executive Director Carolyn Fairman.

Meet up with FBG - Percol in the UK

On her way to the SCAE (Specialty Coffee Association of Europe) conference in Cologne, Germany, Coffee Kids Executive Director Carolyn Fairman made a stop in the UK to visit with our friends Brian Chapman and Kirsty McDonald of Food Brands Group.

Food Brands Group and its Percol Brand of Instant Coffee were partners with Coffee Kids in launching the Coffee Kids UK charity and have been ardent Coffee Kids supporters over the years.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Giotto Premium Espresso Machine Auction for Coffee Kids

From Friday, June 19 through Friday, July 24, Seattle Coffee Gear, a Coffee Kids supporter, will hold an auction for five Limited Edition Giro D’Italia Giotto semi-automatic espresso machines. One machine will be auctioned off per week with all proceeds benefiting Coffee Kids.

The machines, created by Milan-based Rocket Espresso, celebrate the Giro d’Italia, a 1,521 mile bike race through the Italian countryside. The Giro d’Italia along with the Tour de France and World Cycling Championship make up the Triple Crown of cycling.

Rocket Espresso has created just 100 of these machines based on their popular Giotto Premium+ machine. All feature a Maglia Rosa-inspired pink manometer, individually numbered badges and the names of all 92 winners of the Giro D’Italia machine-engraved on the side.

Seattle Coffee Gear has imported five of these limited edition machines for the auction. Visit Seattle Coffee Gear to place your bids and learn more about the machines.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Saving for the Future in Oaxaca

When women in the community of Los Naranjos told me about their daily schedule, waking at 4 am and going to bed at 10 pm, I realized that my 7-hour trip down bumpy roads to arrive there couldn’t be compared to the challenges these women face every day.

May 21-22, I visited three Coffee Kids-sponsored microcredit and saving groups with Nelly Zárate, project coordinator with Coffee Kids’ partner Fostering Community Initiatives in Coffee Regions (FomCafé). The organization works with coffee-growing communities in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, and we have partnered with them since 2000. In that time, they have created and implemented projects in edible mushroom production, microcredit and savings, family gardens, organic honey production and health care. (Learn more about FomCafé here.)

Nelly introduced me to microcredit and savings groups in the towns of Tierra Blanca and San Jacinto that began in early 2009 and the Los Naranjos group that has three years of experience in microcredit.

Upon arrival in the first town of Tierra Blanca, we were served a delicious breakfast that included the local delicacy, ‘Chicatana’ sauce, which is made of queen ants that only emerge at the beginning of the rainy season.

Tierra Blanca is not entirely a coffee area. The community is located at 1400 meters above sea level, but many people have coffee bushes in the lowlands. During the morning we organized some activities to learn more about the strengths and challenges confronted by the savings group there.

“I feel happy that we have the microcredit group. With the credit I obtain, I can buy cheese in the next town and sell it here because we have no cheese in our community,” said Mrs. Valentina Pérez Herníndez, an outspoken and active woman. “We are just starting our group, but the earnings from the cheese help me care for my youngest son who is seven and my grandson who is five.”

In the afternoon, we visited Los Naranjos where the experienced microcredit group was waiting for us. This group recently decided to create a butcher-shop in town with the savings they have accrued.

Due to their remote location, a butcher only visits twice a month and the meat is not fresh. During the conversation I realized how FomCafé’s project not only provides participants with access to low-interest credit, but also promotes the teamwork and solidarity necessary to carry out new initiatives.

On the second day, our meeting in the village of San Jacinto was conducted in Spanish and Zapotec, a local indigenous language. Eight of the 12 participants only spoke Zapotec.

Many of the women in this group are the heads of their households since most of their husbands have migrated or died. FomCafé’s work provides them with new opportunities for greater income and stability in their lives.

My trip back to Oaxaca felt much different and the meetings I had reminded me of how it is possible to create with very little and how microcredit and saving initiatives can gradually change peoples’ lives.

See more photos from our trip on Coffee Kids’ Flickr page.

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Sprechen Sie Kaffee?

Planning to attend Coffeena, the International Coffee Fair and Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) Wonderful World of Coffee Expo in Cologne, Germany, June 26-28? Stop by Booth D-050 and say ‘hi’ to Coffee Kids’ Executive Director Carolyn Fairman.

The expo attracts coffee professionals and businesses from around the globe and will include coffee competitions and other special events. Workshops will include tracks in espresso, green coffee evaluation, roasting and retail. The SCAE has also invited ten World Barista Champions to give demonstrations and conduct classes.

Special thanks to koelnmesse for their gracious sponsorship of the Coffee Kids booth.

Friday, May 15, 2009

On Rising Coffee Prices

Recently, I’ve seen news that international coffee prices have risen (Shortages stir coffee and sugar prices, Financial Times). This has created worry in some sectors of the industry, especially among the buyers who sell their coffee directly to consumers. At the same time, some believe this means farmers will receive a more equitable price for their coffee. This is not certain, especially since the majority of organized farmers I know sold their coffee months earlier.

The process of running a cooperative requires many managers to accept pre-financing (oftentimes with interest payments) to fund the upcoming year’s crop. This pre-financing often obliges them to sell their coffee at a fixed price. Given that, a decrease or increase in coffee prices in the future doesn’t affect many farmers.

Oftentimes, the intermediaries and coffee buyers know how the market is performing and can make decisions with information many farmers aren’t privy to. In my experience, farmers often lose out or are pushed to the margins by this phenomenon.

And factor in that real, high quality coffee is becoming scarcer due to a number of reasons, including:

• a shift in the optimum zones for coffee cultivation due to climate change,
  
• increased costs for fertilizer and fuel,
  
• costs associated with certification processes,
  
• an increase in competition between producers,
  
• an increase in the number of countries that produce coffee.

In my experience, an average family should produce at least 40 sacks of coffee for export (under the organic coffee system) to make a dignified – albeit modest – living, but the average family only produces about 8-10 sacks of coffee.

Coffee Kids’ partners work with families to create alternatives to coffee farming that provide year-round income. These alternatives promote, access to education, health awareness and food security and most importantly, coffee-farming families can continue farming coffee without being dependent on it.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Voice from the Field: Fatima Ismael Espinoza

José Luis Zárate of Coffee Kids recently spoke with Fatima Ismael Espinoza, the general manager of the Coffee Kids’ partner Society of Small Producers for Coffee Export (SOPPEXCCA) to get a sense of how coffee farmers deal with unstable coffee prices and provide for their families.

Located in Jinotega, Nicaragua, SOPPEXCCA is a 650-member cooperative known throughout the coffee industry for their innovative practices and approaches to sustainability. Like many coffee-farming communities, they confront unstable prices for their product and variable yields.

JL: How much land does the average farmer in your cooperative have in coffee?

FE: Small producers in our cooperative on average cultivate about 1.8-2 hectares of coffee. This is insufficient for many and propagates poverty, which will continue for the foreseeable future.

JL: Is poverty an issue of access to sufficient land or low productivity?

FE: It is primarily a result of small properties, but there are two factors that go together. Limited land combined with inefficient use of that land and the lack of technical resources make it very difficult for families to survive.

JL: And when you talk about that lack of technical resources, what do you refer to?

FE: I mean technical support in the sector of organic coffee production. For example, to produce organic coffee, our producers expect a 50% reduction in production. The effect should be the opposite, organic production should be higher than with agro-chemicals because agro-chemicals deteriorate the environment.

In all the years that we have worked with organic production, we have noticed the damage to the environment that was caused by agro-chemicals. The problem that we face now is called soil infertility. My hypothesis is that this issue of infertility is the result of all the years that the land suffered from agro-chemicals, particularly in the 60s and 70s during the coffee boom. Also big estates used large amounts of agro-chemicals to make the land productive and generated such soil infertility.

JL: Maybe it’s not that the soil is poor but that it is toxic…

FE: Moreover, the hurricanes now wash away the nutrients from the soil eroding the richest layers of the land. I remember days after Hurricane Mitch I saw those soils totally bleached, white and hard. This means that a process of soil rehabilitation is needed.

We have had to analyze the soils, which is expensive. The price is unreachable to producers, so they cannot understand the condition of their soils. It is not worth it for them. This is why we have done various soils samplings with the cooperatives.

Thanks to this we have realized that although some of the soils are not as poor as we thought, there are some elements in it that show deficiencies. Then, as an alternative we have been attempting at working with the young people to process organic fertilizers that, apart from providing youngsters with a source of employment, help reduce the problem for the producers of organic coffee.

Conventional producers will have to move to organic gradually because the cost of chemical fertilizers is higher and higher. This increase in the price of chemicals is going to benefit us because there will be more and more organic producers.

JL: How many sacks of export-ready green coffee do the farmers produce per hectare?

FE: Our farmers produce about six sacks of green coffee (100 pounds per sack) per hectare.

JL: In your opinion, how much coffee does a family need to produce to cover living expenses?

FE: An average family should produce approximately 30 sacks of green coffee for export. But in order to survive, this production must be accompanied by the production of basic grains, fruits and some vegetables, along with other cash crops.

The aim is to diversify the products that fit into the agro-ecological system of coffee. This will prevent over dependence on coffee because if the price falls, families are helpless. If the harvest is bad, families are helpless. In our case, we have been encouraging cultivation of cocoa alongside coffee. The cocoa has a good price and it’s a more efficient use of the soil.

JL: In your experience, how much money is necessary to cover a family’s needs?

FE: For a normal family, without wasting anything, a family could spend about $30 a day. And the average income in Nicaragua is $2 per day.

JL: What happens during the ‘silent months’ when there is no coffee production?

FE: Coffee has very little silence. Most of the energy is put in November through February, which is harvest time. But after that there is the pruning, fertilization and coffee maintenance.

JL: It seems obvious that families do not earn enough to cover their expenses. What are they doing to cover that missing part?

FE: Well, this means they’re eating badly. It’s an issue of malnutrition. And what are we doing about this? We are trying to find alternatives for the people so they can diversify their diets starting with backyard production of fruits and vegetables.

JL: What kind of projects are you promoting?

FE: There are some who have already diversified their production. Some produce coffee and cocoa, others have coffee and sheep and some others are managing coffee and cattle. There is a group of poor women that have little land and we’ve provided them with training to produce jam for local sale and consumption.

Learn more about SOPPEXCCA’s efforts here or check out our Flickr page to see photos from Coffee Kids’ latest visit!

Friday, May 08, 2009

Civil War Apologies in Guatemala

Just saw this article in the Washington Post, Payments and Apologies for Victims of Guatemala’s Civil War. After living in Guatemala for two years and coming to understand the effect the civil war had on thousands of people there, it’s exciting to see the government taking some responsibility. Many of our Guatemalan partners work in indigenous communities that were heavily affected by the war, which lasted for nearly 30 years from the late 60s until 1996.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Make Your Bids at the Homeroasters’ Online Auction

An intrepid band of home roasters has put together “Kick it up for Coffee Kids,” an online auction to benefit Coffee Kids. The group is offering over $3,000 worth of items throughout the month of May.

Items include: five home roasters, a top-flight Zass 580, top-shelf specialty greens, industry magazine subscriptions, logo and design work by Dillanos, a gorgeous shop sign to be personalized, coffee preps (Yamas, Chemex, Bodum, Bunn) and lots more. Forty separate items will be auctioned off throughout the month of May.

Visit http://homeroasters.org for details and to place your bids.

Special thanks to all of our friends at homeroasters.org and all of the businesses, organizations and individuals who have donated items and their time to make this auction possible.