"Fair direct trade" means that all our coffee is purchased directly from farmers we know personally at prices that will sustain both a high quality of life for the farmer, coop members, and for workers on the farms far into the future. We personally know all our farmers and we truly look forward to the day when our children are partners with theirs in the coffee business.

All of our 100% Arabica coffee is shade-grown on high altitude farms over 3000 feet elevation. These farms employ a bio-diverse natural cover of shade trees to develop the beans slowly and give them more character and depth compared to full-sun, "monoculture" coffee farms. Our coffee is picked by hand so that only the ripest, red cherry is harvested.

We know that the highest quality coffee and tea comes from farmers who are committed to the highest quality in every aspect of their operation - from growing sustainable growing techniques to the health and welfare of workers. We buy only from farms which work with us to ensure workers are treated fairly and nature is protected.