Photograph by Josh Meister
This coffee isn’t just good; it’s fair. Farmers to 40, a nonprofit business launched in October 2013 through a social enterprise program at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, directs up to 40 percent of the retail proceeds back to the farmers themselves, an initiative that far exceeds most “fair trade” practices. Under the company’s model, coffee grown on three Nicaraguan farms—chosen for their sustainable growing practices—stays under the control of the farmers until it is delivered to Atlanta roaster Octane. That’s a departure from the global coffee industry’s complex supply and distribution chains, which dilute farmers’ pay. Look for Finca El Petén (sweet chocolate flavor), Finca Los Pinos (balanced with citrus notes), and Finca Los Maderos (bright with chocolate flavors) beans at farmersto40.com ($10 per 12-ounce bag) and at Candler Park Market ($13.99 per 12-ounce bag).
This article originally appeared in our January 2015 issue.
