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What Oxfam is Doing

• Fair Trade Coffee in the US
• Coffee Farmer Testimonials

INTRODUCTION

Oxfam America works with a broad range of groups—coffee farmers, US consumers, policy makers, retailers, and the coffee industry—to create sustainable solutions to poverty in coffee communities.

Oxfam seeks to create an environment where coffee farmers and farm workers are fairly rewarded for their hard work. Fair trade certification, which guarantees that small-scale coffee farmers are paid a basic price, is one piece of that strategy.

By connecting our work with coffee producers in Central America and East Africa with consumer education, political advocacy, and corporate engagement, Oxfam America is able to develop creative strategies that address the complex challenges facing small-scale coffee farmers around the world.

• Producers: Through close connections with our coffee producing partners, Oxfam America maintains first hand understanding of the impacts of the coffee crisis and the needs of coffee communities. By supporting small-scale farmer cooperatives in six countries, Oxfam works to overcome the impacts of the crisis by supporting the development of cooperative business infrastructure and farmers’ ability to access the most profitable markets for their coffee.
• Consumers: Who are Oxfam America’s supporters?  There are over 350 college campuses and 800 students who have been active on issues of fair trade and the coffee crisis. They have been active in the community realm as well.  They work with faith organizations, environmental justice groups, community based organizations, immigration organizations and many others to support local campaigns from our national advocacy office. Oxfam America supporters have been a key component in the success of the coffee program.
• Governments:  In order for coffee farmers to receive a truly fair deal, Oxfam works to reform trade policies that have historically left small-scale farmers with the cards stacked against them.  To level the playing field, Oxfam works to ensure a voice for small-holder farmers in the global institutions that set the rules for coffee trade.  Through advocacy and work with political allies, Oxfam encourages government institutions to include programs that support quality improvement programs, direct market access, rural financing, and diversification initiatives - all of which help increase the incomes of coffee farming families.
• Corporations: Oxfam acknowledges that a comprehensive solution to the coffee crisis must include participation of coffee industry.  Through informed dialogue with coffee companies and retailers, Oxfam seeks to promote business practices that include prices which guarantee a sustainable livelihood for farmers and a sustainable supply of quality coffee for the industry.