There are less than two weeks to go until International Coffee Day, which will be celebrated on 1st October.
Coffee is one of the world’s most loved beverages, with an estimated 3 billion cups being drunk every day. However, coffee and its farmers are in jeopardy.
Due to an increase in crop yields, there have been two consecutive years of surplus in the market - resulting in a global oversupply of coffee. This oversupply is driving down the market price of coffee that farmers are paid - to a 15 year low.
On top of this, the cost of production has increased (labour, fertiliser, land etc) meaning farmers don’t make enough to survive. The cup of coffee you’re drinking may not be any cheaper, but the amount that farmers are paid for their crop yield has dropped to around 1 cent (USD) per cup.
The world-market price being at a record low is devastating for farmers and it’s affecting 12 million households. At Union, we are committed to paying fair prices - and we do so. In 2018, we paid on average 48% above the Fairtrade minimum price. There are millions of farmers worldwide that do not receive sustainable prices. Like the International Coffee Organization (ICO), who are organising this petition we believe that coffee is in jeopardy.
By signing this petition, you’ll give consumers a voice and help us to influence those who can effect positive change for coffee farmers around the world: the international community, governments, development banks, the United Nations and the wider coffee industry. With your assistance, we can help coffee farmers receive the livelihood they need and deserve through a living income and ensure prosperity and happiness for all.
The International Coffee Organization needs the power of one million signatures from all over the world, a target they are aiming to hit by #internationalcoffeeday on 1 October 2019.
At Union, we fully support this pledge and we ask you this pass on this message and sign the pledge.
What are you waiting for? Show your commitment by signing the #coffeepledge in support of a living income for coffee farmers and pass it on.
Please sign this petition here by clicking here.
Written by Pascale Schuit, Sustainable Sourcing Manager
September 2019
