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Tell Starbucks to Honor Their Commitments to Coffee Farmers
Target: Jim Donald, Starbucks CEOSponsored by: Oxfam America
Each year, coffee companies make billions of dollars. Starbucks alone earned almost $5.8 billion in net revenues during the first three quarters of 2006.
Yet, for every cup of coffee Starbucks sells, poor farmers in coffee-growing countries like Ethiopia earn only about $.03. Even worse, while Ethiopian farmers grow some of the finest name-brand coffees in the world – think Harar, Yirgacheffe, and Sidamo – they don't see the premium profits those names command among consumers.
With as many as 15 million Ethiopians dependent on coffee, Ethiopia wants to get its farmers more of what they deserve. The country's government has asked Starbucks to sign a licensing agreement that will allow Ethiopia to control the names of its coffee. That way, Ethiopia can help determine an export price that makes sure farmers see a larger share of the profits enabling them to feed their children, send them to school and get them better healthcare.
Ask Starbucks to sign the agreement giving Ethiopian farmers their fair share of coffee profits.
Yet, for every cup of coffee Starbucks sells, poor farmers in coffee-growing countries like Ethiopia earn only about $.03. Even worse, while Ethiopian farmers grow some of the finest name-brand coffees in the world – think Harar, Yirgacheffe, and Sidamo – they don't see the premium profits those names command among consumers.
With as many as 15 million Ethiopians dependent on coffee, Ethiopia wants to get its farmers more of what they deserve. The country's government has asked Starbucks to sign a licensing agreement that will allow Ethiopia to control the names of its coffee. That way, Ethiopia can help determine an export price that makes sure farmers see a larger share of the profits enabling them to feed their children, send them to school and get them better healthcare.
Sign Petition! see who signed this
We signed the “Tell Starbucks to Honor Their Commitments to Coffee Farmers” petition!
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Absolutely disheartening, Starbucks! Therefore, add my name to the list of people who will not purchase Starbucks products until a fair trade agreement is in place with every farmer.
# 193:
Step up and do the right thing. This move would cause your already astronomical profits to actually grow! Show us and the rest of the world that this nation cares about decency and fairness. We can't faintly hope for that from our government. Please show the world that the US CARES and KNOWS what fairness and respect are. Thank you.
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You have the power to do the right thing. It will help your business, too.
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Be fair, not greedy. These farmers are in need. You are not.
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They only sounds equitable to me! These poor folks surely deserve it , remember God made them too!
# 185:
It's time to make ALL the coffee you sell "fair trade." This insures a fair price to the farmers that grew it. While you're at it, how about making all your coffee shade-grown (helps preserve bird species) and organic (no pesticides, herbicides, etc.)??? Starbucks, as one of the largest companies in the world, has a moral & ethical duty to be responsible for the impacts it creates!
# 184:
Give the farmers their share- I'm paying $4.00 at the airport for a large cup of your coffee? I can do without until you do the right thing.
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Shame on you. You have become what you fought against! Oligarcist, not unlike yoour namesake, money and power corrupt absolutely.
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Wake up and smell the poverty. You CAN change the world in a positive way.
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There's absolutely no reason why Ethiopian farmers should not get paid a Fair price for their coffee, and thus be able to live a "humane" life. Since Starbucks sells the coffee for exhorbitant prices, there's really NO EXCUSE to be ripping the Ethiopian farmers off! It is not a surprise that I don't even go near Starbucks stores, these type of corporate behaviors make me sick! And, what is worse, Starbucks is lying to the public about it!
# 175:
Your coffee is over-priced. Since you make such a huge profit, maybe you should give back to the farmers, give them a raise or something. Show you truly care with your actions and not just your words!
# 174:
I think it is only fair to give the people who produce coffee a fair share of money...Poverty is HELL-I know because I grew up that way!!!!
# 173:
I will not purchase Starbucks products until a fair trade agreement is in place with every farmer.
# 172:
What a huge disappointment, I would expect more from Starbucks. Please do the right thing and share the profits with the Ethiopian farmers, that’s the only way you will keep my business.
# 171:
I too thought Starbucks supported fair trade. Only one choice of conscience can be made. Fair trade. Reject free trade because it's never free. The poor pay the price.
# 170:
Ethiopian farmers deserve a fair share of coffee profits. Starbucks can be a role model for fair treatment of developing countries.
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It is time to be responsible, and I hope Starbucks will listen to the demand of the Ethiopian coffee farmers.
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The list you can do is atleast pay the farmers their fare share rather than pretending with your Ethios water scum, which boasts your generoisity to the needy.
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I trust you will do your part to see that the farmers get a just amount of money for their coffee.
# 162:
We love coming to Starbuck's because of your policies. BUT PLEASE be more generous to the farmers!! And please offer organic coffees!!
# 161:
Starbucks... Just another in the latest trend of Corporate Greed
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We know that you value your employees. Please be sure to share the wealth with everyone.
# 156:
I'm so tired of Starbucks, pushing local coffeehouses out of business here at home, it's no surprise about thier trading practices as well. please do better
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Starbucks, this is your chance to show the world that not all Americans are greedy.
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It is good to make a profit but how good is it not to pay a fair price for the people at the bottom who are starving and poor?????
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