Leticia Diaz inspects coffee plants in Lagunas Community, Honduras.
Chances are good that an uncomfortable truth is lurking in your cup of coffee. Regardless of how much you paid for it, very little of that money is making it back to the farmers who grew it. And they're living in poverty as a result. The first step to changing an exploitative system is understanding, so we made this quick guide to help us all understand what's happening and how we can start to do right by our coffee farmers.
If your preferred brand or shop isn't paying fairly, tell them so and consider shopping elsewhere.
Be aware that while certification programs often raise the bar in terms of social and environmental standards, that doesn't means that farmers earn enough.
Talk about unfair coffee prices with friends and family.
Share news about the coffee economy on social media and tag major coffee conglomerates when you do.
*Number varies based on geography, family circumstances and other factors