 |
|
|
 |
Gorilla Fund Coffee
Gorilla Blend is a rich medium-strong roast coffee with citrus high notes over deep chocolate undertones (as quoted from the
Roastmaster's notes). This coffee is Fair Trade Certified. The coffee beans in Gorilla Fund Coffee are produced by farmer-owned cooperatives in Rwanda. Your
support of this coffee program promotes a sustainable economy for the people of Rwanda and reduces pressure on the surrounding mountain gorilla habitat.
Rwanda's Coffee Farmers
There are 500,000 coffee farmers in Rwanda. The average farm is one half acre (200 feet x 100 feet) with about 200 coffee trees amidst
corn, beans, bananas and garden vegetables. Coffee is most often the only source of family income, which averages under $150 per year. Coffee is Rwanda's
number one export and source of foreign exchange.
Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are an extremely endangered species. There are about 700 remaining in the world, and all of them live in the wild.
These mountain gorillas reside in Rwanda's Parc National Des Volcans. The Dian Fossey Fund International protects and monitors the 380 in the Virunga Mountains
in Rwanda. These are the Dian Fossey gorillas.
Dian Fossey Fund International
Dian Fossey founded the DFGI in 1978. The organization is dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitat in
Africa through anti-poaching patrols, regular monitoring, research, education and support of local communities. Read more about it at
gorillafund.org
Fair Trade
Fair Trade helps family farmers in developing countries gain direct access to international markets and develop the business capacity
necessary to compete in the global marketplace. By learning how to market their own harvests, Fair Trade farmers are able to take control of their businesses
and receive a fair price for their product. This leads to higher family living standards, thriving communities and more sustainable farming practices.
Today's world coffee prices are about 60 cents per pound. In real terms, these are the lowest coffee prices in 300 years. This is a
crisis for millions of coffee farmers around the world. Coffees purchased at fair trade prices guarantee farmers at least $1.26 per pound. Also, the Fair Trade
market connects farmer-run cooperatives directly to US importers. This cuts out the middlemen who previously profited at the expense of farmers and creates
the conditions for long-term sustainability.
Cooperatives
Small-scale coffee farmers don't grow enough coffee to export their product individually. To overcome this obstacle, cooperatives are established
to process, market and sell their coffee together.
The Rwandan coffee cooperatives fund programs, which promote education, health care, gender equity and environmental sustainability.
The cooperatives fund these programs by investing a percentage of their coffee profits back into the community. The cooperatives also fund and coordinate
projects to improve the quality of their coffee (editor note: as if it needs improving!). These projects plan for a future of better coffee, better prices,
and more social and ecological benefits.
The beautiful thing about Gorilla Fund Coffee is: You can buy it knowing you are helping a rare, endangered species and a group of
people far less fortunate than you and I. Or you can buy it for the coffee itself. It's really good coffee.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
©
Robbins Pet Care. All Rights Reserved. The products sold by Robbins Pet Care are not intended to be the sole source of treatment or to take the place of expert veterinarian care. Please consult with your veterinarian and ask about using a natural and alternative approach for the treatment of your pet.
Contact Webmaster | Privacy Policy | Sitemap
|
