The Power of Farmer-Owned Coffee
What Makes Co-Op Coffee Different?
When you pour your morning cup, you probably don’t think about the countless hands that made it possible. But behind every smooth, rich sip is a story — one that, for too long, hasn’t benefited the people who make coffee possible. The Coffee Farmers Co-Op is changing that. By putting ownership directly into the hands of coffee farmers, we’re creating a new, sustainable way to enjoy coffee that empowers communities and protects the future of the industry.
What Is Co-Op Coffee?
Unlike traditional coffee supply chains — where profits are absorbed by middlemen — co-op coffee is built on collaboration and shared success. A co-op (short for cooperative) is a business owned and operated by the people who produce its goods. In our case, that means the farmers themselves.
At The Coffee Farmers Co-Op, ownership is shared among farmers around the world, working together with experienced roasters and business leaders to make decisions collectively. This unique model ensures that every voice matters and every choice we make leads to long-term sustainability — for the farms, the families, and the planet.
Empowering Farmers, One Cup at a Time
The foundation of our mission is simple: coffee farmers deserve to thrive, not just survive.
According to a World Bank report, 66% of coffee farmers live in poverty, with nearly a quarter surviving on less than $2 a day. That’s not sustainable — for families or for the future of coffee.
That’s why The Coffee Farmers Co-Op was created: to shift power back into the hands of those who make coffee possible. Every farmer who joins our co-op becomes an owner — with voting rights, profit-sharing, and access to essential resources that help them grow their farms and their futures.
How the Co-Op Model Works
Our cooperative model is more than just fair pay — it’s a complete system designed to create opportunity and long-term stability for coffee producers.
Here’s how:
Ownership & Voice: Every member farmer is an owner and gets a seat at the table. Decisions are made collectively — from pricing to investments — ensuring transparency and fairness.
Fair Compensation: Farmers are paid above their cost of production, meaning they earn a true living wage that allows them to reinvest in their land and communities.
Shared Profits: The profits of the company are distributed among the farmers and their communities, based on how the members choose to allocate them.
Access to Resources: Members receive ongoing agricultural advice, research insights on coffee tree varieties, and low-interest rate loans to grow their production sustainably.
This model not only rewards hard work but also strengthens the global coffee supply chain — ensuring better quality beans and more ethical sourcing for consumers.
Why Co-Op Coffee Tastes Better
Coffee grown through empowerment simply tastes better — because it’s cultivated with care, dignity, and purpose. When farmers have the financial stability and resources to focus on quality, every bean reflects that dedication.
You’re not just tasting great coffee; you’re tasting hope, craftsmanship, and collaboration.
Join the Movement
Every purchase from The Coffee Farmers Co-Op makes a difference. By choosing farmer-owned coffee, you’re helping create fairer wages, stronger communities, and a better world — one cup at a time.
Interested in coffee for your business? Our partner, Java City, is proud to be a wholesale coffee roaster in Sacramento.