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Buying coffee responsibly In conjunction with Conservation International, Starbucks developed socially responsible coffee buying guidelines called C.A.F.E. Practices (Coffee and Farmer Equity Practices) in 2001. These guidelines are designed to help us work with coffee farmers to ensure high-quality coffee and promote equitable relationships with farmers, workers and communities, as well as protect the environment.

The way it works The guidelines define what we believe to be the critical social, environmental, economic and quality aspects of growing, processing and selling coffee for Starbucks. To become a C.A.F.E. Practices supplier, coffee farmers, processors and exporters must meet minimum requirements and demonstrate best practices, which are subject to independent verification under the guidelines. High-scoring suppliers receive preferential buying status, higher prices and better contract terms.

The guidelines contain 28 specific indicators that fall under five focus areas: product quality, economic accountability (transparency), social responsibility, environmental leadership in coffee growing and environmental leadership in coffee processing.

In 2004! Starbucks has recently revised our buying guidelines. For updated information, including the new guidelines and application forms, please visit Scientific Certification Systems, the auditor for the revised program at Starbucks.