SCAA Responds to OXFAM Report on Coffee Crisis

LONG BEACH, CA - The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) supports the efforts of Oxfam International to raise awareness of the social, environmental, and economic impacts of the current crisis on coffee farmers world-wide. The long-term viability of the specialty coffee industry is dependent upon the sustainability of those who produce high-quality coffee. For this reason, it is in the best interest of specialty coffee roasters and retailers to build long-term relationships that provide fair prices to coffee producers.

The specialty coffee industry pays premium prices for high quality coffee. Members of the SCAA are currently engaged in a range of efforts to improve the well-being of producers, including Fair Trade and other sustainable certifications, relationship coffees, alternative market programs such as the Cup of Excellence® competition/auction, and a variety of company-implemented coffee sourcing innovations. In addition, SCAA supports the following to promote coffee quality and increase compensation to farmers:

§ Technical support for producers to improve quality

§ The creation and promotion of specialty coffee standards

§ The diversification of economic opportunities for producers, especially producers growing coffee at lower elevations

§ The elimination of or finding alternative uses for triage coffee

§ The improvement of FDA standards for the purity of coffee imports into the United States

About the SCAA
Founded in 1982, SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association with over 2,500 member companies. SCAA members are located in over 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The SCAA's mission is to be the recognized authority on specialty coffee, providing a common forum for the development and promotion of coffee excellence and sustainability. The SCAA's dedication to excellence in coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and services for members. The SCAA's annual conference is held in a different U.S. city each year and is the coffee industry's largest gathering and exhibition. Over 7,000 participants attend dozens of workshops and round tables on a variety of timely topics, from cupping coffee to merchandising. The exhibition hosts over 800 trade booths. SCAA's next Conference & Exhibition will be held in Boston April 25-28, 2003.

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