Coffee is big business—second only to oil in trading on world markets. However many of the world’s 25 million coffee farmers are barely making a living.

By linking directly with markets, farmers in Fair Trade cooperatives are able to earn 3 to 5 times more than they would by selling their crop to local middlemen.

They also receive a social premium that goes to village projects like schools and hospitals.

Fair trade coops also help the environment by growing coffee the traditional way—in the shade between other plants. This provides key habitat for wildlife and better quality beans.