Why “Abäsärä”?

Abäsärä is from the language of Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee. It means “bring good news” or “announce.” Imagine, if you will, a small village cut off from the outside and hungry for news. A traveler arrives and is warmly welcomed to sit down and enjoy steaming, delicious coffee. Encouraged by the hospitality, the traveler settles down for a long and informative visit. Even better, imagine he is bringing an announcement of good news, encouraging more coffee and fellowship.

Abäsärä Coffee’s intent is to bring good news for those who drink it, for those who produce it and for those who benefit from it.

How Abäsärä Coffee Came About

Abäsärä Coffee was birthed when the desire for funding startup of worthy humanitarian projects and ministry to people hungry for the Good News came together with the idea of using something people of all walks of life have in common—their love of coffee! It is our desire to help build brighter futures for some of the poorest and most downtrodden people in the world. The old adage, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime (Maimonides),” truly applies. Thus, these offerings “bring good news!”

Why Organic

As the consumer becomes more conscious of what is being ingested, organic products offer assurance that foods are free of synthetic chemicals, antibiotics and hormones. Certified organic farming systems are implemented by the use of ecologically sound practices. These include practices such as biological pest management and the exclusion of synthetic chemicals, antibiotics or hormones in crop and livestock production.

Organic farming is good for the soil. Organic agriculture promotes management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony and the balance of natural systems. Pollution from air, soil and water is minimized through organic farming methods.

An added bonus is the high level of standards set for handling, processing and retailing. These help ensure the integrity of organic agricultural products.

Why Fair Trade

Farmers in developing countries gain an avenue for direct access to international markets in order to compete in the global marketplace. They are able to develop their business in a way that assures a fair price for them and creates stability for those who depend on them.

Small-scales farmers living in remote areas are often dependent on middlemen to buy their coffee. This dependence creates opportunity for the buyer to offer a fraction of the actual value of the coffee. Fair Trade enables farmers to market their coffee directly which cuts out the middleman and guarantees them a set minimum price for their coffee.

Fair Trade provides access to affordable credit cutting out unsavory lenders.

Fair Trade farmer-run cooperatives are linked directly with US importers. The US has a good market for such products. This encourages sustainable practices such as organic gardening.

Fair Trade is good for the farmer, good for the environment and good for you!