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Corporate Social Responsibility
News
2.19.2007 - 08:20am ET
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The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and The Starbucks Coffee Company Joint Statement
(CSRwire) MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5337081
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia & SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 2007- The
Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and The
Starbucks Coffee Company recognize their shared interests and
responsibility in the sustainability and growth of the Ethiopian coffee
sector. Strong partnerships between the Government, coffee companies,
donors and other stakeholders are critical to the growth of the sector.
The Government of Ethiopia and Starbucks have agreed to work together
in their shared vision to increase Ethiopian farmer incomes and enhance
the sustainable production of fine coffee. Both the Government of Ethiopia
and Starbucks recognize that there may be differences in approach to
achieving this shared vision. Starbucks respects the right and choice of
the Government of Ethiopia to trademark its coffee brands and create a
network of licensed distributors. Starbucks will not oppose Ethiopia's
efforts to obtain trademarks for its specialty coffees--Sidamo,
Harar/Harrar and Yirgacheffe--and its efforts to create a network of
licensed distributors.
Further, Starbucks has agreed to double its purchases from East Africa
and will increase its purchases from Ethiopia. Starbucks will also provide
technical support and capacity building to Ethiopian farmers through a
Farmer Support Center that it will open in East Africa. The Farmer Support
Center will be staffed with agronomists who will work with farmers to
improve quality, yields and prices received. Starbucks will also expand
its micro-credit facilities in East Africa to help farmers invest in their
farms.
Both the Government of the Ethiopia and Starbucks will continue to
strengthen their partnership and engage in consultations on strategies to
improve the lives of Ethiopian coffee farmers and their families.
MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5337081
Copyright Business Wire 2007
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