BOSTON, MA - January 29, 2007 - Today’s announcement that Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has agreed to work closely with Ethiopia to raise the value that Ethiopian farmers receive from their coffees is a welcome first step that other companies should follow, says international agency Oxfam.

The formal Letter of Intent between Green Mountain "“ a major coffee roaster and distributor in the US "“ and Ethiopia "is an initiative made in good faith between a major company, the government, and a national stakeholder group that includes farmer cooperatives," said Raymond C. Offenheiser, president of Oxfam America.

"Developing countries need greater control over their own agricultural markets in order to negotiate a fair return from the quality and reputation of their products. Coffee companies that expect to thrive in a global market should follow Green Mountain’s lead," Offenheiser said. "We hope that Green Mountain will continue to break new ground toward Ethiopia’s ultimate goals."

Oxfam America

Oxfam America

Oxfam is a global organization working to end the injustice of poverty. We help people build better futures for themselves, hold the powerful accountable, and save lives in disasters. Our mission is to tackle the root causes of poverty and create lasting solutions. Join us: oxfamamerica.org.

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