Why not give a donkey?

Ethiopians carry a lot on their backs. And anything done to lighten their load is obviously and ever so much appreciated! Those were a couple of the recurring comments during our recent CoopCoffees travels in Ethiopia.  We spoke frequently during our coop visits about the challenges facing producers, and about  Oromia Union's programs for quality control and how to promote best practices - from the field to the final selection in the dry processing plant. While in the Yirgacheffee region, Oromia Union Manager Tadesse Meskela watched as a woman deposit a bag full of beautiful, crimson red coffee cherries.  "These cherries are perfect!" he exclaimed. "We are going to award this woman a donkey!"  

That comment sparked the idea of what would quickly become "The Donkey Project" - a gift program, where people in North America could purchase donkeys for OROMIA Union quality award-winning farmers. Each cooperative where CoopCoffees sources coffee would enter into a "friendly competition" for their farmers who turn top-quality coffee cherries in to their collective wet processing plants. This will not only help farmers improve their quality (and save their backs!), but would also be a fun way for consumers to support Fair Trade and to connect with coffee producers.