Flushing CSA is working with Farmers Origin, which delivers organic and sustainably-grown coffee directly from small growers in Monteverde, Costa Rica.  If you’re interested, please fill out the sign-up sheet at our “Meet the Farmer” event or contact Flushing CSA at flushingcsa@gmail.com to put in your order.

Where is the coffee grown?

Monteverde was founded in 1951 by Quakers who came to Costa Rica as conscientious objectors to the Korean War. They brought the ideals of community, integrity, equality and stewardship with them, and established the first protected watershed in Costa Rica, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

The unique confluence of Quaker values, Costa Rican coffee farmers, and a pristine natural environment has allowed Monteverde to become a high quality coffee producing region.

Unfortunately, the coffee industry in the Monteverde area is in decline, in large part due the established coffee supply chain, in which small coffee farmers are paid a commodity price and receive an average of 8% of the final sale price of their coffee. At the other end of the supply chain, roasters and retailers in the U.S. make an average of 70% of the final sale price.

What is Farmers Origin?

Farmers Origin was founded out of the needs of the Monteverde community and allows farmers to sell their coffee directly to consumers in the U.S. As a result, small growers receive 90% of the final sale price. Through Farmers Origin, Costa Rican farmers can gain more autonomy and make 2-5 times more than what they can get from the large exporters who control the global commodity markets.

Our hope with this project is to ensure the sustainability of the coffee industry in the Monteverde community by connecting Costa Rican farmers with communities in the U.S. who share the same values.  To read more, go to the Farmers Origin website.

What is Flushing CSA?

Flushing CSA is a volunteer community group dedicated to expanding access to fresh organic food in our neighborhood. We work with Golden Earthworm Organic Farm and other regional farmers to deliver seasonal fruits and vegetables at our pick-up site located at Flushing Town Hall.  To learn more, visit us at http://www.flushingcsa.com or email flushingcsa@gmail.com.