SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY
The Sustainability Mission
Our goal is to provide the world’s best coffee through a commitment to sustainability and the economic empowerment of the world’s coffee producers.
We achieve this by providing growers with responsible and sustainable premiums, direct service, and Vournas’ 20+ year record of integrity and respect.
We believe that exceptional specialty coffee requires authenticity, loyalty and compassion. Coffees that carry the Vournas seal represent our commitment to quality, sustainability, and a belief in a better tomorrow, sealed with an honest handshake.
Environmental Sustainability
We work with growers who use sustainable methods of production that are designed to minimize their impact on the environment. Having been at this for 20 some years, we are able to provide guidance on potential resources for growers across the globe.
Healthy ecosystems begin with clean water. Though coffee producing wastewater contains only natural elements, it can disrupt the natural balance of lakes and streams, so filters and holding ponds are commonly used.
Through the use of root bending, selective pruning and the use of natural shade, farmers are able to produce stronger, more sustainable crops. By planting tall shade trees, like banana, farmers create biodiversity and new habitats for birds, bees and everything in between. A single coffee plantation can support hundreds of species of plants and animals.
We work with growers who use sustainable methods of production that are designed minimize their impact on the environment. Having been at this for 20 some years, we are able to provide a wealth of knowledge and potential resources for growers across the globe.
Healthy ecosystems begin with clean water. Though coffee producing wastewater contains only natural elements, it can disrupt the natural balance of lakes and streams, so filters and holding ponds are commonly used.
Through the use of root bending, selective pruning and the use of natural shade, farmers are able to produce stronger, more sustainable crops. By planting tall shade trees, like banana, farmers create biodiversity and new habitats for birds, bees and everything in between. A single coffee plantation can support hundreds of species of plants and animals.
Economic & Social Sustainability
Fair Trade is structured to improve quality, promote sustainability, and help producers achieve better pricing and standards of living. We support Fair Trade efforts and go above and beyond Fair Trade standards to provide our farmers with economically sustainable levels of pricing and premiums. As a result, we have maintained our farming relationships and empowered coffee growing communities for generations.
Drying Methods
Coffees are typically dried in direct sunlight on either concrete, stone patios or on raised beds. Producers may also use covered green-house style silos or mechanical driers for more control or as a final drying step.
Methods
Our Partners & Initiatives
We partner with nonprofit organizations that share our commitment to improve the welfare of our farmers and their families.
Through our network of non-profits, like Growers First, Grounds for Health, and other various programs worldwide we have encouraged the participation of our employees and roasters to contribute to our initiatives.
