What is an important practice promoted by Farmer Support Centers (FSCs)?

The important practice promoted by Farmer Support Centers (FSCs) is the promotion of C.A.F.E. standards. C.A.F.E. stands for Coffee and Farmer Equity, and it is a set of sustainable sourcing guidelines developed by Starbucks to ensure that coffee is produced in a way that is beneficial to farmers and the environment. FSCs play a crucial role in training farmers on these standards, which include economic, social, and environmental criteria. By adhering to C.A.F.E. standards, farmers can improve their livelihoods while also ensuring the sustainability of their farming practices, leading to high-quality coffee production.

Supporting farmers in meeting these standards helps to create a more equitable supply chain and contributes to the overall sustainability of the coffee industry. This approach not only benefits the farmers and their communities but also enhances Starbucks' commitment to ethical sourcing, which is central to its brand identity.