Mai Thai
Coffee is a Vital Part of a Social Development Project
that is changing the lives of rural people throughout Northern Thailand.
It is a grassroots effort that has the support of the Thai Government,
the Forestry Department of Thailand and hundreds of villages across
Mae Hong Son and Chiangmai Provinces.
A Unique
Discovery: Several years ago we found coffee trees growing
in the villages of Northern Thailand. The villagers didn’t know
what to do with the coffee. We discovered that coffee had been introduced
to the highland villages some 40 years ago as a substitution crop
for opium, but no one developed a market for it. Further research
helped us to realize that we live in a prime coffee growing region
capable of producing high quality, specialty grade Arabica coffee.
A Solution
at the Village Level...To make a long story short, the idea
for Mai Thai Coffee was birthed. In spite of the villager’s lack
of education, they were extremely talented at growing things. The
rich resources of their natural habitat are ideal for coffee cultivation.
By tending a modest coffee farm of just one acre, a village family
can multiply their income enabling them to properly care for their
families. We provide the training for organic coffee production
and we compensate the farmers above the established Fair Trade Price
for their coffee.
Children
Are Being Helped... Mai Thai Coffee works closely with Abundant
Life Foundation in Thailand (www.alfthailand.org)
to provide support for orphans and at risk children. Over 1000 children
have already been helped through Abundant Life Foundation. Full
care facilities are operated where children can grow in a healthy
environment and receive a quality education. Housing, food, medical
and school fees are totally covered for these children.
Why Mai Thai Coffee….
Coffee is a commodity many people use daily that can be utilized
as an asset to better society and help children. It is great to
know that something as simple as the cup of coffee we enjoy in the
morning can bring change to the lives of people.
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