BUSINESS WIRE -- Building on their decade-long relationship, Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX), the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations (FLO) and TransFair USA will join forces to leverage a small-scale farmer loan program that is intended to grow to at least $20 million by 2015 based on current commitments from Starbucks Coffee Company. The Small Farmer Sustainability Initiative (SFSI) was designed to build on existing Starbucks efforts that help foster improved livelihoods, environmental stewardship and economic sustainability in the coffee industry. Given the economic and business challenges that continue to face coffee farmers around the world, the program will increase market access for small-scale coffee farmers, provide much needed farm loans and technical assistance, and offer an industry-pioneering coordinated audit system.
