THE IDEA

For too long society has chosen quick financial gain over long-term investment. Tropical deforestation is leaving our precious growing regions devoid of necessary nutrients to function long-term. 

The answer is simple in theory, but costly in practice. Give back to the land by planting trees and fruits and vegetables that invite animals and bugs to thrive in their natural habitats. But, of course, something like this takes time and money - resources we universally lack. 

But, if we want to see coffee producing-countries thrive, we must make the investment now. 

CIRCLE SHOWING THE BIODIVERSITY NEEDED TO MAINTAIN COFFEE FOR TGE NEXT GENERATION

Building Relationships

Good Citizen Coffee Co. started in Nasvhille TN in 2018 - the core team came together quickly as a response to the blank space in the roasting industry in Middle Tennessee. Of course, we wanted to roast great coffee - who doesn't want that? But, we didn't see roasters offering free, ongoing, comprehensive training to their wholesale partners. We knew from the start that the prioritization of this education and continued connection would be one of the main tenants of our brand: Building Relationships.

We continue to expand our resources that help consumers understand the connection between soil health and the future of coffee. Sustainability is a core piece of what makes us, us! Our coffee business is built on transparency and quality coffee. Sourced from sustainable farms, we help keep specialty-grade coffee in your cup without sacrificing nutrient-dense farming lands.

While sourcing coffee, we are focused on working with producers and importers that value transparency and sustainability alongside us. 

Jorge Vasquez Urena at his farm in Costa Rica

Investing in the Future

The seeds of Flora & Fauna first took root in Costa Rica in a conversation between Sean and our friend and partner, Jorge Vasquéz Ureña.

While walking on Jorge's land, Finca Cedral Alto, Sean was amazed by Jorge's commitment to the betterment and commitment to the long-term health of his land. Not only apparent in the beauty and complexity of the farm, but also in the cup quality of the coffee he produced. Purchasing Jorge's first year crop just made sense. During their walk, they came upon a large squash patch on the farm, which was particularly intriguing because this land could easily be cleared for more coffee trees. Jorge explained that by diversifying the crops he grew and integrating animals into his agrarian system, he was encouraging a healthier ecosystem and creating a more nutritious soil. Jorge's commitment to the health of his land inspires us to this day.

The answer is simple in theory, but costly in practice. Give back to the land by planting trees and fruits and vegetables that invite animals and bugs to thrive in their natural habitats. But, of course, something like this takes time and money - resources we universally lack. But, if we want to see coffee-producing countries thrive we must make the investment now.

That's why we commit to paying an additional 5% to core farmers so they can invest in their land, thus investing in the future and biodiversity - a cycle of people helping people.

THE REASON

The seeds of Flora & Fauna took root in Costa Rica. Sean was walking the land at Finca Cedral Alto with the farmer, Jorge. He had agreed to purchase all of his 1st year crop - because of the complexity and beauty of the cup and Jorge’s heart to grow, learn and make his farm healthier. 

 They walked past a large piece of land growing squash on the ground. Sean was intrigued particularly because this land could easily be cleared for more coffee trees. But, Jorge explained this squash was there for the animals so they could eat and then contribute back to the land, encouraging a healthy ecosystem and more nutrients in the soil. 

 Sean was taken aback because Jorge had chosen long-term land investment over the chance to sell a few more bags of coffee right now. 

 We’ve always tried to be conscious of how we make coffee improvements with our farmers. They work their land daily and know best what it needs. By listening to their needs and offering to help in planting crops for them, it seems like a very tangible way to help without overstepping our boundaries. 

CIRCLE SHOWING THE BIODIVERSITY NEEDED TO MAINTAIN COFFEE FOR TGE NEXT GENERATION

THE SOLUTION

Investing in biodiversity is a cycle of people helping people. The research is overwhelmingly clear - climate change will half our tropical coffee producing regions by 2050. Plant species are dying. Animals and bugs have no natural environment to reside in - so they leave. 

That’s why we’ve created Flora & Fauna. We commit to give 5% of our profits back to our farmers and back to the earth by investing in biodiversity at our coffee farms.