Which pillar of C.A.F.E. Practices focuses on fair compensation for farmers?

The correct answer is economic. The economic pillar of C.A.F.E. Practices specifically addresses the need for fair compensation for farmers, which is a fundamental aspect of ensuring sustainability in coffee sourcing. This pillar emphasizes creating a financial framework that allows farmers to receive a living wage, thus supporting their livelihoods and promoting the long-term viability of coffee farming communities.

This focus on economic factors is essential because it helps to alleviate poverty, enhance the socio-economic status of farmers, and encourage them to invest in their farms and communities. By ensuring economic stability, Starbucks can build stronger relationships with coffee producers, which ultimately contributes to a sustainable coffee supply chain.

In contrast, the social pillar relates to the community practices and working conditions for employees and families in the coffee-producing regions, while the environmental pillar centers on sustainable farming practices that protect the ecosystem. The quality pillar focuses on the standards and practices that ensure high-quality coffee production. Each of these pillars contributes to the overarching goals of ethical sourcing, but only the economic pillar specifically addresses the issue of fair compensation for farmers.