Our partnership with CaféOccidente has allowed us to develop WAI Program, which is designed to improve the conditions and overall quality of life for small coffee farmers in southern Nariño, Colombia.

Through WAI Program, West Andes Imports recognizes the painstaking practices of CaféOccidente coffee growers by means of economic compensation in two ways:

A fixed annual price which is at least 25% higher than the required minimum price set by FAIR TRADE. Our price is in local currency, which does not depend on fluctuations in the price of coffee on the New York Stock Exchange.

A monetary bonus per pound based on the score awarded to the coffee tested from each microlot. The bonus is an additional 12 cents/lb. for each point over 84. For example, if the base price/lb. is US$1.75, a grower whose coffee beans receive 89 points would be paid US$2.35/lb.

WAI Program is what sets apart our business model. As growers ourselves, we understand firsthand the many challenges farmers face. The fact that we offer our growers a set, competitive price throughout the year is in itself a significant benefit given the uncertainty of a plantation’s productivity each year. Thanks to WAI Program, our farmers already know the price of their coffee, which allows them to plan their finances for the year. WAI Program’s score-based bonus motivates growers to improve their practices in order to produce the highest-quality coffee.