Problem

An estimated 2.5 billion people in the developing world depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Global trends in food prices are forcing these small-scale farmers to sell products for less then they costs to produce. Families dependent on agricultural income are pulling children out of school. They cannot afford basic medicine, national economies are suffering, some banks are collapsing, government funds for health and education are being squeezed.

The Gift

Help determine a “fair price" for produce from family farms in developing countries selling to global markets. Forward thinking companies that want to do the right thing need to know how their business practices impact on poverty. In some cases they need to know what a "fair price," rather than the "lowest possible price" would be. Fund one hour of an expert's time to evaluate specific company's supply chains in important crops such as coffee, cocoa, fruits and vegetables. These experts assess the impact of the company's business practices on poverty and determine "fair price" for small scale producers in developing countries.