The Starbucks CAFÉ Practices Program, developed in coordination with Scientific Certification Systems, an independent third party evaluation and certification firm, evaluates the sustainable production of cherry and green coffee according to four categories: Product Quality, Economic Accountability, Social Responsibility, and Environmental Leadership.

The first two categories are prerequisites to participation in the program and ensure basic coffee quality and financial transparency, equity, and viability of the coffee supply chain. The program was designed to establish quality criteria for growers, processors, and vendors to encourage cooperation and shared responsibility throughout the supply chain to create a high quality, sustainable end product. Applicants are evaluated through a point system and are awarded Preferred Supplier status if they achieve a minimum of 60 percent of possible points in each applicable criteria area and an overall score of 60 percent of possible points. Applicants are awarded Strategic Supplier status if they achieve a minimum of 60 percent of possible points in each applicable criteria area and an overall score of 80percent of possible points.

Preferred pricing and contract terms extended to Preferred Suppliers. Strategic Suppliers also receive a $.05/pound premium on first year’s crop. http://www.scscertified.com/retail/rss_starbucks.php