Why Ethical Sourcing Matters (Especially When It Comes To Your Morning Coffee)
Let’s be honest, coffee is more than just a drink. It’s how most of us start our day, find a moment of calm, or share time with others. At Camano Island Coffee Roasters, we believe coffee should not only taste good, it should do good too. That’s where ethical sourcing comes in.
Our journey started here on Camano Island, Washington, in a little barn with a big vision: could coffee become a force for good? Our founder, Jeff Ericson, was deeply moved after learning about the challenges facing coffee farming families. Families who often work incredibly hard but still live in poverty. He didn’t want to sell just great coffee. He wanted to create change.
So we set out to do coffee differently, from how we source our beans to how we support the communities growing them.
What does “ethical sourcing” really mean?
For us, it means choosing to put people and the planet first, every step of the way. Here’s what that looks like for us:
- 100% Organic, Shade Grown Beans
All of our coffee is certified organic and shade grown. That’s good news for the environment and even better news for you, because healthier soil and slower growing beans create richer, smoother flavors.
- Fair Pay for Farmers
We pay above fair trade rates and work closely with growers through long term relationships. This ensures farmers are not only compensated fairly but also have the stability they need to thrive and plan for the future.
- Giving Back Through Every Bag
We partner with incredible nonprofits like Agros International and Food 4 Farmers. A portion of every Coffee Lovers Club order supports initiatives like land ownership, diversified farming, clean water access, and education. It’s not just charity, it’s long term empowerment.
When we started Camano Island Coffee Roasters, we asked ourselves: Can a cup of coffee really make a difference? The answer, we’ve learned, is yes, when it’s sourced the right way. When you sip our coffee, you’re part of something bigger than just your morning routine.
We work with amazing farmers in places like Central and South America who are doing things right, growing their beans with care, using sustainable methods, and putting their families and communities first. Thanks to partners like Agros International, many of these farmers are able to own their land, support their children’s education, and build lasting independence. That’s the kind of impact we want to be a part of, and it’s the kind of coffee we want to drink.
Most people don’t think about where their coffee comes from (understandably, it’s early in the morning!). But when you choose ethically sourced coffee, you’re making a small choice with a big ripple effect:
- You’re helping farmers get paid fairly for their hard work
- You’re protecting the environment and supporting clean farming practices
- And yes, you’re getting a fresher, better tasting cup of coffee
We’re proud to roast the top 1% of Arabica beans, all certified organic and shade grown. And we’re even prouder to say we know exactly where they come from, and who we’re supporting with every bag.
What started as a barn-based dream has grown into a community of coffee lovers who believe that what we drink, and how it’s sourced, matters. Our customers aren’t just here for a caffeine fix. They care about where their coffee comes from. They believe in fair pay, clean farming, and real impact. And we love that about you.
Ethical sourcing isn’t a trend for us. It’s the foundation of who we are.
So the next time you brew a cup of Camano Island Coffee, know this: you’re supporting farmers, protecting the planet, and helping us build a coffee industry that works for everyone, not just the biggest players.
We’re so glad to have you with us!
Cheers to coffee that tastes good and does good.