Cut out the Middleman

Story by Tyler O’Neil
Photos contributed by Rachel Buchmeier

Spirit Mountain Coffee is helping revolutionize the way people buy coffee. In an industry where importers and roasters soak up 78 percent of the revenue generated by the caffeinated beans, one plantation in the Dominican Republic is cutting out the middleman and selling its coffee directly to consumers in the United States. The increase in proceeds helps fund two schools, provides better wages for farmers and is helping to change a community.