Central Aceh, Indonesia — The rich aroma of Gayo coffee has long captivated connoisseurs around the world. But on July 26, 2025, the story of this highland treasure took on a new chapter—one that blends commerce with compassion.
In a landmark visit to the Gayo Highlands, Grace Farms Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Connecticut, USA, in collaboration with Armenia Coffee, one of the largest coffee importers in America, announced a transformative initiative. Together, they will establish a community center, training facility, and library for coffee farmers in Central Aceh.
This initiative, rooted in long-term commitment, also includes education programs for farmers’ families. The announcement was marked by the visit of Izwandi Rusli, representing Armenia Coffee, alongside Adam Thatcher, founder and philanthropist behind Grace Farms, who has grown deeply fond of Gayo coffee and the people of Aceh.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO RESUME CONTENT
“This is not just about buying coffee. This is about investing in the future of the people who grow it,” Thatcher said during the event.
Grace Farms and Armenia Coffee are taking their ethical sourcing philosophy to new heights by ensuring that a portion of the profits from Gayo coffee sales will be reinvested directly into the farming communities. This includes an unprecedented collaboration with JP Morgan, one of the largest banks in the United States, which consumes up to 10,000 cups of Gayo coffee daily across its offices.
In a concrete agreement with Grace Farms, JP Morgan has committed to supporting this social reinvestment model, redirecting proceeds from their coffee consumption back into the communities where the coffee originates.
To ensure the center reflects the environmental and cultural values of Aceh, renowned American architects James Slade and Hayes Slade have been brought in to design the facility. Their approach will integrate ecological principles with local Acehnese architecture and traditions.
The U.S. delegation was accompanied by Dr. Suraiya IT, Special Advisor to the Governor of Aceh on International Relations. She emphasized that the initiative symbolizes a new model of global trade—one that places justice, participation, and sustainability at its core.
“Grace Farms reminds us that coffee should not only be a commodity. It can be a global force for human solidarity and community empowerment,” she stated.
The choice to partner with Ketiara Cooperative, led by Rahmah, was deliberate. The cooperative is widely respected for its commitment to women’s economic empowerment in the coffee sector. In a male-dominated industry, Ketiara has proven that inclusive economic development is both possible and powerful.
In recognition of this work, Grace Farms has invited Rahmah to the United States, where she will meet with JP Morgan and other international buyers in New York and Connecticut. The trip is fully funded by Grace Farms as a gesture of appreciation and solidarity.
“This is more than a business partnership. It’s about recognition of our values and hard work,” Rahmah said.
The Governor of Aceh has expressed strong support for the initiative and hopes it will inspire other international coffee buyers to adopt similar community-focused models.
“It’s time for the global coffee industry to go beyond profit margins and help transform the lives of the farmers who make it all possible,” the Governor said in an official statement.
At a time when climate change and market volatility threaten smallholder farmers worldwide, this initiative offers a new kind of hope—that every cup of Gayo coffee might carry with it not only a world-class flavor, but a story of justice, dignity, and shared prosperity. (*)
