6 New Partnerships Grow Our Network
When we share experience, build trust, and deepen relationships, good work grows in ways none of us could create alone.
February 05, 2026
The livelihoods of coffee farmers are under threat. From shrinking yields to a pricing system that pays farmers less than the cost of production, farming coffee has grown increasingly challenging and unprofitable. The result? Communities are being torn apart as a growing number of farmers are abandoning their family homes and farms in search of a better life.
In light of these challenges, Lance and Lisa Buffinga partnered with local leaders in Olancho, Honduras to help local families combat poverty in their hometown. Together they formed Elevar, a coffee co-op that helps farmers elevate the quality of their coffee, find markets, and transform communities.
And this transformation is primed to multiply, as Elevar recently partnered with a national coffee chain to bring their beans to the United States!
Elevating Impact
Through working with Elevar, farmers increased both the quality and quantity of coffee produced. “They had hope again,” Lance said. “They were able to realize their dreams and move forward—not just for themselves, but their communities.”
Joining the Partners Worldwide (PW) network further deepened Elevar’s impact. “That was the game changer,” Lance said. PW equipped producers with their microenterprise curriculum and a cost-analysis program, and linked Elevar to additional passionate PW volunteers and subject matters who serve alongside the Buffingas.
When they recognized that some farmers couldn’t pay the upfront costs needed to
produce export-quality harvests, the partnership committed to paying farmers in advance, enabling producers to concentrate on what they do best: growing and harvesting coffee.
For the 2025-26 harvest, Elevar projects that 80 family farms will export over 91,000 pounds of coffee, generating over $273,000 in export sales and creating more than 1,380
jobs in the process.
Reaching a Global Marketplace
And soon, through a partnership with One BIGG Island in Space, you’ll be able to enjoy Elevar coffee at BIGGBY COFFEE, a national chain with over 450 locations across 13 states!
BIGGBY buys coffee directly from select producers like Elevar who treat their people equitably, use sustainable practices, and invest in their local communities. By purchasing coffee directly from farmers, BIGGBY eliminates the middleman and passes savings down to the producers.
This partnership will further multiply Elevar's impact, helping their farmers earn more for their hard work, adapt to changing conditions, and lift communities out of poverty.
“Behind every cup of coffee, there is a world of effort and dedication that only a few know about. Our coffee has a face and a story that must be told. We are deeply grateful for the passion and commitment on the part of Biggby Coffee, which is reflected in every stage of the process. Together we build a future based on trust, transparency, quality and fair price. That gives us hope and opportunities for our producers, future generations, and society.”
Sandra Rivera, Administrative Assistant & Coffee Producer, Elevar
