It’s important that our efforts funnel income directly toward the people on the ground- the farmers and families that spend the money they earn within their local economies, spurring growth in these areas. That is why our yerba mate is planted, harvested, and manufactured by farmers in Brazil. It is certified Fair Trade, meaning that the farmers are paid an above average wage, and we are happy to pay a premium to make sure they are. And when it come to the acai that grows wild all over the rainforest, we rely on the natives in the area to harvest from their own back yards, which provides thousands of families and additional income.

• Our yerba mate grows naturally in Southern Brazil. Our partners are so eco-conscious that they control the entire process from planting and harvesting to manufacturing and bagging. The entire process is done without any chemical products such as synthetic fertilizers, insecticides or herbicides. Instead of machinery, horses and handheld cutter are used to harves the leaves. The processing plant uses electricity generated by organic eucalyptus, produced through reforestation.
• Harvesting acai requires natives to scale palm trees up to 8o feet tall in order to cut down the branches. It does not harm the rainforest in any way. In fact, an increased demand for acai has caused many Brazilians to turn toward growing and harvesting acai for income rather that alternatives that lead to deforestation.