We are taking a look today at the changing landscape of the supply chain, from the crop to the cup.

TransFair USA is the only independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the U.S. The organization and people behind it claim to “help farmers and workers benefit from international trade, while offering a simple way for consumers to know that their products were produced in a responsible manner.”

To explain just how simple, and how responsible, we speak with the founder and CEO of Fair Trade, Paul Rice.

Breaking ground on a new farm requires much more than a good shovel. Before the seeds are in the ground, before the early morning trips to markets, a life of farming begins with months of planning and work on unfamiliar land. The farmers of Langwater Farm are in just such a position—they are transforming a historical piece of property in suburban Massachusetts from bare to brimming. And in their initial year of production, every task is the first of its kind. This story will follow the Langwater farmers as they maneuver through starting a farm in hard economic times, in a year after severe agricultural blight in the region, and in a town that has not seen a farm in decades.

Aubrey works as both storyteller and farm worker, helping the Langwater Farms in their start up year, and recording the challenges to share their story

-By Aubrey White

Episode One (June): When all you have is land

Stepping on to empty land, Langwater farmers Alida Cantor, Kevin, Kate, and Rory O’Dwyer are first tasked with how to make something out of nothing, and how to sustain it for the next thirty or more years. For the former, they have to improvise; for the latter, they have to envision.

Episode Two (July): Planting Trees on Leased Land

Planting Trees on Leased Land: July 5th, 2010

For young agricultural entrepreneurs, often the biggest inhibitor to starting a farm is finding affordable land close to viable markets. Fortunately, farmers can lease land. But planting on leased land means maintaining strong relations with the landowners, and accepting somewhat limited control over farm property. Aubrey White shows us that farming relies on relationships, as much as communities rely on farms.

Episode Three (August): In The Trenches

We continue From The Ground Up, our exploration of the new american farmer. We’ve been following the O’Dwyers at Langwater Farm in Easton, Massachussets as they learn what it truly takes to run a farm. And as Aubrey White reports, even if you can grow the best crops, selling them is a whole other story.

Episode Four (September): Suburbia’s Transformation

Many may not see a professional future in farming. But for those that stick with it, the first thing needed need is land. Aubrey White explores tomato season. We continue From The Ground Up, our exploration of the new american farmer.

Crop To Cup is an exploration of the role that coffee plays everyday. Few other commodities have the ripple effect that coffee does. From the moment we pay for, grind, brew, and consume coffee, we are shaping the world we live in. Crop To Cup is about illustrating those connections.

Led on this journey by Mark Pendergrast, be prepared to learn a thing or two about the most popular beverage in the world.Mark Pendergrast is the author of Uncommon Grounds, among numerous other books.

This special features interviews and guests that play a role at all levels of coffee’s supply chain. Grab a cup, and get educated on the importance of this little bean – or is it?

Note: Crop To Cuisine’s “Crop To Cup” series is in no way affiliated with or part of Crop to Cup Coffee Co, its’ services, products and any holdings associated.