On August 23, 2024, we held our 7th Annual Farmers' Day at the Daye Bensa Coffee Hall, bringing together over 2,500 of our coffee farmers for a day of celebration and gratitude. This event is a cherished tradition where we honor the hard work and dedication of our farmers, who are key to our success.
A Tradition of Appreciation
For the past seven years, we’ve given additional bonus payments to our farmers as a way to say "thank you" for their commitment. Over this time, we’ve invested more than $1.5 million USD in bonuses, shared among our 2,500 member farmers. These bonuses are not just a reward but a way to support and recognize the vital role each farmer plays in our community.
Voices from the Field
During the celebration, we had the chance to speak with several farmers from different regions. Their feedback about the bonuses and the event itself was overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what a few of them had to say:
Werkenehe Adelo from Shantawene
Werkenehe has been a member of Daye Bensa since we first started this recognition program seven years ago. He manages a 1.5-hectare farm and sold 6,800 kilos of coffee to us last year. Werkenehe shared how much he has benefited from being part of Daye Bensa. "Daye Bensa has taught us how to save money in banks and also helped us teach our children the same. The bonus money we receive has made a big difference in our lives. We use it for food, school supplies, clothes, and more. This year, I plan to use the bonus to cover my kids’ school fees and supplies without affecting my regular income," he explained. Werkenehe also expressed his commitment to providing high-quality coffee and supporting Daye Bensa’s future success.
Alemu Daniso from Danbe
Alemu has been with Daye Bensa for five years, managing a 4-hectare farm and selling 6,500 kilos of coffee to us last year. He appreciates the partnership and the benefits it brings. "With the bonus money, we can support our children’s education, enjoy holidays, and cover other expenses without touching our regular pay. This year, Daye Bensa also provided us with new coffee plants, which we expect will help us in the coming year. Despite other buyers showing interest in our coffee, we prefer working with Daye Bensa because of the excellent support we receive."
Belemue Bera from Bombe
Belemue has been a Daye Bensa member for seven years. He runs a 3-hectare farm and sold 600 kilos of coffee to us last year. Belemue highlighted the positive impact of our training and support. "When we started with Daye Bensa, we received training that helped improve our coffee’s quality. The bonus money is especially useful during the summer when income can be lower. It also helps me support my four children in college. Daye Bensa has even built a school in the Bombe area, which has been a huge benefit to our community. We look forward to continuing our partnership and are excited about future projects."
Building Financial Stability
At Daye Bensa, we’re dedicated to not only rewarding our farmers but also helping them build better financial habits. That’s why we deposit the bonus payments directly into their bank accounts. This approach helps secure their earnings, encourages saving, and improves financial literacy.
A Day of Celebration and Recognition
The event concluded with awards for our top-performing farmers, recognizing those who have excelled in their work. Local and religious leaders also gave their blessings, adding a meaningful touch to the celebration.
As we reflect on seven years of Farmers' Day, we’re proud of the strong community we’ve built together. We’re committed to continuing our support and celebrating the successes of our farmers for many years to come.
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