Coffee growing regions in northern and western Sumatra are facing significant challenges following recent destruction in Aceh. Learn what we’re doing to support our farmers and how you can help.
The Impact on Coffee Growing Regions
At the end of November, severe destruction struck northern and western Sumatra as a result of Cyclone Senyar. Roads and bridges connecting Aceh and Medan were completely destroyed by flooding and landslides, cutting off ground transportation and severely limiting access to the affected areas. Supplies can currently only be delivered by air, creating significant logistical challenges for communities already facing hardship.
The human suffering and economic impact across Sumatra’s coffee growing regions are incalculable. Houses, farms, and essential infrastructure have been severely damaged or completely wiped out. For many producers, these losses threaten both their immediate livelihoods and long-term recovery.
What Royal Is Doing Now
In response, both Royal Coffee in California and Royal New York immediately sent funds to support the airlift of critical rice supplies into the affected regions in Aceh. While these efforts have helped address urgent needs, more work and supplies are needed to support the area.
Over the past several weeks, we have worked to connect with an established 501(c)(3) organization to broaden our relief efforts. Until that partnership is secured, we are directing support through trusted, long-standing partners in the regions to ensure funds reach those most in need.
How You Can Help
We recognize that this has been a challenging year for the coffee industry. Any level of support is deeply appreciated and will help provide essential food and medical supplies to families in these coffee growing regions.
To support ongoing relief efforts, we have set an initial fundraising goal of $20,000. In order to help accelerate this GoFundMe campaign, Royal Coffee and Royal New York have already pre-matched donations by contributing $10,000 upfront.
We are also committed to stewarding these funds responsibly and will share updates as they become available. It’s important that our community can follow the progress and impact of their relief efforts.
We are grateful to be part of an industry that shows up for one another in moments like this. Thank you for your continued support of the producers and partners who make our work possible.
