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Andrew Barnett
Linea Coffee: CEO + Founder, Certified B Corp, Award Winning Organic Espresso + Coffee
Andrew Barnett is a seasoned professional in the coffee industry, best known as the founder of Linea Caffe, Ecco Caffe, and with experience as the Coffee Taste Pavilion Curator at Slow Food Nation.
With a background in Printmaking from San Francisco State University and having studied at the University of Chicago Lab School, Andrew has a strong educational foundation.
Having a passion for coffee, Andrew Barnett's expertise and experience in founding successful coffee ventures make him a prominent figure in the industry.
Highlights
Remembering the magnificent spirit of Erna Knudsen, born this day, August 31 1921, in a small Norwegian village above the Arctic Circle. Many of us know Erna as the person who coined the term “speciality coffee.” ~~ In the 1950s, Erna moved to San Francisco, where her career took a new turn, when she joined a law firm as a secretary. Knutsen later moved to the American Molasses Company, where she became secretary to the vice president of coffee. Although the work interested her, she felt something was missing. That’s when Erna began to realize the potential of the coffee world~~~ in 1968, Erna started working for Bert Fulmer, one of the most important figures in San Francisco’s coffee scene. It was here, in B.C. Ireland, that her talent for coffee and sales began to grow. Early on, she saw an opportunity to sell smaller batches of coffee to small roasters that had previously been overlooked by the larger coffee importers. Initially Erna met resistance, from an “ old boys” dominated business establishment Erna was denied access to the cupping room and wasn’t even allowed to watch the coffee beans being roasted. ~~~ Erna was fascinated by the “special” coffees that were traded alongside more commercial, “commodity” coffees. Eventually, Erna established her own customer base, founding her own coffee trading company, Knutsen Coffees, Ltd. Erna’s newsletters from Knutsen Coffees were legendary in the coffee trade. Erna’s enthusiastic style brilliant insights, deep knowledge of coffee inspired a generation of coffee people. In 2001, Erna introduced me to the Cup of Excellence program. Knutsen was the first US importer to purchase and offer CoE award winning coffees.. During one of our frequent phone conversations, Erna insisted “you simply must taste this, you’re going to love it! Of course, she was right (the coffee, a Brazil standout, Fazenda Vargem Grande, so dreamily sweet, caramel noted and balanced.)~~~ Knutsen’s sage advise forever changed my coffee career…really, my life. But, that’s a whole other story. Today we celebrate Erna.
Linea just received our Regenerative Organic Alliance ROA certification! The Linea Team is honored to be part of this visionary movement, and work alongside such forward thinking environmentalists as, Patagonia and Dr. Bronners. ... Regenerative Organic Alliance actively advocate " adopting regenerative organic practices on more farms around the world, that create long-term solutions to the climate crisis, factory farming, and fractured rural economies.” ... From its inception, Linea has partnered with the world’s most innovative Organic Coffee farmers, environmentally friendly producers and importers. One of those is Henrique Leivas Sloper De Araujo’s Camocim Farm, which is also ROA Certified. Camocim is at the forefront of Brazil’s organic and biodynamic farming movement. Henrique and Camocim are internationally renowned for their beautiful coffees. In 2017, Fazenda Camocim was awarded 1st place in Brazil’s prestigious Cup of Excellence coffee competition. Camocim’s magnificent biodynamic coffee is a cornerstone of the Linea coffee menu.
Here’s some more info on ROA:
Regenerative organic agriculture is an emerging trend that is gaining popularity among consumers and farmers alike. This agricultural method goes beyond just growing organic crops, and instead focuses on the holistic regeneration of the soil, ecosystem, and communities that support it. The goal is to create a sustainable and regenerative system that benefits everyone involved, from the farmer to the consumer. Environmental Impact One of the primary benefits of regenerative organic agriculture is its ability to sequester carbon. By rebuilding the soil with organic matter and reducing tillage, regenerative agriculture can capture more carbon in the soil, helping to mitigate climate change. According to the Rodale Institute, regenerative agriculture practices can sequester up to 100% of current annual CO2 emissions. Another benefit of regenerative organic agriculture is its ability to improve soil health. By using techniques such as crop rotations, cover cropping, and reduced tillage, farmers can build up organic matter in the soil, which can improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. This, in turn, can lead to increased crop yields and a more resilient farming system. Social Impact Regenerative organic agriculture also has social benefits. By promoting biodiversity and reducing the use of synthetic inputs, regenerative agriculture can support the health of communities and the environment. Additionally, regenerative agriculture practices often prioritize the well-being of farmers and farm workers, creating a more sustainable and equitable food system.
