what is fair trade coffee?

The Fair Trade alternative IMPROVES THE LIVES of participating farmers by ensuring a fair price for their coffee. The $1.26 per pound paid directly to the farmer¹s cooperative more than covers the cost of production, leaving additional income that can be put towards education for children, health care, proper food and housing.

the FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED label ensures:

• A fair price of at least $1.26 per pound and $1.41 for organic varieties paid directly to the farmer's cooperative.
• Access to credit, meaning that when the farmers are in a jam they can request that the importers provide pre-harvest financing or credit of up to 60% of each order.
• Environmental protection through sustainable farming practices using integrated crop management, organic and/or shade growing techniques.

Look for the black and white "Fair Trade Certified" label - the only guarantee that the farmer received a fair price for his/her coffee. And remember, coffee is not the only Fair Trade product on the market: tea, cocoa, wine, juice and fruit, as well as clothing and jewelry, are also available. Understanding Fair Trade and buying fairly traded products where available (and requesting them where they are not available) is a simple and effective way to make a difference!

what is fair trade?

Fair Trade is a philosophy of trade that attempts to eliminate corruption and bullyism by preventing large and powerful countries or companies from forcing poorer countries into illegitimate or unfair trade positions. Fair Trade works by organizing small producers and third world countries to stand up against unequal trade powers imposed by the first world leaders of international trade organizations. While trade organizations, even at their most equivocal, work to streamline industries according to market forces, small producers do not have sufficient resources to accomodate "efficient" market fluctuations. Fair Trade organizations labor to reduce the often catastrophic effects of market forces on farmers while working to balance production forces.

The Fair Trade movement encompasses a shift of social consciousness. Bringing farmers into personal relationships with consumers and distributors helps people get in touch with the goods that make up much of the fabric of their lives. The results are beneficial to both the farmers and the consumers, broadening our sense of social responsibility while helping developments in the agricultural industry take a turn towards reduced environmental impact and long-term sustainability.

Updated on 1/19/2003, a Sunday

Other reading

• Global Exchange, a public interest research group working on various aspects of the fair trade movement. This is one of the most comprehensive websites for information on Fair Trade and fair trade coffee.
• Oxfam, one of the main faces of the international Fair Trade movement.
• TransFair USA, the organization which licenses U.S. importers and roasters of fair trade products to sell fair-trade labelled goods.
• Sierra Club report on environmental impact of the coffee crisis, as well as some of the shortcomings of fair trade coffee.

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