Fair Trade Coffee Help Protect the Independent Farmers
What is fair trade coffee? To put it simply it is a practice of making sure that farmer or producers of coffee are treated fairly in the market place. The Fair Trade Federation makes sure that trade practices are fair especially in third world countries where coffee is produced. Some producers in the world take advantage of the poverty of many smaller countries and producers.
It is unfortunate that in the market place today many small independent farmers are treated badly and unfairly. In today’s coffee market farmers may earn less than 50 cents per pound when the world price is above the 1 dollar price.
Since coffees origins in Africa and its expanded growth and popularity to countries around the world, coffee has become one the most traded commodities, second only to petroleum. Highly traded and popular this bean commodity has found its growth all over the world from Asia to North, South and Central America.
The Small Producers
Many of the coffee producers are small producers and because of that they are taken advantage of. Many growers are not being compensated fairly for their coffee bean production. The income they receive per pound is less than what it cost us to purchase a cup of brew at our local shops. And that is hardly fair at all!
The fair trade was created to help many of these farmers ensure that they receive a reasonable and fair amount for their product. For them it is very difficult to compete against large corporations and estates with there own label. Interestingly, the quality of beans you get from many of these independents are just as high a quality if not better and in fairness should receive a reasonable trading price for their coffee beans.
Look for coffee that is labeled with fair trade and you can ensure that the product you are buying is helping farmers survive and provide a better life for their families.
Edit:
There are many companies who practice this fair trade, and many who just say they do. To make sure visit TransFairUSA to make sure your coffee provider is a licensee.
Edit 2:
Starbucks to offer 100% FairTrade Espresso in the UK (Click here to read about it)
Be Fair but beware. There are a lot of companies out there who ‘poach’ the Fair Trade logo who are not Fair Trade licensees. Meaning they are using the logo without permission. And, since their ethics are broken down as regards the logo, one wonders if they are cheating in any other way–not really providing Fair Trade Certified products. It’s easy to check. Just go to the TransFairUSA website (TransFairUSA.org) and check to see if the company is a licensee.
Scott
Fair Trade licensee and supporter
Great Comment Scott!! I will include the TransFairUSA.org link in the post for anyone who might be interested.
Also took a look at http://www.adventurecoffeeroasting.com, which by the way looks like a great website, with good product.
Karl
CoffeeChat.org
Thanks for linking to my post about Starbucks and Fair Trade coffee. I’m a huge Fair Trade supporter and have been for some years. One of the things that I really love about FT is that not only does it help the farmers financially, but the practices and education they get about organic and sustainable farming also helps our environment. Always thrilled to see a new FairTrade supporter!
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