Fairly traded coffee benefits many: from farmers in producer
countries, to consumers, to all of us by the environmental
benefits acheived through fair trade practices. As a system
of trade based on respect for worker's rights and the environment,
fair trade can help reverse the environmental degredation
and growing inequieties that have been a result of the growth
in world trade as we now know it.
By taking a simple step of buying only fairly traded coffee
you send a signal to others that this is the best form of
trade. More importantly your purchase directly benefits the
poor farmers and their families. Your purchase also helps
prevent further environmental degredation.
It is a simple choice, and a small step that has so many
benefits and one that sends a signal to others to get involved
and make a difference. This is one decision that you can know
has direct results on many people. Won't you choose to have
a clean conscience when you take your next sip of coffee?
What Is Fair Trade?
Fair trade connects producers and consumers in more equitable,
more meaningful and more sustainable ways. Fair Trade is based
on seven principles as quoted by the Fair Trade Federation
(FTF), the largest association of fair trade organizations.
Fair wages
Paying fair wages does not necessarily mean that products
cost the consumer more. Since Fair Trade Organizations bypass
exploitative middlemen and work directly with producers,
they are able to cut costs and return a greater percentage
of the retail price to the producers.
Cooperative workplaces
Fair Trade Organizations work primarily with small businesses,
worker owned and democratically run cooperatives and associations
which bring significant benefits to workers and their communities.
Consumer Education
Fair Trade Organizations educate consumers about the importance
of purchasing fairly traded products which support living
wages and healthy working conditions.
Environmental Sustainability
Fair Trade Organizations encourage producers to engage in
environmentally friendly practices which manage and use
local resources sustainably.
Financial and Technical Support
Small-scale farmers and artisans in the developing world
lack access to affordable financing, impeding their profitability.
FTF members that buy products directly from producers often
provide financial assistance either through direct loans,
prepayment or by linking producers with sources of financing.
Respect for cultural identity
Fair Trade Organizations encourage the production and development
of products based on producers' cultural traditions adapted
for Western markets.
Public Accountability
FTF members' finances, management policies, and business
practices are open to the public and monitoring by the Fair
Trade Federation.
Who Benefits?
The Farmer
Fair trade increases annual incomes of small farmers
Fair trade helps put in place tools for self-sufficiency
Fair trade assists small farmers to stay out of high interest
debt
Fair Trade helps build infrastructure in farmers community
The Consumer
Fair trade lets consumers have a clear conscience about
their purchases
Fair trade lets consumers assist and empower others with
their buying power
Fair trade lets consumers be part of a social justice
movement through a simple action
Fair trade allows consumers to intiate a chain of responses
that will positvely impact the lives of poor coffee farmers
and their families.
The Environment
Small farmers use organic methods, which are more environmentally
friendly and sustainable
Small farmers disperse their plants throughout a region,
a more environmentally friendly method
Small farmers plant shade grown coffee which is key to
protecting certain species of birds
The existence of small farmers helps prevent the clear-cutting
of larger estates
The Conclusion
Commit to purchasing and drinking only fairly traded coffee
and begin the cycle of positive effects in your life, the
lives of others and the world around you!
