Fair Trade?

[King James]

I searched and didn't find anything although it may have been discussed... and yes, I admit, I didnt search THAT hard. What does fair trade mean exactly?

[floydpink]

I believe it has to do with buying coffee beans from growers who practice fair labor wages for the workers, as opposed to the slave like conditions some South and Central American countries expose their workers to.

Edit:

A quick search confirmed my beliefs:

The United States consumes one-fifth of all the world's coffee, making it the largest consumer in the world. But few Americans realize that agriculture workers in the coffee industry often toil in what can be described as "sweatshops in the fields." Many small coffee farmers receive prices for their coffee that are less than the costs of production, forcing them into a cycle of poverty and debt.
Fair Trade is a viable solution to this crisis, assuring consumers that the coffee we drink was purchased under fair conditions. To become Fair Trade certified, an importer must meet stringent international criteria; paying a minimum price per pound of $1.26, providing much needed credit to farmers, and providing technical assistance such as help transitioning to organic farming. Fair Trade for coffee farmers means community development, health, education, and environmental stewardship.

[[OT] Loki]

just buy from killerbeanz if you're worried about it. he pays more the FT prices

[floydpink]

Originally Posted by [OT] Loki

just buy from killerbeanz if you're worried about it. he pays more the FT prices

And charges appropriately!

Seriously, Jerry is the man and sells nothing but quality stuff. My cupboard is living proof.

[King James]

wasn't worried... just wanted to know because I've seen it around... thanks for the info. In hindsight, a quick google search probably would have led me to the answer... but now anyone that is curious can find it here haha

[The Postman]

Another excellent organisation that insures fair prices is the Cup of Excellence. They have "competitions" in each of the major growing regoins and pick the best coffees in the world. You can google the name and get lots of information on this very worthwhile coffee endevour.

There you go!!

[Alpedhuez55]

I read that Walmart is coming out with their own Fair Trade Coffee line.

[MrJerry]

For the most part, Fair Trade is a joke! Here's just one example:
http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2008/03/14/72166200

Most of the growers that I've talked with in the past several years also think it's a joke, they've told me that if they get 3-5¢ extra a pound they feel their doing good...but that with such a small amount of the money getting into their hands they can't earn a living.

I pay no less than $3.00 per pound of green beans. This money goes right to the growers without having to deal with a middleman.

Our Do Chaang Coffee is beyond fair trade. The Thailand group is the major beneficiary of this arrangement, as, in addition to their 100% ownership of their Thai based coffee company, they also own 50% of Doi Chaang Coffee (International) Corp. which will market up to 70% of the Thai’s annual coffee production in North America and Europe, through wholly owned subsidiaries under the name Doi Chaang Coffee Company. Current annual coffee production is approximately 300 tons and this is projected to increase to 4,000 tons per annum over the next five years, of which approximately 60% (2400 tons) of production will qualify as grade A beans and 5% (200 tons) will qualify as peaberry beans.

[Twill413]

Originally Posted by MrJerry

I pay no less than $3.00 per pound of green beans. This money goes right to the growers without having to deal with a middleman.

This is great, and I applaud you for that. I read an article just last night in the Wine Spectator of all places. The thing that most people don't really realize about FT is that the coffee probably gets roasted in the states for US consumers in order to ensure a fresher product. That means that ultimately the money for the finished product winds up very far away from the growers. In order for the growers to get in on the action this group of agroeconomics students started to help the growers roast and ship product directly from their plantations to capitalize on the better margin for roasted coffee rather than selling their products in bulk for a pittance to some huge conglomerate. They have been able to replant more shad e and fruit trees rather than slash and burn every available inch to grow beans. At least that is what the article reported, I have nothing to back up that article. But it sounded like a great deal for the growers. I just buy from Jerry, who not only has great beans, but is helping the back end of the production cycle.

[novasurf]

Read up. Fair Trade Organization

It is actually simple. If you produce great coffee, you should be paid a higher amount per pound. If you produce average coffee, ya can't expect anything more than the market dictates.

When you try to set a minimum price, you eventually fail. Learn more. Read this.

I can expand, debate, deconstruct any discussion on Fair Trade. For me, it comes down to this: coffee consumption takes place in developed nations. Coffee production takes place in mostly undeveloped nations.

In the undeveloped nations, there is less luxury of choice. It's more about survival. Think about that during your morning cup.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by novasurf

Read up. Fair Trade Organization

...it comes down to this: coffee consumption takes place in developed nations. Coffee production takes place in mostly undeveloped nations.

That is the bottom line, isn't it?

While Fair Trade may not be the best way, if we fail to pay specialty coffee growers a living wage for themselves and their families they will go the way of Jamaican cane cutters, a profession which converted easily to steel and diesel fuel.

[MrJerry]

Maybe this needs to be checked out again:
http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2008/03/14/72166200

I don't know haw the Fair Trade supports can defend this!?!

[a2vr6]

Originally Posted by MrJerry

Maybe this needs to be checked out again:
http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2008/03/14/72166200

I don't know haw the Fair Trade supports can defend this!?!

Glad to see that your doing the right thing in regards to paying fair prices to the growers directly.


BTW: Got my Bean's Jerry! Thanks for the extra's, I tried the African blend and thought it was great. Can't wait to try the other's. I'll start to posts reviews on my Blog as I go through them.

[floydpink]

Hopefully, there will be a solution one day to some of the corruption and sadness in many underdeveloped countries. After witnessing some of it firsthand, I'm reminded how blessed I am.

[The Postman]

Here is another link to an organisation that is addressing the inadequecies of the fair trade movement.

http://www.ecafefoundation.org/

Empowering growers is a new phenominum that has been brought about by the power of the internet, it brings us better coffee to enjoy, and gives the growers a sustainable source of income. Unlike Fair Trade - which is good, but has limited powers of change - the Cup of Excellence, and ecafefoundation strive to develope relationships between the grower and consumer, giving the grower a better standard of living, and giving us quality in our cup.

Most consumers cannot make the trip to an origin country, but by supporting the roasters and importers that make this effort, it benefits everyone in the supply chain.