August 09, 2023 · By Wallis Leonard

how coffee and fair trade are connected and why it is important

Fair trade products are important in the global. They provide an opportunity to consumers to choose an ethical, sustainable, and impactful product that will positively effect the planet and the people on it. Coffee is no exception. Many coffees are made up to fair trade standards. It's important to know what fair trade is, how coffee is deemed fair trade, and why fair trade is important. Continue reading to find out!

What is fair trade?

Fair trade is a world-wide movement that aims to enable farmers and workers to escape the poverty cycle giving them more choice and autonomy in their lives. Fair trade has been around since the 1960s as an idea but it was only in 1988 when fair trade labels were used. The primary focus of fair trade is to ensure that producers receive fair compensation for their products and labor, while also promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Fair trade organizations work to establish a more equitable trading relationship between producers in developing countries and consumers in developed countries. Fair trade puts people and the planet before profits.

/*! elementor - v3.15.0 - 09-08-2023 */ .elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}

Image by bublikhaus

What is fair trade coffee?

Fair trade coffee refers to coffee that is produced and traded through a supply chain that meets sustainability and labor standards. The fair trade movement addresses issues such as low wages, poor working conditions, and unsustainable farming practices that often affect coffee farmers in developing countries. Coffee becomes fair trade by adhering to certain fair trade standards.

These standards can include making sure farmers are paid a set minimum price for their coffee beans that covers the cost of production, having protection for workers like safe working conditions and rules against child labour, or making sure some of the coffee bean sales is allocated to community development projects to improve the communities where the coffee is grown. Standards can also include social investments into education, healthcare, or infrastructure. Or ensuring there are environmentally sustainable farming practices in place.

Organizations such as Fair Trade International (FLO) or Fair Trade USA set the standards and oversee the certification process of fair trade coffee.

Image by Etty Fidele

Why is fair trade important?

There are many important reasons why people should choose fair trade products.

Fair trade coffee ensures that coffee farmers receive fair wages and are not exploited by middlemen or large corporations. It promotes better working conditions, prevents child labor, and supports the communities. Any additional money paid for fair trade products are often invested in community projects such as building schools, healthcare facilities and clean water systems. This contributes to the overall well-being and development of coffee-growing communities. By paying the farmers fair prices and providing access to resources and education, fair trade helps lift these farmers out of poverty and contributes to the economic development of their communities.

Many fair trade organizations also emphasize sustainable farming practices that prioritize environmental protection. Including organic farming methods, biodiversity preservation, and reduced use of harmful chemicals. This helps not only the coffee bean origin communities but also the planet.

These are a small portion of the plethora of reasons why fair trade makes a positive difference in many people’s lives. Buying fair trade coffee can have a positive impact on the lives of coffee farmers, their families, and their communities, while also contributing to a more equitable and sustainable global economy.

Image by Rodrigo Flores

Why Buy Fair Trade?

By choosing to purchase fair trade coffee, consumers can support ethical and sustainable practices in the coffee industry and contribute to improving the lives of coffee farmers and their communities. When buying coffee that supports fair trade practices, look for the fair trade certification label on coffee packaging.

It’s also important to research the sourcing practices of coffee brands. As the fair trade movement has evolved so have the certifications. There are now many ways to produce coffee ethically and sustainably such as Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, and organic certifications. From fair trade certification labels to ethical practices, consumers should making more informed choices of what products they choose to purchase is a simple way to contribute positively to social and environmental impacts.

Image by Kobby Mendez

References:

#Category_Coffee Talk