Fairtrade coffee
Fair trade coffee is coffee that is certified as having been produced to fair trade standards by fair trade organizations, which create trading partnerships that are based on dialogue, transparency and respect, with the goal of achieving greater equity in international trade. These partnerships contribute to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to coffee bean farmers. Fair trade organizations support producers and sustainable environmental farming practices and prohibit child labor or forced labor. Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and for good reason. Americans, alone, drink almost 400 million cups per day. Delicious and energizing, it is enjoyed in virtually endless ways. But did you know? That morning jolt may very well be energizing farmers and workers in developing countries, as well. Almost half of the world’s coffee continues to be produced by small farmers. Fair Trade products and organic Fair Trade coffees are critical to their livelihoods. Fair Trade Month is observed every October, celebrating Fair Trade-certified businesses while raising awareness for an equitable international trading system that gives entrepreneurs in developing countries opportunities to succeed. Fair Trade-certified products must meet certain standards concerning labor rights, environmental sustainability, and transparency. For coffee farmers, this often means better prices, improved working conditions, and investment in community development projects.
