Coffee beans are the second largest traded commodity after oil. However, the
comparison between coffee and oil stops here, as many coffee farmers live below the
poverty level, even by third world country standards. One of the contributing factors
to this sad fact is that often coffee trades far below the cost of production, resulting in
horrific consequences on the life of the growers and their families. To raise awareness
of the plight of the farmers, and to aide their situation, the fair trade movement was
started in 1988.
The three pillars of this initiative are: 1) A fair price. This guarantees
that farmers receive a fair price, and that workers receive fair compensation for their
labor. 2) Improved product Quality. By receiving a fair price, Fair Trade producers do
not have to sacrifice quality over productivity. I think this is the key point, that
through this initiative charity is not the purpose, but rather that we gain a viable
quality product we can market. 3) Care for the environment. Most Fair Trade coffee in
the US is certified organic and shade grown. This means that the products you buy
maintain biodiversity, that the tree canopies provide shelter for migratory birds, and
help to reduce global warming.
As a consumer, you have an important role to play by selecting the right coffee beans,
but also by supporting your independent coffee shops and their owners, who deserve,
like every member of the coffee chain, fair treatment.
Fabrice Moschetti has been roasting coffee beans in Vallejo, CA for more than fifteen
years. He writes a monthly coffee column for Listen & Be Heard: href="http://www.listenandbeheard.net">http://www.listenandbeheard.net.
