How is 'Fair Trade' Coffee Different?
Coffee with the Fair Trade label identifies a product that was grown under fair labor conditions for farmers. It can come at a higher price to the end customer due to fair wages being paid to the growers. This is just one of the many commodities that are labeled as "Fair Trade Certified" and it gives growers the motivation to continue with their production.
Growers, who produce fair trade coffee, must join forces with other local farmers to disperse the payments that are earned. This also protects farmers because they are assured a minimum price for their production and they collect a per pound premium if market prices exceed the minimum price.
How Did Fair Trade Start?
Fair Trade as we know it now originated following World War II, from religious groups that made some of the first attempts to commercialize commodities from the North. Some of the first products to be put on the market commercially were handicrafts, products made from jute, and cross-stitching crafts.
During the 60's, the fair trade movement was beginning in Europe and at that time, students took part in radical movements in opposition of multinational corporations that had business standards that were thought to be lacking. Ignited from such actions, the programs were formed to protect and maintain focus on launching fair trade arrangements with the rest the developing world.
Later in 1969, the very first Worldshop was founded in the Netherlands. The ultimate goal was to introduce fair trade ideas and practices to the retail market by promoting virtually only items that were manufactured or grown by countries that were not as advanced or developed as others. This prompted many volunteers to join the Fair Trade Movement and get the message out that underprivileged farmers are worthy of an equal opportunity to join the world's economic market.
Why Do Some Call Fair Trade Charity to Growers?
It is commonly thought that Fair Trade is a manner of charity to producers but this is hardly the case or the reason behind this more popular trade principle. The point is to impart equal grounds for exchange and is in no way aimed at being a handout. The intent is to ensure that large corporations or big businesses do not totally overshadow the small farmers, artisans, or workers all over the world.
How Are Products Certified Fair Trade?
Certifying manufactured goods or commodities requires a registration process and adherence to strict guidelines established by the Fair Trade Labeling Organization. Another establishment, FLO-CERT conducts audits involving the examination of the farmer's procedures making sure that they are operating within the regulations and standards.
Acting in accordance with the standards allows a business to apply for a license to use the Certification Mark issued by Fair Trade. There are numerous common products other than coffee, such as fruit, vegetables, juice, nuts, rice, sugar, and tea, which can be labeled Certified Fair Trade. This label is what identifies products on the shelves as those that support Fair Trade, permitting you, the buyer to have a choice.
Is Fair Trade Coffee Better than Non-Certified Products?
This is really a matter of personal preference, however some think that Fair Trade coffee is better because it comes from the smaller farms where growing or manufacturing a specific commodity is their entire livelihood, rather than that which comes from a large business where the focus might be more on profit than quality. Some people, in contrast, may feel that they would rather not pay more for the apparent value they would get.
Having the option to buy Fair Trade coffee gives the shopper a method of supporting and contributing to entire communities and fair labor practices from where your coffee is grown. Instead of thinking of Fair Trade as costlier, it may prompt you to ponder the practices and labor conditions in place for the growers of the less costly coffee you are purchasing now.
Coffee with the Fair Trade label identifies a product that was grown under fair labor conditions for farmers. It can come at a higher price to the end customer due to fair wages being paid to the growers. This is just one of the many commodities that are labeled as "Fair Trade Certified" and it gives growers the motivation to continue with their production.
Growers, who produce fair trade coffee, must join forces with other local farmers to disperse the payments that are earned. This also protects farmers because they are assured a minimum price for their production and they collect a per pound premium if market prices exceed the minimum price.
How Did Fair Trade Start?
Fair Trade as we know it now originated following World War II, from religious groups that made some of the first attempts to commercialize commodities from the North. Some of the first products to be put on the market commercially were handicrafts, products made from jute, and cross-stitching crafts.
During the 60's, the fair trade movement was beginning in Europe and at that time, students took part in radical movements in opposition of multinational corporations that had business standards that were thought to be lacking. Ignited from such actions, the programs were formed to protect and maintain focus on launching fair trade arrangements with the rest the developing world.
Later in 1969, the very first Worldshop was founded in the Netherlands. The ultimate goal was to introduce fair trade ideas and practices to the retail market by promoting virtually only items that were manufactured or grown by countries that were not as advanced or developed as others. This prompted many volunteers to join the Fair Trade Movement and get the message out that underprivileged farmers are worthy of an equal opportunity to join the world's economic market.
Why Do Some Call Fair Trade Charity to Growers?
It is commonly thought that Fair Trade is a manner of charity to producers but this is hardly the case or the reason behind this more popular trade principle. The point is to impart equal grounds for exchange and is in no way aimed at being a handout. The intent is to ensure that large corporations or big businesses do not totally overshadow the small farmers, artisans, or workers all over the world.
How Are Products Certified Fair Trade?
Certifying manufactured goods or commodities requires a registration process and adherence to strict guidelines established by the Fair Trade Labeling Organization. Another establishment, FLO-CERT conducts audits involving the examination of the farmer's procedures making sure that they are operating within the regulations and standards.
Acting in accordance with the standards allows a business to apply for a license to use the Certification Mark issued by Fair Trade. There are numerous common products other than coffee, such as fruit, vegetables, juice, nuts, rice, sugar, and tea, which can be labeled Certified Fair Trade. This label is what identifies products on the shelves as those that support Fair Trade, permitting you, the buyer to have a choice.
Is Fair Trade Coffee Better than Non-Certified Products?
This is really a matter of personal preference, however some think that Fair Trade coffee is better because it comes from the smaller farms where growing or manufacturing a specific commodity is their entire livelihood, rather than that which comes from a large business where the focus might be more on profit than quality. Some people, in contrast, may feel that they would rather not pay more for the apparent value they would get.
Having the option to buy Fair Trade coffee gives the shopper a method of supporting and contributing to entire communities and fair labor practices from where your coffee is grown. Instead of thinking of Fair Trade as costlier, it may prompt you to ponder the practices and labor conditions in place for the growers of the less costly coffee you are purchasing now.
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