| We are all becoming increasingly familiar with the Fair | | | | conditions improved. Some farmers had previously |
| Trade logo as we go around our stores and | | | | been receiving prices that did not meet the production |
| supermarkets. Fair Trade started as a small campaign | | | | cost. |
| and has become a major contributor to the food and | | | | As consumers, we have been indifferent to where our |
| drinks industry. The idea behind Fair Trade coffee, tea, | | | | coffee comes from for too long. Coffee and other |
| chocolate and bananas etc. is to give the producer in | | | | products has shocked us out of our apathy at last, and |
| the country of origin a fair price for their crop. | | | | the growing number of people buying F.T. shows that |
| To be certified for Fair Trade, the importer must follow | | | | people care about the exploitation of the farmers. This |
| the regulations. This means meeting a minimum price | | | | affects growers in Latin America, Asia, Africa and the |
| and ensuring conditions for the small time farmer to be | | | | Caribbean. A lot of coffee farmers in these regions |
| able to operate fairly. Fair Trade involves growing | | | | band together to form coffee cooperatives. These |
| organically, and some farmers may need help to | | | | organizations give them buying power and the ability to |
| switch to this system. | | | | support each other. |
| Of course, an organic method is cheaper as it does | | | | The USA drinks a staggering one fifth of the world's |
| not involve the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. | | | | coffee production, so it's heartening that more than a |
| The fortunate by product of this is the benefit to the | | | | hundred companies have registered to be F.T. coffee |
| environment. The coffee farmer, for example, will | | | | suppliers. This includes the mighty Starbucks. Other |
| probably work a small piece of land and mix his crops. | | | | organizations to come on board include Green |
| He won't operate like a big concern who come in and | | | | Mountain, Peet's and Tully's. |
| clear forest to run a large scale operation. | | | | The largest coffee seller in the US, Procter and |
| The advent of the movement has made an immense | | | | Gamble got involved in F.T. coffee in 2003, after |
| difference to the farmers and growers. A coffee | | | | consumers and shareholders put pressure on them. |
| farmer selling to a Fair Trade importer can lift himself | | | | The UK also has a thriving F.T. market, with F.T. coffee |
| and his family out of debt and poverty. Getting a fair | | | | being supplied by Nestle, Sara Lee and Kraft. The |
| and reasonable price for his harvest means being able | | | | Oxfam charity opened some F.T. coffee shops too. |
| to send his children to school which benefits the local | | | | The future looks bright for Fair Trade. |
| community. Health care can be obtained and housing | | | | |