As more and more powerhouse companies in the coffee industry, such as Starbucks, begin to promote fair trade coffee, you might stop and think about what that actually means. It is important to know what that catchy phrase stands for because it affects the lives of thousands of people that work as coffee farmers in countries such as Guatemala, Colombia, Honduras and Peru. Without the protection and support from fair trade organizations, farmers in many countries would be forced to work in sweatshop-like conditions and would suffer from the instability associated with the coffee production. One source defines fair trade products as “food or crafts that are produced under standards designed to end and prevent the poverty, sweatshop labor conditions, environmental degradation, etc. that are endemic to the free trade ‘race to the bottom’ that puts profits above people and the planet.” Basically, buying something “fair trade” ensures that the farmers are properly compensated and work under fair working conditions, and that the environment has not been harmed as a result of the production.
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The Fairtrade Foundation, one of the most well known organizations that promotes the fair trade of a variety of products including coffee, began in the 1980s in response to the struggles of Mexican coffee farmers and now has a vast presence around the world. This company, along with many others, ensures that coffee farmers receive a fair and stable price for their coffee. Without their aid, many small farmers are negatively impacted from the volatility of the coffee market – the radical and continuous price changes of coffee make it very difficult for the farmers to earn a stable income. However, the Fairtrade Foundation ensures that the farmers earn a baseline wage to help support themselves and their families.
Another company, Global Exchange, argues that fair trade “revolutionizes the global economy by setting minimum standards for the economic, social, and environmental performance of companies.” The laborers who do not have their own coffee farms are often forced to work under very strict, harmful conditions. As described by one source, Guatemalan plantation workers have incredibly high quotas they must meet each day, frequently do not receive even minimum wage, and are forced to work overtime without additional payment. They often face horrible living conditions as well. Thanks to fair trade organizations, workers are beginning to receive the payment and treatment that they deserve.
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Many of these fair trade organizations also promote environmentally friendly practices, including banning the use of certain pesticides. As large industries often overlook these methods, it is essential that organizations fight for the protection for the environment and for the workers.
Hopefully this gives you a little more insight to what fair trade is and why it is so important. The next time you walk into a coffee shop and see any sort of fair trade product, buy it and take part in the revolution to help the lives of thousands, as well as the planet itself!
I also encourage you to research more about fair trade coffee, as well as other fair trade items including cocoa, sugar, bananas, and more! Here are links to the resources I used in my article for information on this topic:
http://www.globalexchange.org/fairtrade