Fair Trade is often used in reference to coffee that is purchased at a
price that is sustainable for the farmers, their families, and communities.
While the price of coffee in America has been exploding, the price being
paid to farmers has not been keeping pace. Often this forces farmers to
practice farming techniques that raise the quantity, but impact the quality
of their produce. Many times this includes the introduction of clear cutting
and pesticides which have reciprocal effects on the communities and the
environment.
Fair Trade actually refers to a co-op called “Transfair” which
guarantees a fair price is paid for coffee, some of the profits of which
are used for housing, healthcare, and education for the farmers and their
families. Unfortunately some governments have laws which prevent the organization
of these types of co-ops while other independent farmers can’t afford
to participate in the co-op. Many of these farmers fall under what is considered
‘fairly traded’ coffee in that they receive fair reimbursement
despite not carrying the fair trade logo.
At Shade Tree Coffee, whether fair traded or fairly traded, we guarantee
that all of the coffees we use are purchased in a manner that supports the
sustainability of farmers, their environment, and communities.
