Fair Trade Coffee Helps Developing Countries Reach Self-Sufficiency

Countless countries around the world struggle with poverty and lack many of the basic necessities we take for granted. Numerous foundations and organizations have been established to aid in supplying much needed provisions and supplies to those who are in desperate need of them. Millions of people all over the world donate money and goods to charities in an attempt to help those in greater need. Though many organizations provide for the people of these countries, they are not addressing their need for self-sufficiency.

As early as 1989, the Fair Trade partnership has been doing its part, in a very special way, to assist developing countries in need. Fair Trade offers a market-based approach to diminishing global poverty and supporting sustainability. The movement promotes the payment of a fair price as well as environmental and social standards in areas associated with the manufacturing of a wide variety of goods. Particularly, it focuses on the exporting of goods from developing countries to viable markets in well developed countries.

The Production of Fair Trade Coffee

In the past, agricultural workers in the coffee industry were forced into a cycle of deficiency and debt because they were obligated to accept prices for their products that were far below the cost of production. Though coffee is a vast and profitable industry, many small-scale farmers, especially in underdeveloped areas, have not been receiving benefits for their labor. Fair Trade has worked hard to guarantee that these workers receive fair payment for the coffee they work so hard to produce. Fair Trade helps them build a better future for their families and communities by making the bounty of the coffee trade accessible to them.

Through fair trade, coffee farmers are able to sell their coffee to international buyers. Fair trade coffee profits far exceed the temporary assistance available to farmers through charity. Revenues generated from fair trade consistently contribute to better living conditions for the farmers, their families, and their communities. This much needed support allows community improvements like leadership development, schools, health clinics, and training in organic farming. Fair Trade empowers the individuals of these communities and allows them to earn fair wages and redeem their self-respect. They are able to make a positive difference in their communities and provide a better life for their families.

Our society has become increasingly aware of the impoverished conditions of developing countries. It has become a consumer trend to seek out and purchase products that help in providing a better live to these less fortunate individuals as well as products that are better for our environment. The United States is the largest consumer market for fair trade coffee. Well known establishments like Starbucks, Tully's, Equal Exchange, Peet's, and Green Mountain serve over 7000 retail locations and contribute greatly to the marketing of fair trade coffee. Many companies like the Nectar of Life Coffee Company make it a point to solely purchase fair trade coffee beans to use in the production of their gourmet coffee products.

Fair trade farmers, generally do not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides during the production of their crops. Purchasing fair trade products directly supports the environment. Fair Trade farmers do not have the capital input to clear forests and a lot of the profit they receive has been used to bring their farms up to the standards necessary for organic certification through the USDA. Many of these coffee farmers have also become bird friendly establishments and gained certification through Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. Their efforts have provided habitats for countless birds through the planting of shade trees that benefit both the birds and the coffee beans