Coffee really becomes a part of your life when you’re a barista. Not only is it your livelihood, the smell gets into your hair and skin so you carry it with you. It’s a plant that reacts to its environment rather like wine, so different regions typically have different characteristics. The more you work with coffee, the more you pick up those unique flavors and scents. It’s also a plant that gives farmers the opportunity to earn a decent, living wage when it’s from a Fair Trade farm.
Over a million farmers and workers in 58 developing countries are currently participating in Fair Trade. Beside a living wage, Fair Trade encourages democratic decision-making, transparency and accountability in business relationships, independence, and gender equity. It ensures that people work in safe conditions, and Fair Trade practices encourage biodiversity.
While coffee is the best known Fair Trade product, there are others including chocolate, tea, fruit like BriarPatch’s bananas, rice, sugar, and spices. The domestic Fair Trade movement is also gaining momentum. In December 2005, The Domestic Fair Trade Working Group was formed. Their focus is support for family-scale farming; direct trade; long-term relationships between traders, producers, and consumers; fair and stable pricing for farmers; and sustainable agriculture.
October is Fair Trade Month. Speak with your dollar – show that you’re willing to support fair prices, fair labor conditions, direct trade, democratic and transparent organizations, community development, and environmental stability. Look for the black and white Fair Trade label on products.
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