Fair Trade and Organic Coffee
So all this talk of fair trade and organic products.
What does it mean to the farmer growing the coffee?
There are numerous certification schemes out there these
days. But the principles are basically the same, to assist the
farmers growing the coffee and to raise consumer awareness about the
coffee they are drinking.
FT Certificates
7 Principles of Fair Trade
1. Fair wages. Better than current market prices.
2. Cooperative workplaces. Promoting democracy and
farmer education/input.
3. Consumer Education.
4. Environmental Sustainability
5. Financial and Technical Support.
6. Respect for Cultural Identity.
7. Public Accountability
Definition of Organic:
Promotes and enhances biodiversity , biological
cycles and soil biological activity. Farmers are to use
materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of
natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into
an ecological whole.
Sourcing Our Beans
We purchase our beans from a few different sources who
have direct contact with the coffee farmers. We know the farmers who
grow our beans are getting the best prices and can count on their beans
being purchased year after year. When deciding on which beans to roast,
we start at the beginning. Where the beans come from, how they are grown
and which certifications the farmers have acquired.
Once those questions have been answered, then we roast
up some test samples and decide if the beans will fit into our
selection. It can be a time consuming process, but when the coffee
promotes sustainability for the farmer AND makes a great cup,
we think it’s well worth the time!
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