
In
the era of globalization and consumerism, we've been exposed to many
new ideas, one of them being fair trade. A lot has been said about fair
trade coffee, but many of us don't know what fair trade coffee
is.
Fair Trade and the idea of Fair Trade began with individual companies
called ATOs (Alternative Trade Organizations). These companies were
tired of seeing the scales of trade and commerce so unbalanced in the
world. Many other organizations popped up, and after a while, they came
together to form the FLO (Fairtrade Labellilng Organizations). Under
the FLO system, industries are studied, and with input from producers
(not buyers) a minimum price is established in order to give a fair
share to the producers. Fair Trade is, by no means, a charity or handout.
Fair Trade is a way to ensure that everybody wins in economics -- making
sure there is a process of fair exchange.
In
many countries in the world, coffee farmers barely make a living, selling
their coffee for prices that might not even cover the costs of production.
This, in turn, helps feed the cycle of poverty.
The Fair Trade
label was designed to help you, the consumer, make conscientious choices
about the coffee you drink. To become Fair Trade certified, the coffee
exporter, supplier, and wholesale must meet stringent international
standards. The minimum price paid per pound of coffee is $1.26 US.
The
Fair Trade label, then, means building communities, education, health,
safe environmental practices and international awareness support for
humanity.
Cafe
Madrid, SA is proud to be Fair Trade certified and hopes to become your
first choice for bulk, roasted coffee and coffee beans.
FAIR
TRADE COFFEES