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RSSBe Fair/Buy Fair: The Effects of Fair Trade
When you buy coffee, a cotton shirt, a bouquet of flowers, something made with sugar, or any number of other goods and products, your simple decision could make a huge difference to the lives of thousands.
In developing nations, producers are often at the mercy at more powerful buyers. However, Fair Trade helps family farmers gain direct access to international markets, as well as to develop the business capacity necessary to compete in the global marketplace. By learning how to market their own harvests, Fair Trade farmers are able to bootstrap their own businesses and receive a fair price for their products. This leads to higher family living standards, thriving communities and more sustainable farming practices. Your choice to purchase Fair Trade Certified™ coffee empowers farming families to take care of themselves without developing dependency on foreign aid.
When you buy Fair Trade
items, you:
- Support A Fair Price for Farmers
- Support Quality Products
- Care for the Environment
- Make A Positive Community Impact
So Be Fair and Brew a Better World.
For More Information visit
FACES OF FAIR TRADE
Fair Trade: Making a Difference in Sumatra
“Now that we’ve joined a Fair Trade Certified co-op, we know that there will be funds available to help us improve quality and yields.”
--Fauziah, Aceh Province, Indonesia
Green Mountain Coffee began working with farmers from the Lake Tawar region of Sumatra in 1997, providing start up money to create an organic coffee cooperative.
Today, the cooperative is thriving. With the premium recieved from Fair Trade prices, the community has been able to build new roads, schools, and a clean water supply.
Lindsey Bolger, Director of Coffee Sourcing and Relationships for Green Mountain Coffee, recently visited Lake Tawar to meet with farmers who contribute to the company’s Fair Trade Certified™ Sumatran coffees. She was introduced to Fauziah, a 30-year-old farmer who was looking forward to a brighter future.
“Now that we’ve joined a Fair Trade Certified co-op,” she told Lindsey, “we know that there will be funds available to help us improve quality and yields.” She went on to tell Lindsey that Fair Trade means her future children will have access to higher education.
“If I have a girl, I’d like her to be a doctor,” Fauziah said. “If I have a boy, I’d like him to be a coffee farmer.”
