What Is Fair Trade?

The Conventional Coffee Trade: A Bitter Brew for Coffee Growers

Our morning coffee is the fruit of the labour of millions of workers and producers in the Equatorial coffee growing regions. Unfortunately many of them earn paltry wages for work often done under very difficult conditions. In order for coffee to display the Trans-Fair Logo, the coffee importers and farmers must ensure that specific criteria are met:

• Coffee importers buy from farmers per pound for their coffee. If world prices rise above this price farmers will be a paid per pound premium. If requested by farmers, coffee importers must provide credit at a reasonable rate.
• Importers agree to develop direct, long-term relationships with producer groups, which increases commercial stability for both parties.

On more information on Fair Trade Coffees, Visit TransFair Canada at www.transfair.ca