What is Fair Trade Certified Coffee?

The mission of Fair Trade Certified is to support a better life for farming families in the developing world through fair prices, direct trade, community development and environmental stewardship. Fair Trade Certified began as Max Havelaar in the Netherlands in the 1970's.
Now the German-based Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International (FLO) interacts with more than twenty national branches throughout the world. In addition, the coffee is also certified organic. Prices vary by coffee type.

This certification has participation from countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand, and Uganda.
What does Fair Trade Certification mean?

• Family farmers receive fair prices for their harvest.
• The community shares in specific development projects.
• Higher premiums than usual are available for certified organic products.
• In addition, pre-harvest credits are made available to farmer organizations.
• The farmers' health and preservation of valuable ecosystems for future generations are at the heart of the environmental sustainability of fair trade practices.
• Agrichemicals considered harmful are prohibited for use in fair trade farming.
• Farmers protect the land and the wildlife habitat through the use of intercropping plant species, soil fertility improvement practices, and erosion control measures. They also practice water conservation, proper waste disposal and respect protected lands.

Does Trade Fair farming restrict workers' rights of free association and work?

• No. Workers are free to associate in groups and enjoy safe working conditions as well as fair wages.
• Forced child labor practices are not allowed.
• Importers purchase from Fair Trade coffee producers as directly as possible.
• This practice eliminates unnecessary middlemen and helps farmers to compete in the coffee trade more freely and easily.
• In general, the Fair Trade practices are democratic and encourage farmers and farm workers to decide as a group how to invest Fair Trade revenues.
• This certification requires a proof of the democratic process to keep the activities as "transparent" as possible.
• Fair Trade premiums are usually invested in community development projects such as education, school grants, scholarship awards, healthcare services or other training programs.

What would be an example of how Fair Trade Certification improves farmers' living conditions?

• An example would be the Highland Organic Agriculture Cooperative Ltd (HOAC).
• This is an organization of small farmers in the remote Eastern Highlands Province of the Okapa Region of Papua New Guinea, created in 2004.
• The coffee growers in Okapa are true quality coffee growers who needed a way to join forces in order to discuss community issues such as poor road access, sanitation, education and other social concerns. Since its formation, the group has purchased desks, textbooks and other materials for the schools which open doors for better future opportunities for their children.
• One example of coffee from Papua New Guinea is Papua New Guinea AA Estate.
• This is Specialty Arabica coffee appreciated for its rich, unique characteristics. The highest quality earns a grade of AA Estate. This is a true gourmet specialty coffee. This coffee features a pleasing full body, crisp acidity and a clean taste that finishes sweet. The aroma is luxurious with hints of tropical fruit such as mangoes and papayas.

So, ready for a nice cup of coffee and good coffee music?

Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.