Small producers around the world are left with two pricing options in the global coffee market, either conventional market producers are selling their coffee at prices that may not help them sustain themselves. Fair Trade however opens up opportunities for both small producers are able to receive a higher price. This fair trade premium is the split amongst the cooperative’s producers while a percentage is maintained at the cooperative level and then split among various social programs. Education, Infrastructure, purchasing land and additional equipment/ coffee plants, and even homes all areas which the money can help improve.
Fair Trade is not perfect. There are challenges. Prices need to rise. But it does work. It does help. The conventional market helps the big companies, landowners, and the middlemen. The small producers are left behind. Whether or not you choose to visit us at Brew’d and purchase our coffee for immediate consumption or for later, ask your favorite coffeehouse if their coffee is fairly traded. If not tell them you want it to be.