Fair trade beans give farmers a fair shake.
A revolution is brewing all over the country. A growing number of mainstream coffee companies and cafés are paying premium prices for "Fair Trade Certified" beans to guarantee that the farmers who produce them are paid a living wage.
Because coffee prices have hit all-time lows, many farmers don't make enough money to cover their costs or take care of their families. But when importers agree to buy Fair Trade coffee, they pay a minimum of $1.26 per pound—more if it's also certified organic—and agree to buy directly from Fair Trade Certified producers. This eliminates middlemen who frequently take most of the profits, sometimes giving only 10 cents per pound to the farmer. (Makes you wonder what happens to the rest of the $10 you pay for a pound of coffee.)
But Fair Trade java is good for you, too: More than 80 percent of it is certified organic. Another bonus: Most of it is shade-grown, meaning no forests were clear-cut to make room for planting.
Imports of these beans have grown from about 2 million pounds a year to 12 million pounds a year since 1999. Starbucks and Seattle's Best have been selling Fair Trade coffee since 2000 and 2001, respectively, although you have to ask for it (neither chain brews it regularly). Also, Sara Lee Coffee & Tea has been supplying Fair Trade coffee to restaurants and cafeterias across the country for more than two years. Little by little, other major companies, as well as your favorite independent cafés, are following suit.
Last fall, Procter & Gamble introduced Millstone Mountain Moonlight Fair Trade Certified coffee, which is sold by mail order or online (800-729-5282 or www.millstone.com). And Dunkin' Donuts became one of the movement's largest supporters this spring, when it rolled out a new line of espresso-based beverages using only Fair Trade Certified coffee. Check Wild Oats Markets, Trader Joe's, most Albertsons stores, or an independent coffee shop if you're buying beans to take home. You can also find a retailer in your area by logging on to www.transfairusa.org.
The beans may cost an extra dollar or two, but when you consider all the perks of Fair Trade, you might just decide the cost is worth it.
— Alisa Blackwood is Associate Food & Nutrition Editor at Health.
