100 Million Pounds Fair Trade Coffee Certified

WASHINGTON - Apr 10/06 - SNS -- Since 1998 TransFair USA has certified 100 million pounds of fair trade coffee for sale in the United States.

Interest in Fair Trade products is reflected in a recent survey by Natural Marketing Institute. It found nearly 90% of Americans say it's important for companies to not only be profitable, but to also be mindful of their impact on society and the environment, with 70% saying they're more likely to support companies that do.

Under the scheme farmers in developing nations are supposed to get a larger share of the profits from the sale of Fair Trade coffee and other agricultural products, but critics argue that while farmers may be paid more, companies involved in the trade continue to enjoy the same percentage mark-ups as for non Fair Trade products. The net result, they argue, is consumers are simply paying a higher percentage of their shopping dollar to supermarkets.

However, farmers selling Fair Trade coffee are seeing returns per pound at least double that of other growers. In recent years, they were guaranteed a minimum $1.26 per pound, whereas other growers were getting less than 50 cents.

TransFair says, "Fair Trade Certified cooperatives promote sustainable farming practices, ban dangerous agro-chemicals and GMOs, and prohibit forced child labor. Through democratically organized Fair Trade Certified cooperatives, small-scale family farmers increase their business capacity and connect directly with international buyers, reaping invaluable industry feedback, training and assistance in times of crisis -- services a middleman doesn't offer.

"By learning how to market their own harvests, these farmers also become thriving small-business owners, reinvesting in processes and facilities that improve quality and protect the environment. The Coffee Review gave Fair Trade Certified coffees an average rating of 87.3 out of 100 points in 2004 -- this score beats the average for non-Fair Trade Certified specialty coffees, and has continued to rise."

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