What is Fair Trade & Why Should I Care?

If you are a coffee lover, then chances are you have heard the term “Fair Trade” before. But what exactly does that mean? In short, it means better conditions for farmers and more ethical sourcing of your morning cup of joe. Keep reading to learn more about certified Fair Trade coffee and why it matters.

What is Fair Trade Coffee?
Fair Trade Certified coffee is coffee that has been grown and harvested in accordance with strict standards set forth by Fair Trade Certification. Fair Trade works to ensure that farmers and producers receive fair wages for their efforts, as well as ensure safe working conditions and sustainable production practices. Furthermore, it also ensures that all certified fair trade products contain no GMOs or other artificial ingredients.

Why Does It Matter?
Buying certified Fair Trade coffee not only supports small farms, but also helps protect the environment. Organic farming practices help reduce pollution by eliminating the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which can leach into water sources and harm wildlife habitats. Additionally, supporting small farmers helps promote economic development in rural areas by providing jobs for local workers, helping to create a more stable economy in these communities.

How Can You Tell If Your Coffee Is Certified?
The easiest way to tell if your coffee is certified Fair Trade is to look for the Fair Trade certification label on the package. This label will tell you that all of the beans used in this product were grown using sustainable farming methods and monitored throughout all stages of production to ensure quality standards are met. Additionally, most companies who specialize in Fair Trade products will list their certification status on their websites or social media pages so consumers can easily identify them as legitimate sources of ethically sourced coffee. 

Certified Fair Trade coffee is not just a buzzword; it’s an ethical movement that supports small farms while protecting our environment at the same time. So when you reach for your next bag of beans, take a few moments to check if they’re certified Fair Trade—your morning cup of joe will thank you! Not only are you supporting small businesses, but you’re also doing your part to protect our planet too! So why not make every cup count!