Whenever possible you should look for coffee beans that are fair trade. The fair trade coffee movement has been seeing steady growth in the last decade. Many savvy consumers are demanding fair trade options which is forcing large coffee retailers to take notice. Since the onset of the global financial crisis in late 2008, coffee prices have plunged but the prices most people pay in the United States has not changed. The large coffee suppliers and retailers have simply pocketed the difference.

Fair Trade means a fair partnership between the coffee farmers and the large companies that market the products in lucrative North American and European markets. The system works to guarantee that low-income farmers in coffee growing countries earn a livable wage for their daily labor.

To be certified as fair trade, these conditions must be met:

-A fair wage is paid to the coffee grower, which covers not only the cost of production but also enables them to have money left over to live well.
-Employees must be offered opportunities for advancement
-Farmers must engage in environmentally sustainable practices

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-Coffee plantations must provide healthy and safe working conditions.
-Children and women are protected from exploitation.
-The relationship between the coffee growers and the companies that purchase their coffee must be fair, balanced and financially transparent so it can be properly monitored.

Fair trade products can be identified by a “Fair Trade Certified” label or the seal of approval from the Fair Trade Federation. The Fair Trade Federation is an association of businesses that follow fair trade principles and their logo ensures that the coffee company is committed to the highest fair trade standards. For a product to carry a Fair Trade label it must be inspected and certified by Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International. This group currently operates in over 70 countries has over 800 producer organizations working in its vast Fair Trade coffee network.

In addition to Fair Trade coffee, other agricultural products are also certified by the Fair Trade Federation, including: bananas, tea, sugar, chocolate, honey, wine, flowers and cocoa. In 2008, Fair Trade certified sales amounted to slightly more than US billion worldwide, a 22% increase from year-to-year. This still remains a fraction of the estimated US -80 billion global coffee industry. However, the impact in the lives of farmers is huge, with Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International estimating that over 7.5 million coffee producers and their families are benefiting from fair trade programs, technical assistance and community development projects.

When you buy a or cup of coffee at a coffee shop, how much do you think ends up in a grower’s pocket? Not nearly as much as you’d think. In fact, the amount of coffee required for a medium-sized cup probably only cost the coffee shop about .06. The grower of the coffee receives less than 1% of the price of that coffee – which amounts to about .006. So, next time you have a cup of coffee that isn’t fair trade, think of that. But by choosing companies that sell Fair Trade coffee products you can ensure a fair price is being paid to the growers.

Consider what an extra K, K or even K per year could do to help your organization cover overhead, afford capitol expenditure, or provide a cushion for your tight budgets. By partnering with the Organic Fair Trade Coffee Company, your organization can easily run with our coffee fundraiser package and make substantial profits. Our “Righteous Bean” coffee is 100% certified Organic and Fair Trade, and a portion of the proceeds support Coffee Kids, an organization helping to make a better life for women and children.

You can be a hero by bringing this idea to your group or organization, when they see what a money maker this turn key program can be. Your group will get our wholesale non-profit pricing and sell coffee to your members, who are already buying and drinking coffee on a daily basis. Why not have the advantage of a buying club using our coffee fundraiser? And the best part is that there are no upfront costs or minimum orders. You collect all the money and keep the profit before sending in the order.

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With the help of a volunteer coordinator from your group, your membership orders their monthly supply of coffee. We provide all the order forms, support and of course, the coffee – everything you need to make your coffee fundraiser a success. Choose from our world coffees of Breakfast Blend, Mountain Medley, Ethiopian, Guatemalan, Mexican, Sumatran and decaf Sumatran.

Our wholesale non-profit pricing is available to you, with shipping included, so there is no need to factor in additional cost calculations. With our fundraiser package, you can make profit on each bag sold and that can really add up. Even 10 bags a month brings in 0 or 00 per year! Maybe you can do 20, 30 or even 50 bags with a net profit of 00.

Consider the potential benefit, value and relief that this additional money can do for your organization. Virtually everyone is already buying and drinking coffee. Your group can make a great profit and afford to make that extra needed purchase that you didn’t quite have the money for. Whether you need uniforms, choir dress, instruments, furniture, or want to use your profit for supporting your bottom line budget, the choice is yours.

Partner today with the Organic Fair Trade Coffee Company and launch your coffee fundraiser. Together we can make it happen. Contact us at info@ofairtradecoffee.com or 616-949-0834. www.ofairtradecoffee.com

Visit our Community: www.ecountrylifestyle.com Your Virtual Lifestyle Community Learn about the world of Coffee, from producer to consumer. Listen as Chris and Jody Treter, talk about how they got started as coffee roasting artisans. Learn how they purchase coffee beans directly from small scale independent growing groups around the world. See how they take raw coffee beans, meticulously roasting different varieties of beans at specific temperatures to produce a unique flavor for each type of bean. For more information on Higher Ground Coffee Roasters, of Traverse City, MI, visit Chris and Jody’s website at: www.highergroundstrading.com
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(Part 4 of 4) CUP OF FELLOWSHIP Join Lutheran World Relief in a cup of fellowship. Travel with us to Latin America to meet coffee farmers who grow and harvest the Fair Trade coffee Lutherans enjoy through the LWR Coffee Project. This final segment explains how buying Fair Trade Coffee through the LWR Coffee Project has an even greater impact than just buying it at your local grocery store.
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About Fair Trade Coffee

The movement is twofold: one part social movement, one part economic- all aimed at helping producers in developing nations around the world get liveable wages and working condtions.The movement is about advocating for a fair price to producers for their goods, as nicely as particular environmental and social standards. It focuses particularly on exports from developing nations to developed nations around the world, most notably handicrafts and commodities, which includes coffee.

These standards of Fair Trade have been created to be a safety net in unpredictable markets. They provide a secure price to coffee producers that cover their real costs so they are able to maintain a sustainable level of production. Under this practice, Fair Trade Coffee is purchased directly from the growers at a fair price, which is normally higher than the market-determined price.Prior to the the Fair Trade Coffee movement, mass production and market prices caused coffee prices to fall dramatically. Whilst this made big income for companies, this left a small margin for producers, if they were lucky. Several times the money they made didn’t cover the cost of growing or creating leading to a cycle of pverety and unsustainability. This movement, such as that of Fair Trade Coffee has transformed that potential situation. In terms of Fair Trade Coffee farmers, a fair minimal price is guaranteed, in order that in the event the market-determined price is greater, they’re given small premiums on a per pound basis. Fair Trade Coffee is now bought by people all around the world, with many more buyers who are mindful that farmers conditions are being watched and which they are being treated a lot more fairly. Farmers know of what they could get for thier product and which they can make a sustainable liveablefrom it.
You know that when a Fair Trade Coffee product is Fair Trade Certified, it has been grown or made within the guidelines of specific standards and conditions . Fair Trade goods consist of Organic and natural coffee like Mexican, Java, and Peruvian Organic and natural. Ground coffee, coffee beans, coffee pods, and even instant coffee are also available. Every product is sold in many quantities. Fair Trade Coffee has become increasingly well-known over the last ten years, and is now available everywhere from supermarkets to wholesale suppliers, and can also be bought via the internet or from coffee retailers. The Fair Trade movement has transformed lives by the bringing of commercial balance to individuals who used to barely survive.

When purchasing Fair Trade Coffee at your neighborhood shop, on the internet or coffee retailer, you can check for a fair trade certified mark on the packaging. It makes a big difference.

How is Fair Trade Coffee Distributed?

TransFair is a third-party organization which exists to make sure all agreed upon condtions are met between importers and famers. Coffee importers acknowledge getting through the farmers included inside the International Fair Trade Coffee Register. The Fair Trade Coffee producers are getting paid out at least the minimum established price for their product. If coffee rates all around the globe rise above the minimum common price, registered farmers will be paid out thier premium above market price. Coffee importers are providing credit to Fair Trade Coffee farmers towards long term product sales. This keeps them from incurring debt with coffee “middlemen” (which is among the ways they have been previously kept in an unsustainable spiral of poverty). Coffee importers establish and maintain sustain direct relationships with Coffee farmers to cut out middlemen, hence bringing greater balance.

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The world’s second most consumed beverage behind water, coffee is also the world’s most traded consumable good. In this article we will take a look at some interesting statistics involving coffee including its consumption rates and some fair trade/organic coffee related statistics.

Finland drinks the most coffee of any nation in the world, per capita. The United States comes in at 16th place, just after the United Kingdom and just before the European Union. However, the United States drinks 1/5 of the world’s coffee, making it the world’s top consumer overall.

The sale of specialty coffee is growing at rate of about 20% per year and now accounts for roughly 8% of all coffee sales. Specialty coffee is defined by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) as being coffee that scores 80 points or higher on their 100-point scale.

Coffee drinkers in the United States spend just under 18 billion dollars annually, which averages out to about 5 per coffee drinker, per year.

On average, men drink slightly more coffee (1.9 cups per day) than women (1.4 cups per day).

Americans consume about 4.4kg (9.8 lbs.) of coffee per capita, per year.

Fair trade coffee sales grew 104% between 2004 and 2007 in North America. Another rise of 100%+ is expected between 2008 and the end of 2010.

For every latte sold, a conventional farmer receives about two cents.

With roughly 23% of the worldwide market share, Mexico is the world’s biggest producer of fair trade coffee. In fact, well over 50% of the world’s fair trade production occurs in Mexico and South American countries.

Canada has seen of the largest growths in fair trade coffee consumption. Their annual consumption has grown from 425,000 kilos in 2002, to over 5 million kilos in 2008.

The United States is the world’s single largest importer of organic coffee, being responsible for no less than 40% of global organic coffee imports.

Despite the fact that is the most traded of all fair trade goods, as of 2008 fair trade coffee still only made up just over 1% of the entire coffee market.

Statistics courtesy of coffeeresearch.org, interscience.wiley.com, interrupcionfairtrade.com and fao.org/.

Coffee is second only to oil as the most traded commodity in the world, and the United States is its largest consumer. While the average cost for a pound of coffee ranges from .00 to almost .00, the average third world coffee farmer receives only 25 to 50 cents. Though a good yield can garner close to ,000 a year for the average farmer, by the time that same yield hits the cup in the US, it is worth more than three-quarters of a million dollars.

Before harvested coffee beans make it to the US, they are bought and sold by middlemen, who set the per pound price paid to disadvantaged farmers. Though there have been initiatives to curb the middleman’s influence, there hasn’t necessarily been a way to side-step them completely, until now.

Fair trade organizations, such as Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) and FLO-CERT, provide strict guidelines that follow coffee beans from plant to finished product. When a product is designated Fair Trade Certified(TM), it means it has been produced for a fair price, under safe and healthy conditions, and in accordance with direct trade standards that give the farmer more control and allow them to compete globally. Fair trade organizations also work with farmers to promote community development programs and environmentally sustaining farming practices.

More consumers are switching to Fair Trade coffee.

As awareness and availability increase, more people are making the decision to purchase Fair Trade Certified products. What started as a grass roots effort to help struggling farmers in third world countries has grown to a world-wide movement to ensure coffee producers are able to sustain their families, communities and their harvest.

Fair Trade Certified coffee is growing in popularity and can now be bought in most supermarkets, from wholesale suppliers or through online coffee retailers. It is sold as ground coffee, coffee beans, coffee pods or even instant coffee. Major coffee shops and restaurants are beginning to offer Fair Trade Certified coffees side-by-side or as an alternative to regularly produced coffees.

Does Fair Trade coffee cost more?

While there is a slight variance in pricing when compared with mass-produced products, Fair Trade Certified coffee is priced competitively with other gourmet and specialty coffees, and any difference will decrease as Fair Trade coffee sales increase. Bypassing the middlemen allows Fair Trade Certified coffee prices to stay competitive while netting the farmer a bigger return.

How does purchasing Fair Trade benefit coffee farmers?

Under fair trade agreements, farmers receive a set minimum price for their product, unlike regular coffee growers whose income is generally far below market value. Fair Trade certification also helps farmers implement organic growing practices, better labor practices, and safer working conditions. Benefits reach the farmers through a labeling and audit system that tracks the coffee from harvest to packaging.

Can you taste a difference?

Fair Trade coffees don’t taste different because they are grown the same as any coffee, but under improved conditions. Many fair trade organizations are working with farmers to develop organic and shade grown coffees techniques which means coffees that are healthier for you and the environment.

How do you know if you’re buying Fair Trade Certified coffee?

To find Fair Trade coffee at your local store or via an online retailer, simply look for the Fair Trade Certified Mark on the package. By selecting products licensed to use the certification mark, you can be sure your purchase is making a positive difference by helping disadvantaged farmers get a better deal.

About CoffeeCow

CoffeeCow.com goes to great lengths to provide the highest quality products, the fastest service, and the deepest discount prices you will find on coffee pods, single cup coffee makers, and a wide selection of related coffee supplies. Developed by coffee professionals with over 35 years of experience in fulfilling any coffee service need, CoffeeCow offers all the coffee conveniences for your home or office. Visit http://www.coffeecow.com for more information.

A coffee gift might just be the perfect present for this holiday season. Why you ask? Think about it…
1. Almost everyone loves great coffee
2. A coffee gift is reasonable priced…so you’re not going to break the bank
3. You can show someone you care without going broke
4. You can purchase a coffee gift online and have it shipped directly to the receiver
5. It’s easy to ship so last minute so coffee gifts usually arrive on-time

As you start to pull together your holiday gift list, keep a couple of things in mind. Everyone is talking about “going green” and supporting your local economy. We all know this to be true. So why not support these principals and apply them to your gift giving. Just as important these new trends have helped spark the economy. One of the benefactors of these growing trends is the small batch coffee industry. More and more you see local coffee shops sprouting up offering premium organic and fair trade coffees. These shops are usually crowd favorites for those of us that are tired of the usual suspects ie; the big chains that mass produce and prefer quantity over quality. And if you think your friends and family don’t appreciate the global workforce, think again. Fair trade coffee sales grew by 32% last year.

As you start to do your search on the web for the perfect coffee gift this holiday season here are a couple of things to keep in mind to help with your search:

1. Use the search terms coffee gift, organic coffee, organic and fair trade coffee and buy coffee online. This will produce plenty of good results in google.

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2. Organic & Fair Trade Coffee – look to pay between .99 – .99 per pound.
3. Purchase Whole Bean – whole bean coffee will preserve the quality and freshness of the flavor.
4. Coffee of the Month Club – consider a 3 or 6 month membership to a coffee of the month club as your coffee gift. This offers your friend or family member the opportunity to try a number of premium and specialty blends. And..they will be thinking of you every month when that package arrives.
5. Accessories – consider including an accessory as part of your coffee gift. Maybe a nice serving set, a storage container or grinder make the perfect complement to the perfect gift.

A coffee gift makes a perfect present for the holidays, a birthday or special occasion. It’s a gift that works any time of year and is unique and special.

For many there is no feeling like that first cup of coffee in the morning. It kick-starts the day and wakes you up, ready to face the challenges ahead. However, for many the search for great coffee is always ongoing with so many different countries around the world producing coffee beans (around 70 at the last count), and as such great cups of coffee.

Those who love to buy their coffee will probably not even be aware that it was first discovered in Ethiopia, but since then is grown anywhere in the world where the sun is bright enough to allow the coffee beans to flourish.

The largest producer of fair trade coffee in the world is without question Brazil. Brazil produces roughly 28% of the world’s supply of coffee. The next largest supplier of coffee is Brazil’s South American neighbour, Colombia, which produces around 16% of the world’s coffee.

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The third biggest producer of fair trade coffee is Indonesia, creating on average 7% of the world’s coffee. Indonesia has only been producing coffee since the sixteen hundreds when Dutch colonists first brought coffee to the region.

Perhaps a surprise coffee producer in the world is Hawaii, which produces its coffee from coffee trees that have been planted on the slopes of volcanoes.

Wherever you look to buy coffee, you can be assured of a wide selection of different types of beans and tastes to suite your needs.Those who love to buy their coffee will probably not even be aware that it was first discovered in Ethiopia, but since then is grown anywhere in the world where the sun is bright enough to allow the coffee beans to flourish.

The largest producer of fair trade coffee in the world is without question Brazil. Brazil produces roughly 28% of the world’s supply of coffee. The next largest supplier of coffee is Brazil’s South American neighbour, Colombia, which produces around 16% of the world’s coffee.

(Part 2 of 4) FAIR TRADE EXPLAINED Join Lutheran World Relief in a cup of fellowship. Travel with us to Latin America to meet coffee farmers who grow and harvest the Fair Trade coffee Lutherans enjoy through the LWR Coffee Project. This second segment explains the concept of Fair Trade.
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