THE OTHERS 

The large national commercial and specialty coffee importers (corporate and store brands) pay world market pricing. So what’s wrong with that?

OUR COFFEE PROBLEM 

In 1999 the World Market Price price fell below production costs of $1.26 US/pound – dropping to about 50 cents US per pound in 2002. 

We complain about the price of a cup. But who speaks for the farmers who have lost over 50% of their income. And are forced through poverty to produce coffee at a loss.

Workers on Colombian plantations supplying the non-fair trade  world market only receive about $4.00 US PER DAY for their labour. (their gas price is about the same as the US)

As a result, the rural youth are prey to the more profitable “violence industries” of guerrillas, paramilitary groups or the drug trade.

THE BENEFITS

(1) farmers in producing countries are paid fairly,
(2) health, education and other community services are developed, and,
(3) the environment is preserved. Fair Trade products are generally grown in a traditional organic way by small scale producers.

Consider your power as a consumer. Let your purchases contribute to economic justice in the world, not poverty.
you can make a difference.