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Ever think your choice of morning coffee could influence global
economics and impact the environment? It does. And that's why
Ethical Bean feels so strongly about Fair Trade coffee. Kim
and Lloyd (founders) lived in Central America, met the men and
women who work on coffee farms and understand the effect that
Fair Trade can have in their communities. And they believe that
even little choices, like the type of coffee you're sipping,
can ripple around the world.
The development of Fair Trade came out of an urgent need to
help small-scale farmers earn a decent living for their efforts.
It works in two ways. One, it sets a guaranteed minimum price
for the coffee. And two, it helps eliminate the middlemen by
dealing more directly with farmer-owned co-operatives.
Coffee is the world's second-largest traded commodity after
oil, and the global market for coffee is extremely volatile.
Over a decade ago, farmers saw prices drop 80% worldwide in
less than 12 months. Over the past three years, the average
price of coffee has fallen almost 50% and now rests at a near
30-year low, impacting over 25-million coffee growing families
in over 50 developing countries.
Certified Fair Trade coffee guarantees farmers a minimum of
$1.26 USD per pound. In August 2003, the International Coffee
Organization composite indicator listed the average price for
green coffee at 52 cents per pound. Beyond a better wage, communities
are seeing the benefits of social programs that bring better
access to education and health care. Ensuring a sustainable
future for coffee farmers lies at the heart of Fair Trade. As
a responsible global citizen, Ethical Bean understands that
the decisions we make can change lives and build futures.
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