Buy Fair Trade!
The vast majority of the coffee we buy comes from producers who are paid about 54 cents for a pound of beans – or about 11 cents for every dollar spent by the coffee-consuming public.Under fair trade arrangements, less money goes to "middlemen" and more goes to the coffee grower. They receive about 28 cents for for every dollar spent by the coffee-consuming public.
posted by Grace at 2/05/2007 10:05:00 PM
2 Comments:
28 cents is still a very little % of what we pay! Will anyone ever do REAL FAIR TRADE???? Maybe you, Grace! In grade 12, I did a research on Fair Trade vs sweatshops, and I was sensitized to the point of anger, and of not wanting to buy from gap, american eagle, Nike... and only buy Fair Trade Coffee... But I am ashamed to say that now, I'll buy what's closest, cheapest, and what I feel like having - French Capuccino :( Maybe I should make a resolution for my Birthday, but I don't want to put myself under more rules - because then I will sin even more!!!
Hello Dear!
It is pathetic isn't it, Fair Trade translating $0.28/1 going directly to the producers. However, fair trade products are generally being charged a "premium" to ensure that producers get a fair price for their produce. Essentially, the problem lies with the exploitation by middlemen who purchase the produce from producers at an extremely low price and selling it waaay more expensive to retailers/factories etc.
I don't know how I or anyone can change the system and abolish middlemen. When I think of how, I'll let you know...
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