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Coffee and Sustainability
The coffee industry is intrinsically linked with the Fairtrade brand, thanks
in part to the efforts of stores such as the Co-op and other ethical
retailers.
A symbol of sustainable farming, Fair Trade coffee, also known as equal
exchange, is coffee and coffee beans that are traded directly between
producer and retailer, bypassinng the coffee trader and other agents and
thereby ensuring that the producer gets greater profits. By cutting the
supply chain, coffee farmers get a greater return for their hard work - and
as the coffee bean is often grown in some of the poorest and most
challenging climates in the world, the scheme has social and ethical aims,
as well as economic benefits. It`s worth noting however that the Fair Trade
certification symbol doesn`t always mean that extra money is going to the
pockets of the farmers themselves and savvy customers may wish to research
further into coffee produced by projects with these more social aims.
The Fair Trade organisation is an independent organisation that certificates
the coffee being produced. Importers agree to puchase directly from small
farmers or local producers, who are guaranteed a fair minimum price for
their coffee. The importers provide small amounts of credits to coffee
farmers to keep them out of debt - a risk otherwise from local middlemen.
The scheme is long-term and sustainable - it aims to build enduring trade
relatioships between producer and distributor, cutting out agents and
middleman and bringing greater stability to regions and markets which are
traditionally very unstable.
The certification is a key part of sustainable farming - another important
driver in the modern coffee business. Although no single definition exists,
it`s a logical term to describe coffee beans grown in a manner that is kind
to local people and the environment. Sustainable coffee farming gives back
to both people and the land. It uses renewable resource and seeks to avoid
non-renewable resources and so preserve the planet. Farming methods are
designed to minimise pollution and care for both environment and the
employees that work within a sustainable farming environment. Examples of
these practices include the re-use of coffee husks as a fuel for heating,
rather than the traditional approach of cutting eucalyptus trees for fuel.
Another common practice is to use coffee driers that don`t cause pollution,
such as solar models. Sustainable coffee farming will also minimise water
use and clean water that is used in manufacturing - rather than returning it
to the lakes directly!
, it`s filtered through the earth using natural processes and then used for
irrigating coffee. Other practices will be followed around shade-growth,
organic farming and bio-diversification to preserve the land - and workers
will be given education, decent wages and health care - nurturing
communities as well as the grower`s land. It`s fair to say, fair trade coffee beans provide a more beneficial and satsifying
coffee experience for all!
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