Fair Trade Coffee Standards

Fair trade coffee is coffee that is purchased directly from the growers of coffee for a higher price than normal coffee. Fair trade coffee is one of the products available around the world. The purpose of fair trade is to promote better working conditions and superior economic incentive for producers. Growers are always guaranteed a minimum price for the fair trade coffee, and if market prices exceed that amount, they receive a per pound premium.

Fair Trade coffee has become popular over the last 10 years and is now accessible at most places coffee is sold. The Fair Trade Certification allows farmers and to escape poverty by giving them the skills and the means to participate in the global market of cultivation products. Fair Trade standards require that farmers obtain fair wholesale rates for their crops. Farmers who are intricate with Fair Trade obtain minimum floor price and a supplementary premium for licensed organic products. In addition to the cost standards of Fair Trade labeling, there are further principles that must abide by. Fair Trade certified coffee is most likely the familiar seal to many customers. Fair Trade is mainly concerned with alleviating poverty throughout international trade. Many people believe, nevertheless, that Fair Trade certification standards also include strong environmental standards. Here, are the Fair Trade environmental standards.

The Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) is the society of producer networks. FLO reviews and develops the Fair Trade standards. Presently there are two types of standards: standards specific to each type of product and overarching generic standards. Let’s look at the standards, which specially address preserving and defending the environment. Plant material cannot be collected from secluded areas or illegally propagated. Harvesting of wild products from natural areas has to be done sustainably. Chemicals should not be on a prohibited list. Co-ops must have environmental records pertaining to water, land and chemical use. They must recognize buffer areas and storing up and not cultivate or apply agrochemicals. Forest area can’t be cultivated, except an omission is granted. Co-ops should promote farm diversity such as reforestation or shade implementation. In particular areas of low biodiversity co-op members should plant trees to encourage regeneration of native flora. Use of allowed herbicides must be acceptable. Agrochemicals must be stored, labeled and used as directed. Producers should seek less toxic alternatives and try to reduce amount of agrochemicals to the most possible extent. Waste should be reused, recycled and composted in a proper manner. Soil erosion must be managed and soil fertility ought to be maintained. Also, Water should be managed powerfully and to avoid contamination of resources. Genetically adapted organisms are forbidden.

These are certainly pretty generic. However, there are not many specific criteria or measurable rules.

There is such a variety of coffee beans available these days. Many cafes are now sell different grades of fairtrade coffee to attract socially aware customers.http://www.mycuppa.com.au/