#FairtradeFortnight - Don't Be Afraid To Upgrade To Fairtrade

A fair deal for farmers, that’s what we’re talking about to impress a positive mark upon the world, that and care for the planet’s future sustainability. That’s why we choose Fairtrade. Fairtrade is about empowering farmers and workers in developing countries to get a better deal, through fairer prices, decent working conditions and favourable terms of trade.

Each August, during Fairtrade Fortnight, draw attention to the plight of producer coffee nations and awareness of the issues. Awareness around families and communities, women and children, when products carrying the Fairtrade mark are created and purchased.

In Australia, the impact of roasting and selling Fairtrade products is profound. We’re making a choice to offer coffee communities a fair deal because the green bean used in roasting our products such as bean ground & drunk Organic Fairtrade coffee, are purchased by paying at least a Fairtrade minimum price, established globally to cover the sustainable cost of production, or the market price when it’s higher.

Over and above the fair minimum price, the Fairtrade premium is paid. The Fairtrade premium is an additional sum of money which goes into a communal fund for workers and farmers to use – as they see fit – to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions.

Other areas the Fairtrade certification make a difference in, include such things as ensuring there is governance for fair pay for workers. Supplying farmers the means to invest in growth and development is an important additional resource to ensure continuity in the supply chain. The fund contributes to skill improvement in the community, infrastructure and education. Teaching farmers and communities about good sanitation and helping them improve general living conditions, ensures morale remains high.

Every product carrying the Fairtrade Mark has the story of a person, family and community who have improved control over their lives and livelihoods. They’ve been paid a fair price and earned additional money to invest locally in their businesses, communities and the environment.

It’s what sets the Fairtrade certification apart from other certifier systems and why the team at Bean Alliance are proud of the impact we make together.

Happy communities mean happier workers. Happier workers mean happier farmers. Happier farmers mean better products and product quality. It truly is a win – win situation.

A positive impact on people and the planet through the OROMIA Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Union.

Members of Oromia Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative Union are the growers, processors and supplier of high quality, organic Arabica coffee brought to you by yours truly, bean ground & drunk. 

OCFCU promotes Fairtrade for socially and environmentally sustainable techniques and long-term relationships between producers, traders and consumers.

Since becoming Fairtrade certified with bean ground & drunk certified, more than 65,000 people from the OCFCU have benefits from the projects supported through the Fairtrade Premium. Furthermore, OCFCU have invested the premium funds in the following social, quality, productivity and sustainability projects:

Education: As a result, the OCFCU has implemented 66 social projects including construction of an early childhood care centre, two schools, health centres, rural roads, bridges, library, teacher’s residence, clean water link extension and more. The idea behind all social projects is to improve the livelihood of the farmers and wider community.

Investment in Agricultural practices: Further investments in agricultural practices have led to better practices, processing and transportation. Warehouse facilities play a significant role in coffee quality and productivity, which has allowed the union to invest 65% of its Fairtrade Premium funds in this area. This has allowed for improved training on the establishment of dry coffee processing stations, washing station as well as the purchase of coffee transporting trucks and construction of warehouses for farmers.

The OCFCU rubs Fairtrade premium funded training for famers on sustainable bird-friendly techniques, along with composting and natural fertilisers that take care of the ecology.

Farmers are encouraged to intercrop their coffee with productive plants such as avocado, mango and cardamom which supports the household and aids in the development of unique flavours in coffee.

In conclusion, being part of the Fairtrade system is a holistic framework that focuses on improving the quality of coffee and improving the lives of farmers and families.

When you shop, whether it be online or at your local supermarket, look for the Fairtrade Mark to make a positive mark on people and the planet.