Fair Trade Month begins!
“ May is Fair Trade Month. For the past few years, fair trade has lost its trendy appeal and has even come under fire from some coffee roasters. Like any system, it's not perfect. The fair trade project isn't an end in itself, but a living system that adapts to the changing times. Direct purchases, meaning those made directly with farmers, are more unique and more effective from a marketing perspective. But everyone agrees that despite direct North-South trade, direct purchases of 100% of harvests aren't possible. May is therefore a way for FARO to affirm that fair trade still has its place in this world of exchange. Fair trade will and must evolve, like any system of trade, but the values of fairness behind this idea are deeply rooted in our culture. Here is a text by Valérie Verhoef, barista and manager at FARO, to discuss fair trade in more detail.” “
Fair trade: why?
Because this type of trade is based on the theoretical idea that conventional trade is unfair and that we all need to examine our impact as "consumer-activists." Inequality has been growing between the Global North and the Global South since the first industrial revolutions. FARO has always been concerned about this issue, offering you fair trade coffees and even visiting farmers and coffee plantations every year. Even if, according to the Fairtrade Federation Fair trade in global products represents only 0.01%, and we are committed to contributing to it. We believe in a solidarity-based and respectful economic philosophy.
Buying fair trade products: the implications.
- Encourage the development of ethical trade. Ensure respect for workers, fight against slavery and child labor while promoting gender equality.
- Cooperate to maintain healthy trade relations. Redefine the terms of these exchanges and, above all, establish the most direct relationship possible with agricultural producers of all kinds.
- To contribute to expanding the range of all products offered and available through the fair trade market. The greater the demand, the more attractive the supply will be.
- Buying fair trade also means cooperating in the pursuit of various skills that deserve to be passed down through current and future generations.
- Choose local producers. From here, or elsewhere… Choose people who are driven by passion to create and offer quality products.
But far be it from us to claim to be moralizers…we are artisan roasters and we feel concerned by this type of economic development and are proud to be able to offer you various fair trade products.
