"Fair Trade: from farmer to cup"*


"Step 1: One million of the world's estimated 25 million small coffee farmers belong to cooperatives that sell to fair trade importers in the U.S.

"Step 2: Coffee co -ops pay anywhere from 15 to 25 cents per pound to have their coffee processed at a mill. In some cases, co - ops have been able to invest in and create their own mills.

"Step 3: Companies that uphold fair trade principles generally fulfill diverse roles, including importing, roasting, and selling the coffee themselves.

"Step 4a: Consumers purchase coffee directly from fair trade organizations.

"Step 4b: Cafes and stores buy coffee directly from fair trade organization.

"Step 5: Consumers buy fair trade coffee from the stores or cafes.."

* "Certification agencies ensure that fair trade principles are upheld through the entire process, from the co - ops to consumers...."


From: U.S. Catholic - November 2010. USCATHOLIC.ORG