As we drink our morning coffee, most of us don’t spend much time thinking about where it’s come from. What we may not realise is we’re depending on more than just a caffeine-kick to get us going.
If it’s not Fairtrade, we’ve probably unconsciously taken advantage of some of the world’s poorest people. Coffee farmers in Ethiopia, India, Papua New Guinea, Brazil and other developing countries. Farmers who literally pour their blood, sweat and tears into harvesting crops that will barely bring in enough money to feed their families.
That’s not fair.
But the imbalance is slowly being put right. Fairtrade goods – from chocolate and coffee, to handcrafts and garments - are becoming more readily available in New Zealand as consumer demand increases.
In 2007, retail consumers worldwide spent an estimated NZ$4.8bn on Fairtrade certified products. Fairtrade now directly benefits over 7 million people - farmers, workers and their families in 59 developing countries.
So, does buying Fairtrade products really make a difference to people's lives? Rachel Dixon at the UK Guardian talks to three producers and finds out how their communities have been transformed. View story >
Trade as Aid
World Vision promotes fair trade because we know the difference it makes for people in developing nations – and we’re working closely with the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand to see it go from niche to mainstream.
Why? Because fair trade is a strong complement to World Vision’s development work. It ensures farmers earn enough to support their families – which can mean safe water to drink, enough food to eat and an education for children.
In developed countries, World Vision is working to educate people about the goods they consume, and how to make choices that can help lift people in developing nations out of poverty. Meanwhile in those countries, we’re seeding and developing Fairtrade cooperatives, educating communities about production and trade, and helping to increase their access to international markets.
New Zealanders need to advocate for change in international trade because it’s unacceptable that producers in poorer countries do not receive fair prices for their goods.
You can start by making sure you purchase and drink only Fairtrade coffee. Only then can you be sure that your flat white or long black is a positive experience for both you and its producer.
Pledge to drink only Fairtrade coffee
Hear a US radio report about Fairtrade coffee
Learn about chocolate production in Ghana
Find out more about fair trade
Fairtrade Association of Australia and New Zealand
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