The Fair Trade and Organic movements change the world by allowing consumers to make purchases based that ensure a positive social impact. When you purchase fair trade and/or organic products, you are encouraging more and more farmers and industries to adopt fair and environmentally safe practices, because you are rewarding good stewardship. On the other hand, when you purchase items based solely on price, there’s the possibility that you are rewarding sub-par employers or environmental neglect. Of course, that’s not always the case, but the Fair Trade and Organic labels allow you to know for sure what kind of business practices you reward with your dollars, when you can’t get to know the companies personally.
What is Fair Trade Coffee?
Fair Trade coffees are grown and processed by cooperatives run by small, family farmers which earn a guaranteed price for their beans. They in turn must meet the criteria of fair labor conditions for all people working on the farm – freedom of association for farmers and workers, democratic decison making processes, and follow the environmental standards that restrict the use of agri-chemicals and foster sustainability. This is an effort to improve the lives of the workers and that of their families, and the country the coffee is grown in.
What Does the USDA Organic Label Mean?
The USDA Organic label is regulated by the USDA, and requires proof that the product is produced without the use of synthetic chemicals. The producer must also show a plan that addresses issues of bio-diversity, water-shed management, and the creation of buffer zones to prevent any cross-contamination in growing or processing of the coffee. No chemicals or synthetic pesticides are used at the coffee plantations.
At The Meeting Place on Market, we do our part by offering our customers fair trade and organic coffees:
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Grown in the Yirgacheffe region which balances flavor, acidity, and body. A smooth, well-balanced coffee.
Fair Trade/ Organic Guatemalan
Has great aromatics, good acidity and an excellent flavor. A medium roast coffee perfect for a mellow evening. Quickly becoming a customer favorite!
Fair Trade/ Organic Ring of Fire Coffee
A dark, smokin’ blend of high mountain beans from the active volcanic soils of Indonesia, Timor and Papua-New Guinea. Eye-opening! Our customers love this coffee. Its flavor is distinct, yet not bitter. As if it had been refined through fire!
Grown high in the Andes Mtns this coffee has a rich, mellow flavor that’s similar to the High Andes coffees.
