There is a better way to help coffee farmers

There is a better way to help coffee farmers, says Trade Aid

Oxfam’s suggestion of destroying world stockpiles of coffee is a short term solution that doesn’t address the fundamental inequities of the free market system that has failed small coffee farmers all over the world.

Certified fair trade coffee is a long term sustainable approach that guarantees a minimum “living wage” is paid to coffee farmers. It is the biggest growth area of the US specialty coffee market, and is being drunk in the US House of Representatives and the British parliament.

The fair trade approach ensures small farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price, which is currently two to three times the amount the free market system delivers, where middlemen and corporates are raking in fat profits.

Trade Aid sells certified fair trade organic coffee, from café espresso blends and plunger style coffee to instant coffee. It is the only coffee company importing guaranteed certified fair trade coffee in New Zealand. It is available through the 30 Trade Aid stores and selected other outlets listed on the Trade Aid website http://www.tradeaid.co.nz.

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