What makes Fairtrade coffee different?

Fairtrade is the only global sustainability label that guarantees farmers and workers the Fairtrade Minimum Price protection: companies pay an agreed-upon Minimum Price for the coffee, plus an additional Fairtrade Premium for farmers to invest in their communities and businesses.

It takes a lot of expertise to produce the high-quality beans that end up as your favourite cup of coffee. But the life of the smallholder coffee farmer behind your morning brew is far from easy.

We focus our efforts on small producer organisations because 25 million smallholders produce up to 75 per cent of the world’s coffee. They struggle with low incomes due to perpetual price volatility and the ongoing challenges of the climate crisis.

Come and meet Angelica, Gerardo and María – three Fairtrade coffee farmers from Colombia and find out how Fairtrade has impacted their lives and communities.

Angelica María Escobar Valencia – a farmer who has hope for the future

We have grown coffee for a long time, and we are certain that market changes and all the differences can be overcome.

Angelica María Escobar Valencia, a dedicated coffee farmer from Palestina, Colombia, has spent her life cultivating coffee, following in the footsteps of her parents and grandparents.

She says that Fairtrade certification – which guarantees fair pricing and an additional Premium based on compliance with stringent criteria – is the way forward.

Not only does Fairtrade benefit individual livelihoods but it also supports collective efforts aimed at improving coffee quality and sustainability.

Angelica has witnessed the harmful impact of climate change on coffee production.

Coffee thrives in sunny conditions but struggles with too much rain or prolonged droughts. Recent years have seen erratic harvests due to phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, posing a challenge for coffee growers like Angelica, who says that they “are at the mercy of climate change”.

Fairtrade advocates for climate justice, requiring farmers to adopt sustainable practices and supports them to address climate change head-on.

Angelica and her fellow coffee farmers are encouraged to take proactive steps, strengthening their resilience against extreme weather events, and promoting a sustainable future for coffee production.

Improving coffee production

Being part of Cooperativa Manizales, a Fairtrade-certified organisation, has given her access to various programmes to improve coffee quality, economic stability, and environmental responsibility.

Angelica says that “Fairtrade has been really beneficial for this cooperative”, and she herself has benefited from Fairtrade-funded coffee drying projects, including the installation of solar dryers, which significantly improve coffee quality by maintaining ideal humidity levels.

Additionally, the Fairtrade Premium supported the installation of a secure chemical storage, reinforcing responsible farming practices.

Fair pricing

Fair prices are another priority for Fairtrade. By enabling farmers to calculate production costs per arroba [a Colombian unit of weight equivalent to 12.5kg] of coffee, Fairtrade ensures that even when the market price drops, farmers receive additional incentives per arroba, safeguarding their economic well-being. She says that “even if prices are low at the moment, being certified helps us”.

Despite challenges like market fluctuations and currency exchange rates, which are beyond their control, Angelica and her fellow coffee growers remain resilient and optimistic about the future of Colombian coffee.

They firmly believe that with Fairtrade’s continued support, ongoing improvements, and their expertise in coffee cultivation, Colombian coffee production will enjoy a prosperous and sustainable future. Angelica believes that “the future of Colombian coffee is good”.

María del Carmen Bedoya de Tamayo – nurturing coffee tradition and community through Fairtrade

Without the Fairtrade seal, without fair prices, we wouldn’t have so many benefits.

María del Carmen Bedoya de Tamayo, a seasoned coffee farmer from Chinchiná, Colombia, cherishes her family’s coffee tradition, handed down through generations.

She passionately advocates for Fairtrade certification, which has not only improved her family’s economic well-being but also brought transformative changes to her entire community, touching on social and cultural aspects.

María highlights the broader impacts of Fairtrade, such as the cleaner environment fostered by their cooperative’s clean field days and encouraged by Fairtrade’s environmental standards.

Nevertheless, she is faced with the harsh reality of climate change, with unpredictable weather patterns affecting both coffee yield and quality. She says that “there’s less coffee and the quality has gone down. In winter, there is a lot of illness [and] in summer, disease spreads much, much more”.

Benefits of Fairtrade

Despite these challenges, Fairtrade sales have bought satellite dishes and coffee processing equipment like driers and pulpers. Also initiatives such as health screening, funeral care and veterinary care. These programmes improve the community’s welfare and support the continuity of coffee cultivation.

María speaks about the economic fragility caused by international stock exchange fluctuations and says that “now coffee prices have gone down, things are really difficult”: yet she remains determined to constantly strive to improve the quality of her coffee.

She firmly believes that Fairtrade is the cornerstone of their cooperative’s prosperity, extending its reach not only to her community but also to small-scale coffee growers.

María’s story shows the impact of Fairtrade on individual lives and communities. It underscores the resilience of coffee growers in the face of adversity, united in their dedication to preserving tradition and building a sustainable coffee-growing future.

However, as she says: “The future is uncertain, and we don’t know what will happen. But we keep on going … ploughing, growing, doing our very best to improve the quality of the coffee”.

Gerardo Carbajal – Nurturing organic coffee and sustainability through Fairtrade

On this farm, we produce organic coffee…and we care for the environment.

Gerardo Carbajal, an organic coffee producer in Villa Maria, Colombia, is living proof of how Fairtrade certification can have a far-reaching impact on the coffee industry, the environment, and local communities.

Gerardo’s dedication to organic coffee farming, which avoids the use of harmful chemicals (in line with Fairtrade Standards), has not only enhanced coffee quality but also played a crucial role in preserving the environment. His farm stands as a testament to sustainable, eco-friendly practices.

Gerardo highlights the central role of Fairtrade in securing fair prices that adequately cover production costs.

Benefits of fair pricing

Fairtrade’s fair pricing system not only brings stability to coffee growers but also helps to grow their economic power. He says it means that the market values their product and what they make on their farms more.

This support becomes especially critical in the face challenges caused by climate change. Gerardo describes how three years of excessive rainfall and the recent El Niño phenomenon caused crop losses. In such times, Fairtrade offers financial aid, access to drying facilities, and vital technical guidance.

Gerardo also emphasises the wider community benefits facilitated by Fairtrade. Initiatives such as clean field practices and responsible waste management are integral components of this approach.

He pinpoints the direct link between fluctuating coffee prices and economic hardship, often made worse by middlemen.

He says that the change in price of coffee directly affects their pockets, but cooperatives like the one Gerardo belongs to serve as a buffer against these uncertainties.

As for the future, Gerardo advocates diversifying agricultural production beyond coffee. He believes that growing food crops and fruit trees alongside coffee is essential for long-term self-sufficiency, but this is only possible with fair prices.

Without fairer prices they “can’t afford to improve the coffee fields, renew them and sow trees”.

Whilst telling his story, Gerardo expresses his gratitude to Fairtrade and the supporting companies for their contributions to the lives of coffee-growing families. Their assistance extends far beyond fair prices, encompassing vital technical support, financial aid, and environmental stewardship.

Gerardo’s story captures the intricate interplay between sustainable farming, Fairtrade values, and the well-being of local communities.

How you can support coffee farmers

Coffee

When you choose Fairtrade coffee, farmers can build a better quality of life for their families and communities.

International Coffee Day 2023

This International Coffee Day, join us in speaking out for coffee farmers around the world who have been denied a fair deal for too long.

Get Involved

Find out how to get involved with the Fairtrade movement.

Six facts you should know about Fairtrade coffee

We dispel six of the most common misconceptions about Fairtrade coffee.

How fair is Fairtrade coffee?

We spill the beans on how to tell if your favourite ‘fair trade’ brew is as ethical as it claims to be.

Four threats to your morning coffee

The life of a coffee farmer is far from easy. We look at four threats facing the people behind your morning cup of coffee.

The post Meet some of the farmers behind your Fairtrade cup of coffee appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

]]> https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/media-centre/blog/30-ways-to-celebrate-30-years-of-fairtrade/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:17:21 +0000 https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/?p=39541 In 2024, we’ll be celebrating a very special Fairtrade Fortnight.

It will take place in the autumn for the first time, so we can celebrate 30 years of the Fairtrade Mark here in the UK. This means 30 years of farmers using the power of Fairtrade to drive positive change in their communities.

But you don’t have to wait until September 2024 to start celebrating. We’ve put together ‘30 Ways to Celebrate 30 Years of the FAIRTRADE Mark’.

The post 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

]]> In 2024, we’ll be celebrating a very special Fairtrade Fortnight.

It will take place in the autumn for the first time when we will celebrate 30 years of the Fairtrade Mark here in the UK. This means 30 years of farmers using the power of Fairtrade to drive positive change in their communities.

Instead of waiting until September 2024, we’ve put together 30 ways you can get the ball rolling. How many can you finish before Fortnight 2024 ends?

1. Sign up to get our emails – never miss our latest news! 

If you don’t already get our email updates, fix that today by signing up for our Fairtrade ‘Latest news’ emails. That way, you’ll never miss an opportunity to get involved in our work to build a fairer future.

Sign up for our latest news emails

2. Sign your local Community Declaration on Climate Justice

Over 15,000 people and over 1,000 groups have already signed our Community Declarations on Climate Justice. You can sign as an individual, a school, a Fairtrade group, or any other organisation.

Sign our Community Declarations on Climate Justice

Once you’ve signed, remember to share to get your friends and family to join you.

3. Say it with flowers

We all love to give and receive flowers to celebrate a special occasion. To mark 30 years of our Mark, you could send a friend a special thank you and, at the same time, introduce them to the benefits of Fairtrade flowers.

They deliver a fairer deal for thousands of farm workers in East Africa and Central America.

Find out where to buy these beautiful blooms

4. Write a letter

Thirty years in, people still need to find out why choosing Fairtrade is so important. The students at Ballycarrickmaddy Primary School have been working on how to persuade important people in business, politics and their community to join them in building a fairer future.

Their excellent guide on writing a persuasive letter includes great tips for everyone.

Download the guide (PDF)

5. Start a petition

Supporting us isn’t just about signing petitions – you can start one too! Get a bit of inspiration from the children at St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School – they started a petition urging the UK government to start including Fairtrade bananas in their Free Fruit and Vegetables scheme.

Watch the video from St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School

6. Quiz night? Try one of ours!

Everyone loves a quiz. We’ve created a few to try, or you can use the following information to make your own.

Fairtrade Quiz 2023

What Fairtrade product am I?

General Fairtrade product quiz

7. Make a smoothie

There is no better way to get your ‘5 a day’ than a nice smoothie. There are so many Fairtrade ingredients that are just perfect for smoothies: bananas, mangoes, orange juice, peanut butter, honey, nuts and spices.

Make your smoothie, then ‘smoothly’ start a conversation about how each of those ingredients means a fairer deal for so many farmers and workers all around the world.

8. Get creative in the kitchen

It’s been 30 years since the FAIRTRADE Mark hit UK shelves, and you can now cook up all sorts of tasty treats using the over 6,000 Fairtrade products available across the country.

Whether it’s banana brownies or pasta bakes, classy cocktails or coffee-flavoured cookies, the quickest way to the heart is through the stomach – so build your friends and family’s love for Fairtrade with some delicious dishes.

Check out our library of recipes for some inspiration

9. Make an exhibition of yourself – and us!

Whether it’s poetry, painting, music, or crafting, getting creative is a great way to spread the word about the difference choosing Fairtrade makes.

For example, in 2020, thousands of young people took part in our Choose the World you Want exhibition to mark Fairtrade Fortnight. Try running your own exhibition or competition in your community, school or university.

10. Get social – online!

Social media lets us connect with other Fairtrade fans from all over the country and beyond. It also tells people about the power of Fairtrade.

As we mark 30 years, take inspiration from the Felixstowe Fairtrade Forum’s excellent recent efforts in upping their social media game.

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Find out more about what you can do to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight 2024

Fairtrade Fortnight

Get Involved

Let’s make Fairtrade flowers bloom

Buying Fairtrade

Fairtrade Communities

Fairtrade and climate justice

The post 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

]]> https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/media-centre/blog/30-ways-to-celebrate-30-years-of-fairtrade-pt-2/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:17:02 +0000 https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/?p=39607 In 2024, we’ll be celebrating a very special Fairtrade Fortnight.

It will take place in the autumn for the first time, so we can celebrate 30 years of the Fairtrade Mark here in the UK. This means 30 years of farmers using the power of Fairtrade to drive positive change in their communities.

But you don’t have to wait until September 2024 to start celebrating. We’ve put together ‘30 Ways to Celebrate 30 Years of the FAIRTRADE Mark’.

The post 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade – Pt. 2 appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

]]> 11. Have a break – have a coffee morning

A classic with our campaigners, old and new, nothing gets people listening to the benefits of Fairtrade better than a break and a few top-quality coffees, teas and snacks.

Hosting our coffee morning in a local Oxfam book and record shop helped us reach the public, as people out shopping were attracted in by our free teas and coffees.

Anita Beer, a campaigner in Market Harborough

12. Be a star of screen – host a film night

There’s lots of films that showcase why choosing Fairtrade is always the best choice for people and the planet.

Have a look at our quick guide to running a Fairtrade Film Night

13. Take the taste test – run a tasting session of treats

Thirty years after our first products, some people still don’t realise Fairtrade goodies don’t just power positive change. They taste great, too!

While they are tasting, take the time to explain the positive effect these palate-pleasers have in communities worldwide.

Campaigner top-tip

Pair some Fairtrade wine with some chocolate. Did you know that lighter chocolate pairs well with lighter wines? Try out the Co-op for good value options for wine and chocs.

Lily in Belfast

15. Deck the halls with (recycled) bunting

Using recycled cotton, Linlithgow Fairtrade Partnership made beautiful bunting with local youth groups. But you can use any materials to make some Fairtrade-themed bunting – it’s a great conversation starter, brightens up any space, and crafting is a great way to bring people together.

16. Hold a Fairtrade fashion show

Joanna Pollard celebrated Great Big Green Week by inviting groups of activists to upcycle some old Fairtrade Foundation t-shirts made (of course) from Fairtrade cotton.

Working with the Reading Centre for International Solidarity (RISC), Joanna also live-streamed the event on social media so people from all over could get involved.

Find out more about the ‘How Green Is Your T-shirt’ fashion show

17. Make the flowers bloom in your area

Did you know it’s easier than ever for your local florist to start stocking Fairtrade? Let them know by ordering flower postcards from us and sharing them with independent florists in your area.

Because more beautiful Fairtrade blossoms in the UK means more flower farm workers with greater rights, higher incomes, and more security all over the world, and that’s a blooming good deal!

18. Make your area a Fairtrade Community

Fairtrade Community groups work to put fairness at the heart of everything happening in their area.

You only need two like-minded people to start a group and the enthusiasm to bring our message to local people.

Find out more about Fairtrade Communities and sign up

Already a Fairtrade Community?

Go even further by earning our special ‘Action Area’ badges.

Find more details in our Fairtrade Campaign Action Guide

19. Link up with a local sports team

Wolverhampton Fairtrade scored a Premier League partnership when they teamed up with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The local football group supported them in running an event that supported lots of local children to learn about us.

Find out more about Wolverhampton Fairtrade’s work

20. Hit the trail

Campaigners in Solihull created a Fairtrade Trail that delights old and young alike, introducing people to new places they can buy Fairtrade and the difference doing so can make.

Find out more about how they created their special treasure hunt in this local news article

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Find out more about what you can do to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight 2024

Fairtrade Fortnight

Get Involved

Let’s make Fairtrade flowers bloom

Buying Fairtrade

Fairtrade Communities

Fairtrade and climate justice

The post 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade – Pt. 2 appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

]]> https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/media-centre/blog/30-ways-to-celebrate-30-years-of-fairtrade-pt-3/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:16:41 +0000 https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/?p=39609 In 2024, we’ll be celebrating a very special Fairtrade Fortnight.

It will take place in the autumn for the first time, so we can celebrate 30 years of the Fairtrade Mark here in the UK. This means 30 years of farmers using the power of Fairtrade to drive positive change in their communities.

But you don’t have to wait until September 2024 to start celebrating. We’ve put together ‘30 Ways to Celebrate 30 Years of the FAIRTRADE Mark’.

The post 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade – Pt. 3 appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

]]> 21. Get crafty with your campaigning

Rather than printing lots of leaflets and wasting paper, many campaigners have turned to making their own engaging campaign materials in recent years.

Lots of campaigners share top tips on everything from creating FAIRTRADE Marks with old potatoes to promoting collaborative crafting sessions in their local communities.

Check out our special crafty campaigning webinar

22. Make a Fairtrade display

Whether it’s a student union, a school notice board, your local community centre or just on your fridge, make a daily reminder about the power of the fairer future the FAIRTRADE Mark means.

Get some inspiration on what a top-notch notice board looks like from this Pinterest

23. Teach them a lesson – about Fairtrade

Calling all parents, teachers and students! Did you know your school can become a Fairtrade School? We have lots of things to help you get started.

Find out more about lesson plans, learning resources and fun games

24. Have a little faith, as a Fairtrade Place of Worship

Hundreds of faith groups of all types and beliefs have signed up as a Fairtrade Place of Worship.

All you need to do is commit to stocking essential goodies and spreading the word about the FAIRTRADE Mark among your faith community.

Find out more and sign up in minutes

25. Have a chat about Fairtrade with your local businesses

Speak to shops and businesses in and around your community, university, school or anywhere else about backing Fairtrade.

With over 6,000 products in the UK, it’s not just the usual suspects.

Schools could switch to Fairtrade cotton uniforms. Jewellers could start stocking Fairtrade gold. Even cafes aren’t limited to just Fairtrade tea and coffee – they could also start stocking fruit juices, lemonade and snacks made with Fairtrade cocoa or sugar.

Check out all the Fairtrade products and when to buy them

26. Make a Fairtrade Pledge – and ask others to do the same

Ask people in your community, school or university to pledge to do one thing differently that will make the world fairer.

Schools that have done this previously have got creative – asking people to draw or illustrate their ideas on paper leaves to create a ‘forest of ethical pledges.’

Get involved

27. Celebrate World Fair Trade Day

On the second Saturday of every May, World Fair Trade Day is a great opportunity to listen to the voices of the people behind the products we use every day.

So, mark it in your diary as a major moment to celebrate fairer trade, and sign up for our emails to ensure you get all the tools you need to mark this special moment.

Sign up for our emails

28. Try a new Fairtrade product every day or week

With over 6,000 Fairtrade products available, you could try a new Fairtrade product every day for over 16 years!

We don’t suggest you do it for that long, but perhaps try sniffing out a new treat every week for a year. Don’t forget to share the results on social media!

Check out the range of Fairtrade products and where to buy them

29. Have a bake-off

Get colleagues, classmates, or the whole community to come together and cook up some baked goodies.

The Oxford Student Union gave this a go in 2020, inviting students and staff to send their best Fairtrade efforts to a panel of hungry volunteer judges.

30. And lastly, but definitely not least – Fundraise

As a charity, we are hugely grateful for any donations – large or small. Anything you can give helps us strengthen Fairtrade all around the world and here in the UK – which means a better deal for farmers.

Our fundraising page has some ideas to get you started, but any individual or group is completely free to fundraise in whatever way they like – the more creative, the better.

Fundraise now!

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Find out more about what you can do to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight 2024

Fairtrade Fortnight

Get Involved

Let’s make Fairtrade flowers bloom

Buying Fairtrade

Fairtrade Communities

Fairtrade and climate justice

The post 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade – Pt. 3 appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

]]> https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/media-centre/blog/six-facts-about-fairtrade-coffee/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:18:02 +0000 https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/?p=38888 We dispel six of the most common misconceptions about Fairtrade coffee.

The post Six facts you should know about Fairtrade coffee appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

]]> Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages. In the UK, we drink approximately 95 million cups of coffee per day, and it is a lucrative multi-billion pound business.

However, a closer look at the supply chain shows coffee is a complex and often unfair relationship with the person behind every bean – the farmer. Fairtrade drives a fairer, more sustainable way of trading.

Here, we dispel some of the misconceptions about Fairtrade coffee.

1. Fairtrade coffee is not more expensive

Sustainability doesn’t have to come at a price. You can find a variety of Fairtrade coffee for sale in the UK, and it won’t cost the earth.

Many major supermarkets now have Fairtrade own-label coffee in their value ranges, including M&S, Waitrose and Co-op, so that Fairtrade farmers can enjoy the benefits of Fairtrade certification.

All the coffee at Greggs is Fairtrade, and it’s the cheapest place to buy takeaway Fairtrade coffee on the high street. With many supermarkets and brands selling Fairtrade coffee, the sums don’t add up for those saying it’s more expensive, and in many cases, it isn’t.

We’ve been working with our retail partners to offer Fairtrade products at accessible prices so that you can enjoy a Fairtrade coffee wherever you shop.

2. Not just anyone can use the Fairtrade logo on their coffee and call it ethical

The FAIRTRADE Mark is a registered certification label for coffee sourced from Fairtrade producers in low-income countries, such as Kenya and Nicaragua.

Coffee that displays the Mark must meet Fairtrade Standards, which incorporate a holistic blend of social, economic and environmental criteria.

If a company wants to sell Fairtrade certified coffee (and have the FAIRTRADE Mark displayed on its packaging), they first have to make sure that the coffee meets all of the Fairtrade Standards.

3. You can be confident that Fairtrade coffee is exactly what we say it is

The FAIRTRADE Mark (or logo) on a product means that the Fairtrade ingredients in that product have been independently verified by FLOCERT, an independent certifier accredited by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO).

Independent certifiers audit producers, traders and companies to check compliance with our economic, social and environmental standards, including that farmers and workers receive the Fairtrade Minimum Price and Premium.

So, when it comes to Fairtrade products, including coffee, when we say that buying it is supporting farmers to get a better deal, you don’t just have to take our word for it.

Fairtrade certification system is rigorous, independent, and in line with best-in-class certification practice.

4. Fairtrade supports coffee farmers in improving their products

On top of the price they get for their coffee, Fairtrade farmers also earn a ‘Fairtrade Premium’ to invest in projects that will benefit their business or community.

Fairtrade coffee farmers invest at least 25 per cent of the Premium into initiatives to improve quality and productivity, which can help to increase farmers’ incomes.

Over the years, many Fairtrade coffee producers have won Cup of Excellence awards and several Fairtrade coffees on sale in the UK have also won various taste awards.

In total, Fairtrade coffees have won over 28 Great Taste Awards – which is a testament to the quality achieved.

5. Gender equality and Fairtrade coffee

Studies show that while women’s participation in farming has increased over time, women have less access to resources such as land, inputs, information, credit and training. Fairtrade Standards are designed to increase female participation and support more women and girls to access the benefits of Fairtrade.

Producer networks are rolling out women’s schools of leadership for farmers, enabling women to deepen their business, negotiation and finance skills.

Many of the women go on to take on leadership and committee positions within their co-operatives and communities.

The Fairtrade Standards encompass requirements on gender justice, including no discrimination based on gender or marital status, zero tolerance of abusive or exploitative behaviour, developing a gender policy, and programmes to support disadvantaged and minority groups.

6. The Fairtrade coffee farmers are learning to live with the climate crisis

Around 125 million people worldwide depend on the coffee we drink for their livelihoods. And yet, every time we have a sip of our favourite brew, we probably don’t think about the journey from ground to grind. Coaxing a crop out of some of the steepest farmland in the world is no mean feat. And that’s not all.

Coffee is a boom-and-bust commodity sold on an inherently unstable market with widely fluctuating prices.

Not only has the price been consistently low in recent years, but coffee farming is also getting harder as a changing climate brings extreme and unpredictable weather, more pests and faster-spreading diseases.

In fact, by 2050, as much as 50 per cent of the global surface area currently used for coffee farming may no longer be suitable, experts believe.

And so, the climate crisis is an immediate and ever-increasing threat to the livelihoods of farmers and workers across the world.

Fairtrade provides free training and financial support to produce more resilient crops and help farmers adapt, mitigate and become more resilient to the effects of climate change.

When you choose Fairtrade, you’re part of a global community fighting for climate justice – and a fairer, better world.

Find out where to buy your Fairtrade coffee

Discover more about Fairtrade coffee

Fairtrade Fortnight

Get Involved

Let’s make Fairtrade flowers bloom

Buying Fairtrade

Fairtrade Communities

Fairtrade and climate justice

The post Six facts you should know about Fairtrade coffee appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

]]> https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/media-centre/blog/four-threats-to-coffee/ Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:17:10 +0000 https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/?p=38866 The life of a coffee farmer is far from easy. We look at four threats facing the people behind your morning cup of coffee.

The post Four threats to your morning coffee appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

]]> It takes a lot of expertise to produce the high-quality beans that end up as your favourite cup of coffee. But the life of the smallholder coffee farmer behind your morning brew is far from easy.

Smallholders produce 75 per cent of the world’s coffee, but even though they grow huge volumes of beans, in many regions these farmers earn little for their coffee. They have little negotiating power in coffee supply chains and many struggle on low incomes due to price volatility, and yet they bear most of the risk.

All the while, the climate crisis poses a huge threat to coffee producers while deepening poverty and inequality, especially for those who already live in rural communities without access to good roads, schools and healthcare.

Here, we highlight some of the dangers to the future of your favourite cup of coffee.

Farmers are facing many threats

1. Many non-Fairtrade farmers receive very low prices for their crops that don’t even cover their costs

At the same time, coffee prices can change hugely because of weather events, changes in currency or supply and demand, making it an incredibly unstable commodity.

To put this in context, coffee farmers today receive an estimated 3 per cent of the cost of a cup of coffee sold in your local coffee shop. Between 2018 and 2020, the price fluctuated around US$1 a pound, causing a crisis for farmers.

It drove thousands of coffee farmers into poverty. It’s also worth remembering that the price of your favourite coffee is set by the retailers and not by the coffee farmers, who don’t get to see any uplift in the prices they get.

2. The climate crisis is a huge threat to farmers in low-income countries, even though they have contributed the least to the crisis

Coffee is very climate-sensitive, and changes in rainfall and weather patterns can spell disaster, and farmers can lose their entire harvests because of these changes.

It’s predicted that by 2050, 50 per cent of the global surface area currently being used for coffee farming will no longer be suitable for growing coffee due to climate change.

But, with increased incomes and extra funding for green projects, there’s a lot that producers can do to protect their land and farm in a way that makes the soil healthier and less prone to landslides, etc.

3. The cost-of-living crisis is global

This means that farmers are facing soaring production costs.

75% of coffee is produced by smallholder farmers, so these increasing costs directly affect the farmers’ livelihoods.

With bills soaring in the UK, many are worried about the rising cost of living in 2023.

But for many agricultural communities that have already been struggling, these increased production costs threaten farmers’ survival.

When crops are wiped out by blight, pests, diseases and/or storms, this can make farming families even more vulnerable.

4. All this has been made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic

The pandemic disrupted production and sales, leaving farmers drastically out of pocket.

Unless farmers earn more for their crops, they’ll struggle to afford to protect their families and livelihoods, as well as their communities, from the many crises they face.

That’s where Fairtrade comes in

Buying Fairtrade coffee is easy and affordable. Every bean bought means certified farmers in low-income countries can earn fairer prices for their produce, receive a Fairtrade Premium to invest in their business or communities, and benefit from training and support from our Producer Networks.

All this means they stand a much better chance of protecting their crops, livelihoods and communities from the threats they face.

There are dozens of Fairtrade coffee suppliers across the UK, ranging from take-outs like Greggs and Leon to supermarkets such as M&S, Waitrose and Co-op (who sell Fairtrade coffee as part of their value ranges), and popular brands like Percol, Café Direct and Cru Kafé.

When you choose Fairtrade, you’re part of a global community fighting for climate justice – and a fairer, better world.

Find out where to buy your Fairtrade coffee

Discover more about Fairtrade coffee

Six facts you should know about Fairtrade coffee

How fair is Fairtrade coffee?

What’s the difference: Fairtrade vs ethical coffee

Buying Fairtrade

Coffee

Coffee farmers

The post Four threats to your morning coffee appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

]]> https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/media-centre/blog/fairtrade-shea-beauty-must-haves/ Thu, 11 May 2023 11:25:07 +0000 https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/?p=32679 Natural Fairtrade shea butter is the hottest beauty trend this year. Here are six of our favourite products.

The post Fairtrade shea beauty must-haves appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

]]> Natural shea butter is the hottest beauty trend this year – and even better, it can benefit women workers too. Here are six of our favourite products.

Why shea butter?

Shea butter has long been treasured for its nourishing and soothing effect on the skin. It’s a natural raw ingredient used in many of our favourite skincare, makeup and haircare products.

By buying beauty products containing Fairtrade shea, you know that it’s not just your super-soft skin that benefits.

The women producers earn a fairer price for their shea. And they can use the extra Fairtrade Premium they receive to support their communities.

We think that’s a beautiful result. Read more about the impact of fairer shea butter in our blog.

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Fairtrade shea beauty products:

Afrocenchix Fairtrade Twisting Butter

Afrocenchix styling butter is made with Fairtrade raw organic shea butter, mango butter and avocado oil for frizz-free and glossy hair.

Buy from the Afrocenchix website.

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Amazon Aware Anti-Ageing Night Face Cream

Indulge your skin every evening with Amazon Aware’s effective Anti-Ageing Night Face Cream.

This hydrating formula is made with hyaluronic acid, organic lavender and Fairtrade shea butter.

Buy from Amazon.

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Amazon Aware Relaxing Neroli Body Butter

Amazon Aware’s soothing body butter is made with Fairtrade shea butter and organic aloe vera.

This rich cream is infused with neroli essential oil for all-day fragrance.

Buy from Amazon.

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Fair Squared Apricot Facial Soap

Those with sensitive and dry skin will love this calming facial soap from Fair Squared.

The soap contains Fairtrade shea, olive and apricot oils to cleanse the skin.

Available from the FairSquared website.

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Fair Squared Shea Lip Balm

Keep your lips moisturised all day with Fair Squared’s nourishing lip balm.

Packed with Fairtrade shea butter, almond oil and vanilla for soft and smooth lips.

Available from the FairSquared website.

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Odylique organic mineral lipstick

Odylique’s creamy lipsticks are rich in Fairtrade shea, jojoba butter and organic plant oils.

We think Praline is the perfect everyday shade.

Buy from the Odylique website.

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Find out more about Fairtrade shea

Make way for fairer shea

Sustainable skincare for your Fairtrade beauty routine

The post Fairtrade shea beauty must-haves appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

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