Well a cup of (Fairtrade) Coffee helps the poverty go down…
I was shown a packet of coffee produced by a small family coffee producing business, declaring their four commitments to help their farmers. They buy directly from the farmers; they help their farmers to improve their coffee, some of it meeting Soil Association organic standards. The last two commitments are to improve farmers’ homes and provide health and educational facilities. So why my hesitation about it? And why are they using the system called Enveritas? (sfbaycoffee.co.uk/pages/enveritas)
Enveritas say they are an inclusive system, free at the point of use, and able to verify the growing credentials of the farmer, however small. A criticism of the Fairtrade system is the cost for businesses to be recognised as Fairtrade. However the big difference is the approach to the farmers. Enveritas provides houses, medical services and schools – echoes of colonialism? Fairtrade helps the producers set up a community group that will decide what their community most needs and how to go about achieving it. (www.fairtrade.org.uk)
What-is-Fairtrade? It’s been a game changer for the communities, especially for the women, who are often marginalised and powerless. They learn new skills like reading and writing and accountancy that allow them to set up their own businesses alongside the farming.
You have probably noticed that some companies like Tesco, have their produce certified by the Rainforest Alliance (rainforest-alliance.org/). They are just about to change to a regenerative agriculture standard. Hurray for them though there’s not the same focus for the producers.
Harborough Town has Fairtrade accreditation and will be running a stall on the Green Street at the Harborough Carnival on Saturday 14 June on Symington Rec. Maybe the business group of Kibworth could gain accreditation for Kibworth?
Julie Fagan, volunteer, Sustainable Harborough Community and Eco Churches
