Direct relational vs. Fair Trade

Currently we are hearing the word "Fair Trade" and "Organic" being used in the food industry. More people are being or wanting to be more conscious about the what they are eating and the environment. These organizations are great in providing a standard that farmers can follow. Example: Fair Trade looks at how the workers are being compensated; organic, the farmers are not able to use chemicals on the product we are to consume. To be apart of the organizations the farmer has to pay a fee. The importer pays a fee. The distributor pays a fee. And the seller has to pay a fee to post the organizations logo on the product. For me, the coffee roaster, we may buy from a distributor but how many in the "food chain" (I say as an expression)had to pay to be apart of this governmental organization. Please understand that I am not anti-governmental. These organizations serve their purpose and do a good thing, but what about the farmers that can not participate because of their size and other factors. What about the farms that can not afford chemicals. What about the farms that pay their employees properly and don't see the benefit of participating due to cost, etc. What about the farm that has an excellent product and would be penalized for being apart of fair trade. These agencies have rules and one of the rules to be apart of fair trade is that there is a standard pricing for the product being purchased. With coffee, I think, last years standard on pricing was $1.51 per pound. That means that the farmer would receive $1.51 for their coffee regardless of the quality. For some of us we are willing to sacrifice quality knowing that the company or farm is taking care of their employees. But, what about a farmer who could fetch $2.00 per pound because their product is really good. To be apart of fair trade they would still only make $1.51. They would loose .49 cents per pound and have to pay money to be apart of fair trade. I hope this makes sense. More and more people in the coffee industry are turning to direct relational or direct trade as an alternative. We are wanting to reward those farmers that are providing an excellent product while taking care of their employees. For me, I am wanting to tell the story of the community and the people that we are buying from. Just know, I do not have an importing license so I do have an importer that ships the coffee in to the states. He works with that community directly. Usually these importers only work with one or two communities or countries. I can ask specific questions; like, does the farmer use chemicals? These importers spend weeks if not months at these farms working with the farmer. They both, the farmer and importer, benefit in having a better product. They are investing in each other, have a similar heart and a high level of trust. There is no agency looking over their shoulders asking them questions and making sure they fit within the agencies guidelines. And since the importer spends so much time with the farmer the importer can say in all honesty that the farmer doesn't use chemicals, the workers are being compensated properly, and the difference their partnership has made in that community. For me, I get to see the benefits of this relationship too. One importer I buy from has built a hospital and schools in the community. If I want to travel to the community I can, and hopefully I will be able to this year. It has taken 3 years to develop these relationship and my philosophy. My heart is to work with several communities from different countries. To tell the story of coffee. We have the luxury to drink coffee and possibly have warm fuzzies knowing that someone is being provided for properly. But for my customers I want them to know that we are making a difference in a community and we can see it.

Together we can make a difference one cup at a time.

Rodney
the roaster