Fair Trade
At Paisa De Selecto we are not only bringing the finest Colombian specialty coffee, but we also try our best to uphold the highest standards of fair trade practices. Our commitment goes beyond the high-quality product, but it also extends to the dedicated farmers and workers who make it all possible.
The Significance of Fair Trade
Fair trade is more than just a marketing label; it's a movement that secures fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable livelihoods for coffee growers. By choosing fair trade coffee, you're supporting ethical practices that support social and economic development in coffee-growing regions.
What is Fair Trade in the Coffee Industry?
Fair trade is an approach to trading partnerships based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, which seeks equality rather than misusing farmers from poorer countries. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions and securing the human rights of producers and workers. Here’s how fair trade impacts the coffee industry specifically:
- Fair Prices: One of the core principles of fair trade is to ensure that farmers receive a fair price for their coffee. This helps protect them from volatile market fluctuations and natural misfortunes that might drastically affect their income and living conditions. Fair trade minimum prices are set to cover the costs of sustainable production and provide a safe base income for farmers.
- Financing for Development: In addition to fair prices, fair trade cooperatives receive financial support for community development. Extra income can be invested in various projects, such as building schools, improving healthcare facilities, or enhancing local infrastructure, directly benefiting the local community.
- Trade Unions of Farmers: Fair trade promotes the formation of cooperatives and associations, enabling small farmers to collectively negotiate better terms of trade, access training and technical assistance, and improve their production and marketing capabilities.
- Environmental Sustainability: Fair trade standards include environmental criteria that promote sustainable agricultural practices. This includes minimizing the use of harmful chemicals, protecting water sources, managing waste, and conserving biodiversity. These practices help ensure the long-term health of the land and surrounding ecosystems.
- Worker Rights and Conditions: Fair trade certification requires that workers on farms have decent working conditions. This means no forced or child labor, and the right to organize and negotiate collectively. Workers must be provided with safe and healthy working environments, fair wages, and adequate housing if applicable.
Supporting Colombian Coffee Growers
Colombia is renowned for its exceptional coffee, and our specialty coffee is a legacy of the skill and passion of Colombian coffee growers. However, these farmers often face challenges such as fluctuating market prices, global warming, and harsh working conditions. Fair trade practices help the local community to navigate through difficult issues by guaranteeing stable prices and securing development.
By securing partnerships with local Colombian coffee growers who are following fair trade standards, we ensure that our supply chain is both ethical and sustainable. Our direct trade model allows us to offer you high-quality, single-origin Colombian coffee with inspiring story behind it.
