in the world. But few people realize that agriculture workers in the coffee industry often toil in what can be described as sweatshops in the fields. Many small coffee farmers receive prices for their coffee that are less than the costs of production, forcing them into a cycle of poverty and debt.
Fair Trade is a viable solution to this crisis, assuring consumers that the coffee we drink was purchased under fair conditions. To become Fair Trade certified, an importer must meet stringent international criteria; paying a minimum price per pound. Fair Trade for coffee farmers means community development, health, education, and environmental stewardship.