Comments on: “You don’t purposefully buy Fair Trade coffee?!”

By: Jerry

Jerry — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:50:26 +0000

There are very dissenting viewpoints on fair trade, but I think we can agree that most sellers get into fair trade with the greatest of intents. I am a big fan of fair trade coffee sellers and I am loyal to them because I think fair trade is a good thing, and I stand by their philosophy, however imperfect it may or may not be.

By: cuth

cuth — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:55:34 +0000

yes – i think he covers my point nicely actually – its about relationship coffee – you need to develop a relationship with whatever part of the tree to cup chain you come in at – whether thats your local barista or roaster or farmer, the only way to judge integrity is by consistent, meaningful, ongoing interaction

By: Zane

Zane — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:55:09 +0000

Another interesting read http://speakeasycoffee.wordpress.com/2009/07/25/is-fair-trade-sustainable/

By: cuth

cuth — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:23:37 +0000

but then – thats the same as the idea of relationship coffee too, isn’t it? i know you, i trust you and i would drink your coffee anytime all the while knowing that i’m changing the world through that one simple purchase

By: cuth

cuth — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:20:49 +0000

hmmm…its okay,we’re still friends.as long as people are trading fairly-and really that’s the bigger picture here-the certifications are often just a way of keeping yourself accountable to that principle.FairTrade is merely a minimum,you and james hoffman are absolutely right-but it gives a framework to work within and beyond, that people recognise and find accessible-you would still have to get to know a company and its people to know whether they do it for a piece of paper or because its the right thing.