What do Fair Trade and Organic mean?

Fair Trade

Fair Trade (defined by the Fair Trade Federation) means an equitable and fair partnership between marketers in North America and producers in Asia, Africa, Latin America and other parts of the world. A fair trade partnership works to provide low-income artisans and farmers with a living wage for their work, enabling them to cover basic needs, including food, shelter, education and health care for their families.

Organic

Organic (defined by The National Organic Standards Board) is "a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act." In organic production one must "use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole. Organic agriculture is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological diversity."

Organic food handlers, processors and retailers adhere to standards set by a national committee to maintain the integrity of organic agricultural products. After thorough inspection by an organic certifying agency, they are permitted to use an organic label, signifying and ensuring their adherence to the organic system.

What do Fair Trade and Organic mean to the farmer?

For farmers, fair trade paves a path from exploitation, poverty and debt to one of trust, mutual respect, economic security and long-term health for themselves, their families and their communities. It provides these hard-working producers with the means to invest in health, education, community development and environmental protection.

Organic practices promote health for the land, for farmers and their families, and for future farming generations. It promises quality of life, a clean environment and a nutrient-rich land, free of toxic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

What do Fair Trade and Organic mean to Desert Sun Coffee Roasters?

As a purveyor of Fair Trade and Organic coffee beans, many of which are grown in third-world countries, there is joy and fulfillment in knowing we have contributed to the health, lives and prosperity of those previously exploited. There is satisfaction and celebration in knowing that a child is attending school for the first time, a family is addressing previously unaffordable medical needs, or that people are smiling because their stomachs are full.

What do Fair Trade and Organic mean to you?

These words are about more than the healthiness and quality of our products. They are critical to the health, lives and economic security of our farmers, their families, their countries and the environment. It is making an informed choice about the products you buy and feeling good in knowing you are helping others. We invite you to find the answer in a cup of Desert Sun coffee.

More thoughts on Fairly Traded and Certified Organic.

Fair Trade Information Guide: An explanatory document of fair trade and its objectives