Thursday, June 7, 2012

Fair Trade Certification

There has been a big change in the Fair Trade Certification world. Fair Trade USA , previously Transfair USA, has started to certify large scale coffee plantations.  Prior to this change, only small producers and cooperative type organizations were fair trade certified.  This means that standards are getting lower and it is easier for large companies to exploit the fair trade market.


Now another organization, this one from Switzerland, is becoming more popular, it is called,  The Institute for Marketecology (IMO), and it is offering a, "Fair for Life Social & FairTrade Certification System." This is a much more comprehensive certification, and many of the original Fair Trade USA organizations are moving to this new certification.

It is now possible to purchase organic frozen tv dinners.  I do not think this was the intent of the original purveyors of the USDA Organic Certification.  Organic, like Fair Trade, is more and more becoming the domain of the larger companies and producers...  I believe that the essence of "Fair Trade" certification is a guarantee that the worker/artesian receive a fair and just wage, and toil in fair and just working conditions.  I think that this simple idea has been co-opted by large businesses and that the additional changes suggested by Fair Trade USA, underline my concerns.

The end result has been confusion for both the customers and suppliers in 2012.  Changing standards,  names and definitions leave the average consumer, who is trying to be, "purchase conscious," confused and just hoping for something simple and easy that provides an outside verification that Fair Trade is what is seems it should be and no more.  Unfortunately this is a long way from where the Fair Trade Certification industry is currently.  Click here to go to the Article that appeared in the New York Times about the changes in the Fair Trade Certification world.

It is now possible to purchase organic frozen tv dinners.  I do not think this was the intent of the original purveyors of the USDA Organic Certification.  Organic, like Fair Trade, is more and more becoming the domain of the larger companies and producers...  I believe that the essence of "Fair Trade" certification is a guarantee that the worker/artesian receive a fair and just wage, and toil in fair and just working conditions.  I think that this simple idea has been co-opted by large businesses and that the additional changes suggested by Fair Trade USA, underline my concerns.

Here is a great link to describe some of the most popular coffee certifications.

And another fantastic link about the intent and history of the various certifications.

Café Justo growers are certified USDA organic since 2007.  Café Justo / Just Coffee is currently in the "certification process" to become a member with The Fair Trade Federation, (FTF)  and expects to be approved a a fair trade business in June of 2012. FTF is the another Fair Trade Certifying organization in the USA.

Café Justo does not want to get into a, "seal show."   (A seal show is a big long list of certification icons o seals.)  Café Justo is about relationships and connections between growers and drinkers.

The best way to understand how Café Justo processes coffee, and the benefits to the growers and communities is to ask the growers and employees.  The closest place to visit from the USA is he roasting location in Agua Prieta Sonora, just 130 beautiful desert miles south east of Tucson Arizona.  CLICK here for a driving map from Tucson to Agua Prieta.  And HERE to see where Cafe Justo is located in rustic Agua Prieta, Sonora, just across the border from Douglas Arizona.  You don't need a special permit, just your passport!   HERE is a link to more information about setting up a visit or tour of the roasting facility.

We will also be hosting a trip to the coffee fields in November.  This trip is a great way to see the coffee, meet the growers and get a unique insight into migration. We will be there for the harvest and the 10 year celebration of Café Justo.  For more information please click here.







Thursday, May 31, 2012

Now is a Great Time to come Visit Agua Prieta


Now is a Great Time to come Visit Agua Prieta Sonora Café Justo Roaster

Consider a day visit to Douglas and Agua Prieta and see the roaster, learn about the border from ranchers, residents and CBP officials.  It is a great chance to experience a little bit of the border and ol' Mexico right next to Douglas Arizona.
Let the Just Trade Center handle the details and make the arrangements so you and your group can enjoy the experience.  There is a lot to do and see,  real Mexican food to be enjoyed and great coffee to be had.  We assist groups in the exploration of not only just coffee,  but several of the other pressing border opportunities.
Call or email us so we can customize a trip for you and your group.  You will be surprised how much you will see and learn and how affordable it is.  Ask us for testimonies from previous border visitors.

Start by looking at our Agua Prieta Coffee Flyer and then give us a call to see what else is possible to do and see...


A group from Kansas in the Café Justo roasting room with fresh Café Justo.

Why is Decaf Coffee Colored Orange?


Sanka Add
Ever noticed that Decaf coffee is usually poured from orange colored or highlighted pots?  Why orange? 

Decaf coffee was first commercialized in Germany in 1903 under the clever name, "Kaffee HAG (short for Kaffee Handels-Aktien-Gesellschaft, or Coffee Trading Public Company.)  The French turned it into; sans caféine ("without caffeine") or Sanka when the American tongues got a hold of it... 

Sanka came to the USA in 1923 and was the first commercial decaffeinated coffee.  Sanka  was promoted heavily in print, on radio and early TV programs. 

Sanka is still sold by Maxwell House Coffee, (Kraft Foods) for about $14 to $18 per pound. 
It is hard to know how large corporations decaffeinate coffee. Many coffee consumers prefer the Water decaffeination process originally know as the Swiss Water Process. This is the type of process that Cafe Justo is using.  It is more expensive than the solvent processes that are most frequently used.

The decaffeinated coffee for 2012 just arrived in Agua Prieta this week and is now shipping. It is an exceptional crop from our cooperative in Veracruz, Mexico.  Smooth, full-bodied and low in acid as is always the case with Café Justo, this combination of the coffee and the mountain water decaffeination process makes for an excellent decaf.