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.
