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Unity Blog
December 01, 2011
Fair Trade USA (formerly TransFair USA) and its new initiative, Fair Trade For All, aims to expand fair trade certification to include coffee plantations. “Fair Trade for All” has been a major point of contention in Fair Trade USA’s split from Fairtrade International (FLO). For more on the Fair Trade USA/FLO split, see Fair World Project’s (FWP) statement. Putting aside the secretive and unilateral nature of the initiative, certifying coffee plantations has a number of critical problems. Small producers and democratic cooperatives are core to the founding principles of the fair trade movement and market. By definition, small producers are vulnerable, excluded and under resourced in the global market. In the coffee sector, small farmers produce approximately 70% of the global coffee supply. Despite the current high prices in the coffee market, fair trade coops are still unable to sell the majority of their coffee under fair trade terms. Expanding fair trade certification and market access to large-scale plantations will assure that fair trade cooperatives continue to remain vulnerable to volatile international markets and undermine 25 years of fair trade development. Fair Trade vs Fair Labor “Fair Trade for All” unfortunately is becoming a divisive issue, pitting small producers against farmworkers. Prominent farmworker leaders have endorsed the initiative, despite the overwhelming rejection of Fair Trade for All from fair trade producer networks, the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and United Students for Fair Trade. No one in the fair trade movement denies that farmworkers at home and abroad need support and market solidarity. There are infinite examples of deplorable working conditions for agricultural workers in every sector. The question is whether “fair trade” is the appropriate model for addressing hired labor in agricultural contexts. FLO has certified fair trade plantations in a number of specific product categories, like tea and bananas, despite resistance from small producer groups and Aternative Trade Organizations. Fair trade has a mixed record on plantations and hired labor operations, including the tea and banana sector. Complicating matters further, coffee plantation workers are largely seasonal workers, with many workers not returning to the same plantation where they’ve worked the season prior. Assuring that the social premium in fact benefits these workers and that the workplace is operated democratically in the absence of a workers association or union is challenging at best. Perhaps “Fair Labor” certification is a more appropriate approach to supporting farm workers, while keeping fair trade standards, impacts and expectations intact. “Fair Labor” certification assures a safe workplace, equitable wages and adherence to labor laws. A far labor certification is far more appropriate for hired labor scenarios, as it and does not dilute fair trade as a standard, nor a concept. In fact, there are several existing fair labor 3rd party certifiers and standards, including Scientific Certification Services Fair Labor program and IMO’s “For Life” program. Or might certifiers look to an effective model adopted by anti-sweatshop advocates that include a code of conduct and monitored by an organization like the Workers Rights Consortium. Voting with our dollars FTUSA has stated that coffee from fair trade cooperatives and “fair trade” plantations will be virtually identical to consumers, bearing the same “Fair Trade Certified” mark. Indeed, FTUSA does not currently distinguish between small farmer coops and plantations for tea and bananas. Small coffee producers will have no way of distinguishing their product in a meaningful way when compared to plantation coffee, which will be presumably sold at a lower price, given that large-scale plantation operations can take advantage of economies of scale, market access and existing capacity. Plantations and estates already have a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Similarly, consumers wishing to continue supporting small farmers and coops will be unable to simply “look for the label.” Small is Indeed Beautiful Paul Rice recently stated in an interview, “In our view, small is not beautiful.” FTUSA’s "Fair Trade for All" claims to be innovating the fair trade model, but appears to be responding primarily to the demands of large coffee roasters and importers, like Green Mountain and Starbucks, not the needs and realities of coffee producers on the ground. According to FTUSA's most recent audited financials, Green Mountain and Starbucks account for approximately one-third of FTUSA's lincensee revenues, not to mention are major donors to FTUSA. Taking a step back, history, not to mention existing data, demonstrate that real sustainability is small, but with a big impact. Small farmers form the backbone of not only the global food supply, but are central players in safeguarding biodiversity, fostering environmental stewardship and innovating sustainable agricultural practices. According to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, small farmers hold the key to doubling food production while mitigating climate change and alleviating rural poverty. Similarly, Via Campesina, the global movement of millions of peasants, small and medium-size farmers, has demonstrated that small farmers can address the global food crisis, in a far more equitable and sustainable way than agribusiness and large-scale farming. Fair trade veteran advocates, including the Organic Consumers Association, and its recently launched Fair World Project (FWP), have long agitated and encouraged large roasters like Starbucks to source more fair trade coffee. Deepening and expanding the positive impact of fair trade to more small producers is central to our mission. Assuring however, that impact is equitable, sustainable and democratic remains the lynchpin in FWP’s approach to fair trade. We are encouraged by the interest of large, conventional manufacturers, roasters and importers in fair trade. However, strengthening, not diluting, the model at this crossroads in the movement to incorporate these powerful players is the challenge. Stepping back even further, FTUSA’s recent actions largely reflect a crisis in governance and dysfunctional operating infrastructure. Had FTUSA’s board of directors truly reflected the constellation of voices and perspectives in the fair trade movement (including producers, advocates, ATOs, students, etc.), we doubt that Fair Trade For All would have provoked such widespread condemnation. FTUSA would have been a better steward of fair trade had it surveyed the fair trade community as a whole prior to moving forward with its plans to certify for large-scale plantations in an inclusive and transparent process, rather than request comments on the initiative after the fact. If FTUSA choses to enter the global system as an independent and reputable certifier, it must establish transparent and effective mechanisms for stakeholder engagement, and be accountable to that process. Abandoning its plans to certify coffee plantations would be a positive first step in righting the course. Click Below to send your letter! Send a letter to Fair Trade USA, Fairtrade International and IMO and urge them not to proceed with certifying fair trade coffee plantations! view and post comments (0) Fair Trade Blogs & Busyness - A Tough Combination July 14, 2011
O.K., we admit it, we've slacked - on the blogging that is. It's been a long time and we're going to make a renewed effort at regular posts moving forward. Do we have any folks still subscribed to the RSS feed? On the positive side of things the slacking has been due to good busyness. Busyness with new businesses. We have a new cacao super food snack mix product on the way (fair trade and organic of course) that we are really excited about! Stay tuned in the next few weeks for an announcement of where it is available in your local specialty food shop (you'll also be able to purchase online from Unity and the Just Good Chocolate website. We've also decided to share our online marketing and search engine optimization experience gained from working on Unity with other businesses and organizations that would benefit. That decision has resulted in a new Michigan SEO Company called TC Search Coach. TCSC offers a slew of affordable SEO consulting services and training sessions, as well as campaign management for those less inclined to "do-it-yourself". We'd love to work with clients specifically in the green/organic/fair trade sector so feel free to contact us in that regard! Listen to a brief radio interview discussing SEO for small business to learn more! Our large family is doing great - 5 kiddos all busy with Summer fun, taking care of the chickens/gardens, and friends and family activities. Unity is doing well. Some talks about a local partnership are underway - more details soon! Keep us in mind when looking for fair trade gifts and fair trade products this Summer! Also, let us know what else you'd like to see us carry. That's it for now. If you're out there, comment below so we know who you are! And remember to "Like" us on Facebook and Connect with me on Linkedin! Peace to You | Drew Warner | Unity Fair Trade Marketplace view and post comments (4) 4 Easy Fair Trade New Year's Resolutions January 01, 2011
Buy fair trade coffee or tea- Most people drink quite a bit of one or the other. What if your daily hot beverage of choice was fair trade? This may be the most simple way to support fair trade and you'll likely be impressed the quality and flavor of your new brew. We recommend Higher Grounds Coffee and Zhena's Gypsy Tea. Buy one fair trade item every time you go to the grocery store. This is now a lot easier than it used to be. Major brands like Ben & Jerry's and Starbucks are starting to go fair trade with some of their ingredients. You can even find fair trade wine and spirits now. When you make your list, just make a conscious effort to get at least on fair trade item - this is a good habit to get into and will make more of difference than you would imagine. Make your next pair of shoes fair trade! Every have a pair of Chucky D All Stars? Autonomie Project has hip fair trade shoes that resemble that classic styling we've all grown to love - check them out! Buy fair trade gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other special occasions. The people you are giving to will appreciate that your gift gives in more ways than one! view and post comments (1) Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! December 25, 2010 Wishing you a merry Christmas from our family to yours. Thank you for your support this year and for helping spread fair trade! May the new year bring you peace & joy! Drew & Nichole view and post comments (1) The Annual Christmas Tree Hunt December 14, 2010
Once we arrive, something always draws us back to the stretch of property where the Norway Spruce reside. After our fifth year of this family tradition, the farm seems to be at a stage with many large trees and many very small. While this replanting is great for the sustainability of the farm’s tree population, the pickings in our size range are more spread out across the landscape. So we trek…and we trek…and we trek. Snowball fights along the way, pictures and rides on shoulders by the little ones make that trek fun as we playfully argue over what tree is best. Finally we all decide and saw goes it for the first stroke. This year Eli helps with most of the cutting. My guess is this will be his job entirely pretty soon if he has his way. I think we all have a warm feeling in our hearts when we leave the farm each year. Not only are we excited to get the tree in the house and decorate it the next day with homemade cookies and egg nog, but we also were able to spend time as a family, in the fresh air with no digital distractions. For Nichole and I it also signifies something else. We feel it can be related to the local/fair trade movement in a way. You see, we have plenty of land at our own home , and we could just as easily get a tree for free rather than for fifty dollars. But these are our neighbors (although 15 miles away) that make part of their livelihood from the regular seasonal patrons like us. In that sense it is support for a local business, but it’s also very similar to fair trade. These folks are farmers. They are in the business of farming trees and need to make a fair wage for what they do. Just like fair trade, it’s worth it to spend a few extra bucks and in return know the story behind your purchase. Where did your product come from? Who did it help support? At what cost? Those are the important questions. Think about it when you’re giving gifts this year. Add a couple of fair trade Christmas ornaments to your tree this year or give them as gifts. Read the story behind the producers. They are all our neighbors. Thanks for reading and sharing in our experience. Drew & Nichole Unity-Fair Trade Marketplace view and post comments (1) Shipping Dates Reminder - Make it by the Big Day! December 11, 2010
Standard flat rate shipping ($5.95) will have your orders to destinations in the continental U.S. when ordered by December 20th. Remember we reserve the right to charge actual shipping for orders to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, or Guam. We also reserve the right to charge actual shipping charges for orders over 15 pounds, in which case we would first contact you by email or phone. We also offer expedited shipping in the form of USPS Express Mail which has a delivery time of 1-2 days depending on destination zip for an additional cost of $25.00 to your flat rate $5.95. So to be safe this form of shipment would need to be ordered by December 22nd to make it by Christmas Eve. Total cost of expedited is $30.95 (again, this amount could be modified if shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, or Guam in which case you would be contacted via email). O.K. so that covers it. For more info on our privacy, shipping and return policies visit our Store Policies Page. Happy Holidays and thank you for shopping Fair Trade this year! Drew & Nichole Warner view and post comments (1) It's Time for Giving, but don't Forget to Treat Yourself December 08, 2010
During all the mayhem, it's important to take a little time out for you, and sometimes treating yourself to a simple luxury will do just the trick to get you back on track in stressful times. Here are a few fair trade gifts for YOU that might do just that! Now relax! Out of Africa Gift Basket - This basket will leave the lucky reciever's body, hands & lips feeling smooth with the refreshing handcrafted herbal spearmint soap from the Zambian Soap Co, the all natural, 100% pure Shea Butter from the Ojoba Collective, and our new personal favorite, a Zambeezi organic beeswax lip balm that is the best we have tried yet! Italian Chamomile Tea - A harmonious blend of select golden colored Chamomile blossoms, rose petals and hibiscus flowers is balanced with serene, soothing notes of fennel, lemon myrtle and orange peel with a floral bouquet that scents the steam. Chamomile is noted for its naturally calming energy and its ability to relax both body and mind. One of our most popular signature caffeine-free blends. Organic Chocolate Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt - Awaken your senses! Here’s the bar to satisfy both your sweet and salty cravings. Crunchy caramel bits serve as the perfect complement to mouthwatering sea salt crystals. They work together to bring out the complex flavors of the smooth, fruity chocolate. This unique dark chocolate bar is sure to be a favorite. Made with cacao from co-operatives in the Dominican Republic and Peru, and with fairly traded organic sugar from farmer co-operatives in Paraguay. Soy- and gluten-free. Remember, treat yourself. Thanks for reading! view and post comments (1) New Chocolate in Time for the Holidays December 05, 2010
To try some for yourself, check out our new selections below. Some of these tend to sell out fast, so if you see something you want that is out of stock, please contact us. Equal Exchange Dark w/Almonds - Try this bar to experience the mouth-watering combination of rich dark chocolate with chunks of organic almonds. This bar is made with cocoa from the farmer co-operatives CONACADO, in the Dominican Republic, and CACVRA, in Peru, and the fairly traded organic sugar comes from co-operatives in Paraguay and Costa Rica. Vegan & gluten-free. Organic Chocolate Caramel Crunch with Sea Salt - Here’s the bar to satisfy both your sweet and salty cravings. Crunchy caramel bits serve as the perfect complement to mouthwatering sea salt crystals. They work together to bring out the complex flavors of the smooth, fruity chocolate. This unique dark chocolate bar is sure to be a favorite. Made with cacao from co-operatives in the Dominican Republic and Peru, and with fairly traded organic sugar from farmer co-operatives in Paraguay. Soy- and gluten-free. Organic Chocolate with Espresso Bean - Try this perfect duo of sweet, rich chocolate and crunchy pieces of roasted Fair Trade coffee beans. It’s like eating chocolate covered espresso beans in a bar. Dangerously good! This bar is made with cocoa from the farmer cooperatives CONACADO, in the Dominican Republic, and CACVRA, in Peru, and the fairly traded organic sugar comes from cooperatives in Paraguay and Costa Rica. Vegan & gluten-free. Organic Ecuador Dark 65% - This chocolaty, silky origin bar is reminiscent of baked brownies fresh out of the pan. Highlighting the work of cacao farmers in Ecuador, the bar’s sweet, fudgy richness is balanced by hints of citrus and floral notes. With its clean, refreshing aftertaste, this dark chocolate bar will leave you wanting more. Made with chocolate liquor from Fortaleza del Valle co-operative in Ecuador, cocoa butter from co-ops in the Dominican Republic, and fairly traded organic sugar from farmer co-operatives in Paraguay. Vegan, and soy- and gluten-free. Thanks for Reading! Enjoy & Share! view and post comments (0) Blog archives by page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
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