She explains how Fairtrade has empowered her and her community. Meet Ketra Kyosiimire, a farmer and accountant from Uganda. Read more about the history of coffee farming, challenges facing coffee farmers and what Fairtrade is doing to make a difference. Watch this video about the impact of Fairtrade coffee. In 2018, certified coffee farmers earned an estimated €76.6 million in Fairtrade Premiums that were invested in farmer services and community projects. At Fairtrade we care about improving quality, and Fairtrade coffee farmers must use at least 25 per cent of the Fairtrade Premium to enhance productivity and quality, for example by investing in processing facilities. Through their producer organisations, farmers also receive the additional Fairtrade Premium to invest in business or community improvements. With Fairtrade, certified coffee producer organisations are guaranteed to receive at least the Fairtrade Minimum Price for their coffee, which aims to cover their costs of production and act as a safety net when market prices fall below a sustainable level. Why is Fairtrade important?įairtrade was started in response to the dire struggles of Mexican coffee farmers following the collapse of world coffee prices in the late 1980s. The more lucrative export of green coffee – beans that have been processed ready for export and roasting – is only an option for farmers who are able to form co-operatives, purchase processing equipment and organise export, or hire a contractor to carry out these services. Most farmers have little idea of where their coffee goes or what price it ends up selling for. The coffee supply chain is complex as beans pass through the hands of growers, traders, processors, exporters, roasters, retailers until finally reaching the consumer. This price volatility has significant consequences for those who depend on coffee for their livelihood, making it difficult for growers to predict their income for the coming season and budget for their household and farming needs.
Global coffee production varies from year to year according to weather conditions, disease and other factors, resulting in a coffee market that is inherently unstable and characterised by wide fluctuations in price.
Many of them however are unable to earn a reliable living from the coffee they produce.Ĭoffee is well known for being a boom and bust commodity. It is one of the most valuable and widely traded tropical agricultural products and is mainly produced by smallholder farmers. Sourcing on Fairtrade terms is sourcing with integrityĬoffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages and 80% of it is produced by 25 million smallholders.Īround 125 million people worldwide depend on coffee for their livelihoods.Help bring Fairtrade to more small farmers all over the world.Frequently asked questions about Fairtrade.
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