Coffee beans are the second largest traded commodity after oil. However, the comparison between coffee and oil stops here, as many coffee farmers live below the poverty level, even by third world country standards. One of the contributing factors to this sad fact is that often coffee trades far below the cost of production, resulting in horrific consequences on the life of the growers and their families. To raise awareness of the plight of the farmers, and to aide their situation, the fair trade movement was started in 1988.

The three pillars of this initiative are: 1) A fair price. This guarantees that farmers receive a fair price, and that workers receive fair compensation for their labor. 2) Improved product Quality. By receiving a fair price, Fair Trade producers do not have to sacrifice quality over productivity. I think this is the key point, that through this initiative charity is not the purpose, but rather that we gain a viable quality product we can market. 3) Care for the environment. Most Fair Trade coffee in the US is certified organic and shade grown. This means that the products you buy maintain biodiversity, that the tree canopies provide shelter for migratory birds, and help to reduce global warming.

As a consumer, you have an important role to play by selecting the right coffee beans, but also by supporting your independent coffee shops and their owners, who deserve, like every member of the coffee chain, fair treatment.