Facts about Coffee

LRC Fair Trade Project

SOME FACTS ABOUT COFFEE

Small coffee farmers receive less than two cents for each $3 latte sold in the U.S.

More than fifty percent of the world’s coffee is grown by small family farmers in countries like Nicaragua, Kenya, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil and Guatemala.

The current world price is 40 cents per pound (about 10 cents less than it costs to produce a pound of coffee).

It takes 4,000 hand-picked coffee cherries to produce one pound of coffee.

High quality, or arabica coffee is often “shade-grown” with the coffee bushes protected by larger trees. Shade grown coffee helps protect bird and wildlife habitats.

Conventionally grown coffee is often environmentally devastating and uses large amounts of pesticides.

FAIR TRADE IS A SOLUTION!

"With Fair Trade income we have made improvements in our community. Before we slept on the ground and did not have basic amenities. Now some of us have floors, some furniture, sanitary services and potable water. If we sold all of our production at Fair Trade prices, our dreams would come true." Alexa Marin Colindres, member PRODECOOP Coffee Cooperative, Nicaragua. From www.transfairusa.org

WITH FAIR TRADE

Producers receive a fair price – a living wage.
Forced labor and child labor are not allowed.
Buyers and producers trade under direct long-term relationships.
Sustainable production techniques are encouraged.
Women’s work is properly valued and rewarded.
Working conditions are healthy and safe.
Equal employment opportunities are provided to all.
All aspects of trade and production are open to public accountability.