October is “Fair Trade” month, and we are pleased to feature one of Vienna Coffee Company’s own “Fair Trade Certified” in October, Organic Nicaragua.

This coffee, from the La Providencia Cooperative, grows in the highest zones of Kilambé, just a few miles from the Honduras border, and dries on decks that use solar-powered dryers. La Providencia members each grow and harvest coffee on their individually owned plots, which are planted with native flora. Ripened coffee is harvested by family members and nearby co-op associates. Every step of processing is performed manually. The La Providencia farms are certified Organic and Fair Trade. The co-op takes great pride in its ability to control quality and use safe, sustainable methods to process its coffee.

The certification behind earning the Fair Trade USA seal represents much more than a marketing tactic to attract conscientious consumers. Established in 1997, Fair Trade USA established a certification model to increase awareness and educate consumers about fair trade practices. While working with coffee farmers in Nicaragua, the founder of Fair Trade USA, Paul Rice, recognized the need to institute standards to govern and monitor this emerging effort globally. The process begins with education and awareness at the corporate level to ensure those companies sourcing from international markets understand the importance of sourcing from factories, farms, or fisheries ethically and sustainably. These large companies are also responsible for educating consumers on the Fair Trade seal and what results derive from consumer purchases.

This rigorous process to become Fair Trade USA certified takes 6-9 months to complete for the farmers. Once certified as Fair Trade, audits occur annually. The impact on the farms and surrounding villages is significant. Fair Trade USA standards promote viable incomes and increase prosperity by ensuring safe and fair working conditions. These standards also help the farmworkers protect and regenerate their environment, which translates to the sustainability of the farms and their communities. The workers benefit from more than 100 protections and quality of life assurances through Fair Trade USA. Plus, they receive regular training on health issues, safety issues, quality assurance and now offer Covid-19 protections.

With over 1,300 businesses now partnering with Fair Trade USA, Vienna is proud to support the reputable efforts behind Fair Trade USA. Check out October’s feature coffee, Organic Nicaragua, or one of our other organic coffees featuring the Fair Trade Certified seal on its label.

References:

Quinn, A. (2021, March 26). The case for fair trade is clearer than ever. Global Retail Brands. http://globalretailmag.com/the-case-for-fair-trade-is-clearer-than-ever/#sthash.McwGFIZJ.rFqnvyak.dpbs

Shoenthal, A. (2018, December 14). What exactly is fair trade, and why should we care? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/amyschoenberger/2018/12/14/what-exactly-is-fair-trade-and-why-should-we-care/?sh=4ed829657894