Fair Trade Resource Network – An American fair trade advocacy group is hoping people will take a fair trade ‘coffee break’ on World Fair Trade Day, May 9.
For products to be fair trade certified, companies must provide fair wages and safe working conditions for farmers and workers in local contexts. The Fair Trade Resource Network hopes the event will raise awareness and celebrate fair trade’s growing popularity.
TransFair Canada reports almost 4 million kilograms of coffee sold in 2007 – a 66 per cent increase from the year before. Although coffee and tea are the best-known commodities, other products include wine, flowers and sports balls. The largest fair trade coffee break in the world was held by Fairtrade Finland in October, 2008 with 50,000 participants.
