What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is a world-wide movement which helps family farms in developing countries gain access to international markets for their products. It teaches farmers how to market their crops so they can obtain a fair price for their goods. This leads to higher living standards for themselves and their communities. The children in these families can attend school instead of work on the family farms.  Fair Trade programs help families help themselves, therefore reducing their dependency on outside assistance. Coffee grown and sold by Fair Trade farmers bypasses the traditional coffee trader and, therefore, results in higher profits for the farmers.  

The Fair Trade movement also promotes sustainability, which means that no matter what is grown – be it coffee or cocoa beans – it is done in a manner that is kind to the environment and kind to people.  According to coffee http://www.research.org, “A sustainable farm gives back as much to the land and people as it receives.  It seeks independence from non-renewable resources, it minimizes pollution, takes steps to care for the environment, and cares for its employees." These farms, for example, may reuse coffee husks as heating fuel instead of cutting down native trees to burn for fuel. 

A  sustainable farm practices water conservation, uses organic fertilizers and may shade grow their products which makes for a bird-friendly growing environment. They also may practice bio-diversification and organic farming.

Most Fair Trade coffee sold in the US is also certified organic and shade grown. All of the Fair Trade coffee sold by Coastal Peaks Roasters is organic. We proudly displays the Fair Trade certification label by TransFair USA; as well as the USDA organic certification and certification by the California Crop Improvement Association on all of our Fair Trade Organic coffees. 

3536 South Higuera, #250 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
phone: (805) 543-0179