October is Fair Trade Month

October is Fair Trade Month

Barrie House is a proud partner of the Fair Trade Certified organization which has designated the month of October as Fair Trade Month – a time to raise awareness of this very worthy mission. Many people have probably seen Fair Trade’s black and green symbol. And while consumers may recognize the logo, most do not know what it truly means or how much of an impact is made as the result of a Fair Trade product purchase.

Fair Trade is a movement and an idea that began in the early 1950’s as the public became more aware that farmers and artisans were struggling to cover their business costs and living expenses. However, it wasn’t until 1997 that a formal organization - Fair Trade USA - was founded by Paul Rice. Paul was compelled to start an organization that would be able police the trade and sale of certain products to ensure that they meet rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards. Fair Trade means fair wages to the farmers. And a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Fair Trade products goes back to the farmer to re-invest and help ensure things like safer working conditions, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and community development.

Today, there are a host of products that carry the Fair Trade logo and support the Fair Trade mission. These products include snack foods, produce, seafood, home goods, clothing, and our favorite – coffee.  In fact, Barrie House is ranked in the Top 10 of all Fair-Trade coffee providers in the U.S. and has committed to provide Fair Trade Certified Organic products for the majority of our branded Barrie House products gong forward. So, the next time you purchase your coffee, choose a product like Barrie House Coffee, a certified Fair Trade Organic coffee that not only tastes great, but it does good…