December 6

A coffee break with a good conscience

Taking a break to drink some coffee, is a pleasure, especially in the cold winter season. Coffee is the most frequently ordered drink in Europe. And it is the second most important import product after oil. But: The price of coffee is determined at the stock exchange not taking into consideration if coffee farmers can make a living or not. Max Havelaar Fairtrade gives the coffee farmers a voice and better existence, thanks to guaranteed minimum prices, direct trade connections and a fairtrade-reward for own social projects.

Advent in Guatemala
The advent period in Guatemala is the time of coffee harvest. Early in the morning there is much activity in der fairtrade certified farmers cooperative San Pedrana. Also coffee farmer Luis Ajar Umul is there. Since the Fairtrade-certification of the cooperative in 1993 he and his family can again live from growing coffee. Coffee farming remains hard work, however. Luis Ajar Umul does not mind: «I am proud of my coffee, and as long as I can, I shall work in the fields».

Faitrade-certified farmers are paid a guaranteed minimum price for their products that provides them with a stable income. Max Havelaar makes it possible for farmers from disadvantaged regions in the South to gain access to markets in the North and fosters long-term trading relationships that include as few intermediaries as possible. Plantation employees are paid at the very least the legal minimum wage and benefit from, among others, protective clothing, paid vacation time and social benefits.
>> more on Max Havelaar's philosophy on fair trade

Watch the Video-Blog from american students who went to visit fair trade coffee sites.