from independent farmers to farmer organizations

Farmer aggregation through effective and efficient farmer organizations could be one of the biggest development opportunities we have in coffee.  In previous posts, I and others have discussed the benefits of independent farmers getting organized : more access to credit and risk management tools, access to cheaper inputs, access to external assistance, stronger political presence, better access …

learning from other farm workers – a lesson for coffee

I learned from the example of Ecuadorian workers in flower farms that Fair Trade can make a difference for farm workers.  I also know that banana workers in Fair Trade farms in Colombia have used Fair Trade as a tool to improve their lives.  I have met workers who finished high school, completed technical programs …

ensuring we create significant impact for workers and farmers

Damiao, farm worker in Fair Trade pilot farm in Brazil, talks about Fair Trade Making sure that whatever you do is actually creating the effects you are looking for is vital for any development initiative.  In my case, I am trying to create a system that brings the benefits of Fair Trade to coffee workers …