In addition to featuring many new products geared toward celebrating spring, the new Work of Human Hands catalog also gives us the opportunity to highlight one of SERRV’s valued partners, Comite Artisanal Haitien (CAH) in Haiti. Even before the earthquake struck Haiti in January, CRS and SERRV wanted to feature this great cooperative that has given so many artisans a way for their talents and skills to be recognized and rewarded. Now there is an even greater reason to support CAH as they offer artisans in Haiti the income to help them rebuild.

The Work of Human Hands Consignment Sale packets are also available to help you organize a sale. An Easter or Mother’s Day sale is a great time to offer your community fairly traded gifts. Sale organizers are also reporting that while selling only the Metal Wall Art pieces from CAH may not offer enough selection, some are planning to include the products at their sales to auction off as a fundraiser for Haiti, or use as a give-away item. These great ideas are just one way to show others that there is hope for Haiti and that continued support is required for long-term development.

Cheryl Musch, SERRV’s Director of International Development, recently returned from a visit with CAH. She reports back:

“When we asked what they need, nearly all said they need orders to be able to rebuild. They don’t expect handouts or assistance, but they do want work. These are men and women are remarkably resilient, and we will be doing all we can to assist them in getting back on their feet.”

The new Spring/Summer Work of Human Hands catalog offers new hope for artisans in Haiti, as well as artisans and farmers around the world.  Take a moment to flip through the pages to discover not only hundreds of beautiful products, but the stories of the people behind them.

Find out more information on Cheryl Musch’s visit to CAH.

Visit CRS’s website for stories, videos and parish/school resources on the earthquake in Haiti.

Order your Spring/Summer Work of Human Hands Catalog.

Recently the Fair Trade team received a progress report from our CRS Bolivia colleagues working on the ASOVITA project, an effort to help small-scale farmers  establish sustainable and fair businesses.  The Fair Trade Fund is supporting an emphasis on fair or “solidarity” trading principles such as sharing “market intelligence”  and building the capacity to create alliances among small business and government.  In Bolivia, 40 percent of the population works in agriculture. We encourage you to place 40 cents a day in your Rice Bowl in solidarity with the Bolivians who earn their living from the land, and in turn, seek to steward it.

This week we also celebrate that Fair Trade colleague Antonia Rodriguez Medrano was recently appointed by  President Evo Morales as the new Minister of Productive Development and Plural Economy in Bolivia.   Antonia, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at a World Fair Trade Organization conference, is the founder of ASARBOLSEM, a grassroots organization that connects groups of handcraft producers and provides marketing services for them on Fair Trade terms.    Under Antonia’s leadership, ASARBOLSEM was named one of the United Nation Development Program’s model social enterprises in Latin America.

Nurturing the leadership of women and social enterprise for all is one of the ways Fair Trade promotes economic justice in Bolivia and worldwide!

If you haven’t noticed yet, we’re focusing on chocolate this month. Whether you gave chocolate as a Valentine’s gift or you gave it up for Lent, chocolate is on a lot of people’s minds this February. When we talk about chocolate, we usually are talking about our chocolate partners, SERRV, who sells Divine Chocolate, and Equal Exchange. Both of these companies are fully-committed to Fair Trade. From our relationship with them we know which cooperatives they source their cocoa from and the relationship they have with their farmer partners and their customers in the U.S.  We’re confident about their operations and we’re confident promoting them.

When you get beyond the CRS Fair Trade world, however, things aren’t always so clear. The overall demand for Fair Trade chocolate is on the rise and that is a good thing.  However, the price of cocoa has rallied and is well-over the Fair Trade guaranteed minimum. For instance, the Fair Trade minimum price for cocoa is $1600/ton + $100 social premium. The current cocoa price has consistently been over $3000/ton. Fair Trade growers are receiving the market price + the $100/ton social premium, so it’s a good time for them.

Photo credit: David Snyder for CRS.

For chocolate makers, companies and consumers, it’s another story. The increasing price of cocoa and cocoa related products like cocoa butter has meant the profit margin for chocolate has dropped across the board. Chocolate companies have had to look for cheaper substitutes for their ingredients, increase chocolate prices and in some cases, decreased the size of their bars. For Fair Trade chocolate companies, many of their ingredients are also Fair Trade and cannot be substituted, nor do they have large profit margins from other products, like Kraft or Nestle may, to help control costs. This means Fair Trade chocolate prices will rise at the same time many Americans are cutting out luxury spending.

With no end of the cocoa rally in sight, it also means there’s little price difference between Fair Trade certified and non-Fair Trade cocoa. While there’s certainly an ethical motivation for mainstream companies to switch to Fair Trade, with the recent price parallels, we have seen a few taking advantage of this opportunity. For instance, last year Cadbury’s in the UK declared they would use Fair Trade cocoa  in their big seller, the Dairy Milk bar, in 5 of their markets. This February, Kraft acquired control of Cadbury’s and has indicated they will keep Cadbury’s Fair Trade commitment for the Dairy Milk bar.  Late last year, Nestle’s also declared their Kit Kat bar in the UK would convert to Fair Trade chocolate.  While much of this is happening in the UK, we shouldn’t be surprised when it trickles over to the U.S.

Photo credit: David Snyder for CRS.

So what will happen when it does? As the Fair Trade chocolate market grows, without a doubt, more cocoa growers will benefit from a Fair Trade price and the social premium. While this is a very good thing, there is some skepticism as to whether or not corporations will offer the same transparency regarding their relationships with cooperatives as Equal Exchange, SERRV and Divine Chocolate do. While CRS Fair Trade would be happy to see more farmers benefiting from Fair Trade terms, we will not partner with a chocolate company that doesn’t purchase all of its cocoa under Fair Trade terms.  We have to ask: What terms is the rest of the cocoa purchased under?

These things are important to us because we want to support “the gold standard” of business, businesses we feel model the principles of Catholic social teaching.  We wonder how will our fully-committed partners fare when they are faced with a Fair Trade Kit Kat bar? Do the differences in models and impacts on companies make a difference to you?  What should the role of CRS Fair Trade be in the Fair Trade chocolate future?

Let us know what your perspectives are.

J DeCarlo/CRS

To start with, although farmers may be members of the same organization, they may have different production techniques or be at different growing altitudes, which affect the quality of the overall supply.  CRS and a team of advisors are sharing cultivation techniques at the farm level.  CAFÉ Livelihoods has also provided farmers with thousands of coffee seedlings to help restore their crops.

Participating in a farmer organization means working for the common good. Sometimes that can mean resisting temptation to sell to coyotes who are offering immediate cash.  When your family is struggling with hunger, you may put aside your commitments to your cooperative, which pays in installments. CAFÉ Livelihoods is helping strengthen farmer organizations to increase the benefits farmers receive, and therefore instill loyalty.

If the farmer organization roasts its coffee, as Cafe Justo does here in Agua Prieta, the staff needs to be able to produce a variety of blends and roast levels.  Alvaro Camarillo Fernandez (shown below in the photo) demonstrated a simple tool for separating defected beans from the batch before roasting. Roasting itself is a sophisticated process that involves selected certain temperatures and time periods according to the roast requirements and the beans themselves.

J DeCarlo/CRS

One of the activities the CAFÉ group has been doing is “cupping,” a process for evaluating the aroma, body, acidity, flavor and “body” of the coffee.  Much like in wine tasting, you sniff the coffee, swirl it in your mouth and identify flaws and characteristics.  I confess this has been my least favorite part of the trip, because my palette can very rarely tell a difference unless the coffee tastes really bad.  But I figure that is exactly why farmers need this kind of experience.

Along on the trip for a few days has been Jean Johnson, product development specialist at SERRV.  Because of its commitment to farmer ownership, SERRV recently began buying Café Justo’s coffee and took the opportunity of this trip to discuss issues related to production and quality.  In this photo she’s talking with CAFÉ staff, Kiko Trujillo, and Café Justo administrator, Adrian Gonzalez, about using a ruler to determine label placement.

J DeCarlo/CRS

Shifting through beans, slurping coffee, measuring stickers—it is the less glamorous side of the Fair Trade story.  But for the coffee to get to market—so you and your parish can buy it—all these steps on the value chain are necessary.  Next time you sip your coffee I hope you can imagine how much care the coffee farmers gave their product to be in partnership with you.

To see the sale, visit the Equal Exchange Interfaith Program online store.

Photo courtesy of Equal Exchange.

Just Coffee is still looking for a couple people to join their Africa delegation.

JUST COFFEE
together with Global Awareness Adventures
is traveling to Africa…and you are invited!

We’ll be visiting coffee producing partners in:
Ethiopia: April 18-24, 2010
Uganda: April 25-May 01, 2010
Tanzania: May 02-08, 2010

Cost: $1050 per week OR $2700 for all three weeks
(Subject to a minimum number of participants.)
Includes: shared accommodation, ground transportation, meals, translation and interpretation, park and museum entrance fees, donations to organizations we visit, service charges
Excludes: flights, airport taxes, personal items, drinks and alcohol, travel insurance, visas

Highlights include:

Ethiopia (Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union)-
• Visit the headquarters of the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union
• Journey into rural areas to meet with organic coffee growers and community leaders that are members of Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union
• Witness the production of coffee in Ethiopia from the tree to export, including a visit to the national coffee processing center and warehouse
• Learn about community development projects and the Oromia Fair Trade Fund
• Watch the national coffee auction in action and visit the national cupping labs
• Experience the unique coffee culture of Ethiopia
• Participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony
• Experience traditional Ethiopian food, music and dancing
• Tour Addis Ababa and visit the nation Museum to see “Lucy” the oldest hominid fossil as well as other archeological findings

Uganda (Gutumindo)-
• Visit the headquarters of Gumutindo, the newest coffee producing partner that Just Coffee purchases coffee from
• Travel the countryside meeting with Gumutindo’s organic coffee growers and community leaders
• Witness the production of Ugandan coffee
• Learn about Gumutindo’s community development projects including stores, offices, and a medical clinic that have been built for the village’s inhabitants
• Visit Mount Elgon National Park, a large volcanic mountain that spans several kilometers along the border of Uganda and Kenya offering challenging but accessible wilderness trekking and wild scenery

Tanzania (Mt. Meru Coffee Project & Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union-KNCU)-
• Visit the headquarters of the Mt. Meru Coffee Project and KNCU
• Travel the countryside meeting with Mt. Meru & KNCU coffee growers and community leaders
• Witness the production of coffee in Tanzania from the tree to the export process, including a visit to the Tanzanian Coffee Board Auction, TCCCo Coffee Curing Plant, and coffee cupping
• Visit Kahawa Shamba Fair Tourism Coffee Farm
• Experience traditional Tanzanian food, music and dancing
• Meet with and learn about the Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzania (IEFT), a non-profit grassroots organization providing quality, affordable secondary education to underserved indigenous children in rural Tanzania
• Visit a national park where wildlife such as giraffes, flamingos, and zebras can be seen
• Visit a traditional Masai village
• Travel near Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak and one of the continent’s most magnificent sights

Contact Colleen Coy to register: colleen (at) justcoffee (dot) coop

About JUST COFFEE:
Just Coffee Cooperative’s mission is to work with small grower cooperatives in true partnership, using the language and mechanics of market economics to turn the market on its ear. They source the finest green bean coffee on earth, air-roast it to perfection, and deliver it (often by bicycle) fresh, ground or whole, proving to our customers that a fairer model can also deliver the highest quality products. Just Coffee aims for total transparency, sustainable business practices, and long-term relationships with all of the coffee producing partners they purchase from while providing a fun and meaningful cooperative workplace for the people who work there. They seek to change global social and economic inequality by practicing REAL fair trade in direct opposition to gluttonous “free trade” and corporate fair trade. Just Coffee recognizes fair trade as one strategy for change within a larger movement for global social justice.

About JUST COFFEE travel opportunities:
Just Coffee occasionally offers customized visits to the coffee producers they purchase from around the world. These delegations serve as a way for Just Coffee to stay in close contact with the coffee producing groups they purchase from, a value they feel is integral to fair trade. These trips are educational travel experiences that focus on the lengthy production process of coffee from the tree to your cup, the ideologies and realities of fair trade as it currently exists, and include discussions about globalization, cultural diversity, autonomy and indigenous rights, issues related specifically to women, international relations, the histories of the communities and countries we visit, current events, and much, much, more! These visits to coffee producing partners aim to offer a safe and supportive environment for people of different ages, genders, capabilities, nationalities, religions, and backgrounds to participate in exchanges that are meaningful for all.

What happens on visits to coffee country:
Formally, travelers meet with, share meals, and often stay overnight in coffee growing communities. We also visit local crafts people, artist collectives, traditional medicine healers, local radio stations, locally produced magazines, research organizations, Permaculture and sustainable agriculture groups, United Nations and government officials, environmental groups, and many others depending upon the place we travel to. We seek to learn not just about where our coffee comes from but also about people’s lives. Informally, we take every opportunity to immerse ourselves in their culture and environment, visiting local markets, eating traditional foods, and attending local events. We facilitate positive, creative, social interactions, and work together to process of all that we are taking in, learning about, and experiencing.

Customized travel:
Each trip’s focus is developed specifically to the needs, interests and capabilities of its travelers whether they be university or high-school students, community or faith groups, environmental or agricultural groups, coffee addicts, or just interested individuals. In order to keep our delegations small we generally accept a maximum of 12-15 people per trip but often take much smaller groups. Trips are generally between 5 and 7 days (although longer or shorter trips can be arranged depending on group requirements). Delegations may also include additional activities, such as guided ecological tours, volcano climbing, snorkeling and scuba-diving, etc.

Who comes along on these trips:
These trips are available to Just Coffee and Cooperative Coffee customers, friends, community members, avid coffee drinkers, and anyone with an interest in fair trade and cultural diversity. There are no language requirements nor age limits for our delegations. No matter where you live, if you have a positive attitude and desire to learn and participate, you are encouraged to join!

Get information and sign up:
For more information visit the delegation page of Just Coffee’s website at: http://justcoffee.coop/en/delegations.
To see photos of previous delegations please visit: http://justcoffee.coop/en/photo/48.
To sign up to join one of our upcoming delegations, or to plan a customized delegation specifically for your group, please contact, Colleen Coy:  colleen (at) just coffee (dot) coop

Thank you for your interest and support!!

“For a consumer, the choice is clear: buying Fair Trade is the way to go. However, consumers should be aware of the nuances within the Fair Trade market in order to make the most ethical choice (and hopefully enjoy some delicious coffee, too). First of all, make sure the coffee you buy is actually Fair Trade…

Also, buy from a company with a significant dedication to Fair Trade instead of one that sells only a token amount of its coffee as Fair Trade. … Companies committed to selling Fair Trade will be much more likely than those that sell only a token amount to actually subscribe to the Fair Trade values…”

Read the full article “Does Fair Trade Coffee Lift Growers Out of Poverty or Simply Ease

Our Guilty Conscience?” by Jill Richardson.

Interested in buying coffee from a fully-committed to Fair Trade coffee company? Check out the CRS Fair Trade coffee partners.

Photo credit: Michelle Frankfurter for CRS

A select group of students were able to meet directly with coffee farmers over the course of a week.

M. Sheridan/CRS

Here are some of their reflections:

“My expectations for the trip were very basic, as I simply expected to learn about [Catholic Relief Services]and the entire fair trade process. However, as I learned how these organizations worked in México and internationally, I was deeply and unexpectedly moved by the people we met at the Maya Vinic and Michizá communities.  The kindness and dedication of the people to their vocation simply amazed me. Upon my return I have found myself discussing this trip with anyone willing to listen. I explain the fair trade process and the benefits the producers would reap because of it in an attempt to have more individuals purchase these products.”~ Erick Diaz, Freshman

I’m delighted to read of Erick’s enthusiasm and his help spreading the word about the benefits of Fair Trade.  But I am also glad to read this from senior, Ashlen Nimmo, who I have had the pleasure of meeting a couple of times:

“….I had been expecting that all of the benefits of fair trade would be made obvious to me, and that simply was not the case. Especially while we were in Oaxaca we learned a lot about the challenges that the farmers still face, despite the fact that they are part of a fair trade cooperative. This was one of the biggest challenges for me on the trip. One of the farmers remarked that fair trade, although it was the best option for them, was still not completely fair. This conversation helped to open my eyes to the complexities of fair trade. I think this was a positive thing for me, though. Although it can be disheartening to see the flaws, it is also humbling and helps me to recognize that the fight against poverty is no easy battle and promoting and purchasing fair trade is just one part of that fight.”

Ashlen and another USD buddy of mine, Hannah Evans, along with the whole delegation, are humble but energetic leaders in the fight for economic justice in their campus and their community.   The Fund is made possible by partner contributions we receive every time you purchase Work of Human Hands crafts, Fair Trade coffee and “Raise Money Right” chocolate.  Thanks to all of you who made their trip–and mine–possible participating in CRS Fair Trade!

Equal Exchange Interfaith Program Representative
Equal Exchange seeks highly motivated individuals to work as Interfaith Program Representatives.   Equal Exchange’s Interfaith Program works in partnership with 12 national faith-based organizations and thousands of congregations across the country to involve communities of faith in Fair Trade. Our work includes sales, outreach and education.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to:
Susan Sklar, Interfaith Program Hiring Committee
Equal Exchange
50 United Drive
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
ssklar@equalexchange.coop
fax:  508-587-5955

Completed applications are due Monday, March 1^st, 2010

1. Job Description:

2. Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate well and problem solve with program customers, team members and staff
• Ability to effectively manage time and responsibilities
• Ability to work well with others
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Sensitivity to different faiths and religious traditions
• Previous experience with basic word processing and database programs preferred
• Previous experience with faith-based/social/environmental activism or public speaking/presentations preferred
• Experience with or interest in working for a cooperative organization preferred
• Ability and willingness to travel, including some weekends

3. Responsibilities:
Account Development and Sales (approx.  90%)

• Develop and refine partnership/program strategies, goals, marketing initiatives and outreach materials in coordination with Program Manager.
• Coordinator for specific partnership communication, program projects, initiatives and accounts, as determined with Program Manager.
• Effectively communicate mission of Equal Exchange and our faith-based partnerships to customers and contacts.
• Develop and communicate strong Equal Exchange product knowledge (coffee, tea, chocolate, snacks, etc.)
• Increase sales in existing congregational accounts and bring on new accounts through direct contact, marketing initiatives, events and outreach.
• Accountable for individual sales and program participation goals, as set with Program Manager.
• Represent Equal Exchange, the Interfaith Program and faith-based partnerships at congregations, conferences and events, including conducting workshops and other presentations on the Program and Fair Trade.
• Coordinate Program presence, product sampling and sales for national, regional and local faith-based events.
• Provide partnership contacts and customers with the information, materials and products they need to represent the program and partner projects at events and gatherings.
• Support program team members as needed or directed.
• Maintain accurate notes and database records for customers, partner organizations, events and projects.
• Communicate effectively with customer service team.
• Flexibility to perform other tasks as necessary, such as occasional support for customer service team, packing/shipping.
• Participate in on-going training in products, equipment, marketing; help train peers as needed.

Fair Trade & Worker Ownership Development (approx.  10%)

• Participate in staff, department and educational (Exchange Time) meetings.
• Understand our producer partners and trading policies and the Fair Trade movement.
• Understand and participate effectively in our worker cooperative model.