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Thanks to Fair Trade I have received capacity building trainings on organic production and now I am committed to maintaining a method of production that will protect and sustain the environment. ”
What is Fair Trade? | Impact
Environment
Around the world, farmers who struggle to make a living are often forced to engage in agricultural practices that compromise their land and surrounding ecosystems, such as deforestation and erosion, use of harmful toxins, and disposal of pollutants into the water supply. Fair Trade Certified environmental standards are some of the strictest in the industry. Fair Trade Certified ensures that farmers follow internationally monitored environmental standards, while empowering farmers and farm workers with financial incentives and resources for organic conversion, reforestation, water conservation and environmental education. By establishing Fair Trade prices farmers are able to practice sustainable growing techniques and are supported in learning new skills that will preserve their land for generations to come. This means that Fair Trade Certified products are not only better for the men and women who grow them, they’re better for the planet as well!
Featured Producer
COSURCA
Empresa Cooperativa del Sur del Cauca (COSURCA) is composed of 14 farmer associations and coffee cooperatives from four municipalities in Cauca, a mountainous province of southwestern Colombia. Founded in 1993, this organization has been seriously affected by armed extremist groups who value the area for its proximity to the jungle and abundant natural resources.
How they have made a difference: Environment. COSURCA maintained their organic certification by continuing the organic coffee production tradition that began in the area more than 100 years ago.
