In rec.food.cooking, Arri London > wrote:

> Not really certain of that. After all the growers (the people who do the
> work) in most countries don't own the coffee plantations.

That is a good point. Fairtrade pays the landowners, but I have always
wondered about their workers.

You might be interested in Googling for informatin about the Hacienda La
Minita in Costa Rica. They produce truly superior coffee, and the owner
is legendary for treating his workers well. He sets up schools for their
kids, etc.

La Minita is usually more expensive than other coffees from Tarrazu, but
the quality alone is worth the premium, not to mention the good work the
owner has done.

His coffee is not Fairtrade.



> It's good for everyone

I can't disagree. I think Fairtrade is a Good Thing. Another organization
which directly helps farmers and workers is CoffeeKids. They are worth
contributing to, and in some circles, have a better reputation than
Fairtrade.

--
....I'm an air-conditioned gypsy...

- The Who