( 5k Application below)
October celebrates Fair Trade  Month…  I wanted to have this 5k then but unfortunately  my plate is full in October with the Xterra Wold Championships in Maui .    So we will celebrate it on Labor day – it seems  appropriate :)      In business for 3 years now, World Bean Roasthers became Fair Trade Certified knowing consumers would feel good  that their purchase  (Fair Trade, organics) was  helping empower poor coffee growing communities.  Having lived many years in Africa I’ve seen first hand the poverty in countries such as Morocco, Nigeria,  and Zaire – Dem Congo) My father was a  foreign service officer . We relocated just about every 2-3 years – it is not by chance that  I should find myself in a business trying to give back a little to where I came from – With a husband that doesn’t drink a lick of coffee, it must be part of my  God given “assignment” -

The United States consumes one-fifth of all the world’s coffee, making it the largest consumer in  the world. But very few Americans realize that coffee farmers often toil in what can be described as “sweatshops in the field” – Many small coffee farmers receive prices for their coffee that are less than the cost of production, forcing them into a cycle of poverty and debt.    Fair Trade is a viable solution to this crisis  assuring consumers that the coffee they drink was purchased under fair conditions.     To become “Fair Trade ” certified , importers must meet stringent international criteria, pay a minimum price per pound, provide much needed credit to farmers and technical assistance to help these farmers transition to organic farming (most fair trade coffee is organic)  - excerpt from Global Exchange-

Coffee roasters have guidelines that must be met as well.  We have to pay certification fees each year now to have any  Fair Trade inventory -about 85% of Fair Trade coffee is organic and mostly shade grown (WBR is also Organic Certified)    Fair Trade coffee costs me a bit more and there is a “social premium” included in the price of fair trade coffee. That is what goes back to the farmer – it’s what goes back into his community    for schooling, agric’l  training, equip upkeep, hospitals etc..- it’s a good thing .  They are guaranteed fair wages and a guaranteed return on their coffee –   I’m happy to pay more knowing it’s  helping to make a difference.    You too, the consumer can also feel good about this concept.  It is part of my  dream to have a more direct relationship with the grower.    With Fair Trade at least the “middle men coyotes” are eliminated -  Meanwhile, the paper work must be done  -  Paper work is  for accountability and traceability – I must stay on top of every fair trade order placed on line  or by phone -  I also need to track all my organic inventory -  I keep it simple…all my Fair Trade is organic.    Every bean must be tracked to its importer and producer.  When Fair Trade coffee goes out to you, it leaves my roaster room with the  label and sticker  to the right showing it is Fair Trade Certified Coffee -  You can learn more about Fair Trade Certification through Transfair USA.  There are many other goods that carry the label.  

Fair Trade is a viable solution to the crisis that many coffee communities  would otherwise be facing on their own.   On their own many farms are too small to find their place in a competitive market – they can’t really survive.   Co-ops are formed , where many small farms  can come together under one certification, save money , and earn a better living.   They can share washing stations, build schools together,  take out micro loans to start their business,  giving their children a chance in the real world.

Thyme Market in downtown Culpeper is the only place carrying any Fair Trade coffee from World Bean Roasthers.  Stop by and ask for it, and if John doesn’t have any,   he’ll order more from me.   There are other locations in downtown Culpeper carrying  products with the Fair Trade label.   I’ve noticed several items in the Frenchmans’ Corner - Mark has coffees, teas , chocolate….a larger variety of  fair trade goods.   Please support any fair trade merchant …. recognize the label first :)   I also just heard about a new location in downtown Culpeper called the Green Nest on Main Street – They support Fair Trade  too.

So friends,  join World Bean Roasthers on Labor Day Monday, September 7th as we  host  our 1st Annual Fair Trade Awareness 5k at the Culpeper Recreation Club in Culpeper , Virginia.. 8:30 a.m. start. Post your interest in Racing , Walking or Volunteering in the Comment Box below – I  will get back to you as soon as possible.   If you know of any Fair Trade Vendors , they are welcome to set up.

We will need at least 9 volunteers on race day.   Applications are  circulating   in downtown Culpeper, The Rec Club, Bike Stop, Golds Gym , Powell Wellness Center and Culpeper Sport and Racquet Club.  First 50  registrants guaranteed commemorative Fair Trade T-shirts. So , Beginners, Walkers, Triathletes and Runners  in town? Come out and get your  workout in early , Awards?  Of Course!! Door Prizes, OF COURSE!   COFFEE  and light snacks for all participants and volunteers. -

Register Today to avoid $5  increase on race day !! 5k Application