Power of a good cup of cof fee
We all know how good a cof fee can be, and our recent trip to Papua New Guinea felt a lot like this – warms your soul; good hot or cold; ignites excitement; stimulates your mind; and spurs motivation.
In June, we, Fairtrade ANZ, led a group on a trip to Papua New Guinea, retracing the steps your coffee makes before it touches your lips. And to witness firsthand how the Fairtrade system transforms lives and communities. Our group included Nadia Bonner from Fairtrade, Lee McDermid from Prima Roastery, Matt Wilson from Good Fortune Coffee, Caz Orr from Kōkako, Nick Percy from Nomad Coffee Group, Alice Burton from John Burton, and the talented photographer, Josh Griggs. Each of them through their professional work and now personal experiences, has forged a profound connection with Papua New Guinea, particularly the Highlands Organic Agriculture Cooperative (HOAC) – a coffee cooperative responsible for the beans that find their way into many of your favourite blends.
During our journey, we followed the coffee’s path from the cherry (yes, coffee starts as a cherry on a tree!) to the container, before it embarks on its voyage to New Zealand. It is not a walk in the park, but rather a journey of many mountains – mountains the people scale with a smile on their face and a warmth and gratitude which is hard to describe. It’s easy to forget the faces and hands behind the products we consume daily, especially when they come from distant lands. But we mustn’t forget. We want to protect these people and the ongoing sustainable production of coffee, something I’m sure we’d all miss. These people are dealing with rising costs, climate change and the next generation of farmers aren’t motivated to stay because of the challenges and the remuneration they receive for their work. Some of these people are called Henny, John, Max & Ruth. They are the backbone of their families and communities, and we hold them in deep respect. And we believe deserve to be fairly compensated for their hard work and the glorious product they bring into the world, and as our neighbour, our responsibility to them is even greater.
Like most things at the moment, costs are rising, and cof fee is no exception. In August of this year, the Fairtrade Minimum Price increased for the first time in 12 years. Between climate change, inflation and a volatile global market, the costs of living have changed for all of us, especially farmers. Through the democratic Fairtrade system, which is a not-forprofit half governed by farmers and workers, it was determined that this price needed to rise, even if it meant risking contracts. Af ter witnessing the work required to bring a highquality green bean to New Zealand, we firmly believe that this cost is a bare minimum, and the least buyers and consumers can do. Spotting the Fairtrade Mark is a simple yet impactful way to ensure you are paying a fair price.
The Fairtrade Mark not only ensures a fairer price is paid to the farmers but, also the Fairtrade premium. The Fairtrade Premium, an extra 20 cents (USD) per pound of cof fee, is a significant sum that cooperatives receive and invest in business and community projects of their choosing. This empowers the people themselves to make decisions for the betterment of their community. It is very powerful.
On our journey we witnessed this power – the needs of the community been met by the cooperative. Projects that have provided access to water; roofing iron; cof fee pulpers and raised drying beds to increase productivity and quality; maternity beds; classrooms; and beehives! A fairer price and the Fairtrade premium mean these communities are progressing and building a brighter future for themselves and their children. Something they alone are doing through their hard work and craf t. But, something we can contribute to by recognising their work and valuing cof fee for what it is.
So, when you next buy your cof fee, whether it’s at the supermarket or your local café, be sure to look for the Fairtrade Mark. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your café about it. Seek out Prima Roastery, Kōkako & Good Fortune Cof fee – they’re making it easy for you to do good whilst enjoying an exceptional brew. And enjoy that brew in the comfort of knowing Henny, John, Max & Ruth were paid a fairer price.