OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ — TransFair USA, the nation’s third-party, independent certifier of Fair Trade Certified(TM) products, has united the U.S. government, the world’s largest retailer and a leading coffee company in a three-year, $1.9 million public-private agreement to support Brazilian farmers producing Fair Trade Certified coffee and cooperatives with technical training and infrastructure investment.
The coffee industry is a direct route to addressing poverty in Brazil, the world’s largest coffee supplier. While the coffee industry in Brazil provides income for more than ten million people, one-third of Brazil’s 53 million people live in poverty.
Aimed to improve earning potential for small-scale Brazilian farmers producing Fair Trade Certified coffee, the project connects coffee and retail experts to provide technical training on farming and business practices. In addition, USAID and Cafe Bom Dia will invest in basic farm and cooperative infrastructure needs such as offices, computer and farm equipment.
Paul Rice, the CEO of TransFair USA, recognized the project participants for their positive impact on coffee farmers. “Thanks to the support of USAID and the partnership with Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Cafe Bom Dia, thousands of family coffee farmers in Brazil will increase their capacity to produce and market high quality Fair Trade Certified coffee in domestic and international markets. This initiative signals a real commitment by these companies to fair prices for Brazilian coffee farmers and to sustainable farming practices.”
Fair Trade Certified coffee — with approximately $900 million in retail turnover in the United states in 2006 — is today the fastest growing segment of the $10 billion U.S. specialty coffee industry. Fair Trade is a market- based model that increases incomes of smallholder farmers by linking them directly to buyers in the U.S., Europe and Japan who agree to pay a minimum price for the product and to comply with other fundamental environmental and labor standards.
Greg Spragg, executive vice president of merchandising for Sam’s Club, explained why the company is continuing its support of Fair Trade Certified(TM) coffee. “Since 2006, we have quickly expanded our exceptional Fair Trade Certified(TM) coffee. Working with the source communities will help small-scale farmers create a more sustainable coffee industry and earn more money through high-quality, social-benefit coffees.”
“Making changes in the supply chain and improving how products are sourced requires collaboration with the farmers and cooperatives at origin. They need to see that we’re serious about directing our purchase decisions towards sustainable products, and that with the right quality, farming and business practices they will have a buying partner for their coffee,” said Steve Broughton, vice president and divisional merchandise manager for Wal-Mart.
About USAID
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent agency of the United States Government. It was created in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries in cooperation with local private and public organizations. In Brazil, USAID is carrying out programs of recognized success in the areas of trade and poverty reduction, health, environment, renewable energy, youth employment, and anti-trafficking in persons.
About TransFair USA
TransFair USA is the only independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade Certified products in the United States. TransFair USA audits and certifies transactions between U.S. companies offering Fair Trade Certified products and their international suppliers to guarantee that the farmers and workers producing Fair Trade Certified goods were paid fair prices and wages. TransFair USA certifies coffee, tea, herbs, vanilla, cocoa, chocolate, rice, sugar, bananas and flowers. Visit http://www.FairTradeCertified.org.
About Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Sam’s Club locations in the United States. The Company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The Company’s securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting http://www.walmartfacts.com. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com.
About Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., . The first Sam’s Club opened its doors in Midwest City, Okla., in 1983. Today, Sam’s Club serves more than 47 million U.S. Members with locations nationwide, and in Brazil, Canada, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Sam’s Club offers exceptional values on merchandise and services for business owners and consumers. Online merchandise and Club information is available at samsclub.com.
About Cafe Bom Dia
Cafe Bom Dia is a quality and innovation leader in Brazil’s coffee industry. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has promoted small-scale, independent farmers and environmentally-sustainable methods through its “tree to shelf” supply chain. Today, Cafe Bom Dia grows and produces the gourmet coffee brand Marques de Paiva. Through its zero carbon-emissions roasting facility and other eco-friendly practices, Cafe Bom Dia is a CARBON NEUTRAL COMPANY. Visit us at http://www.cafebomdia.com.