'Tis the Season to Support FAIR TRADE

What does the Fair Trade system accomplish? It benefits over 800,000 farmers organized into cooperatives and unions in 48 countries. Fair Trade helps farmers provide for their families' needs and invest in community development.

But there IS a catch... these farmers still have to sell most of their crop outside of the Fair Trade system because not enough companies are willing to buy at Fair Trade prices.

You can help increase the demand for Fair Trade by purchasing Fair Trade certified products, this holiday season and YEAR ROUND. It really really does help small-scale producers!

Ask, "is this coffee/cocoa fair trade?" when you stop for a cup. Retailers need to hear that there is real demand! The Raging Grannies went on a little scouting trip in Mountain View, California and found that some coffee shops will make you a cup of Fair Trade coffee fresh brewed if they have Fair Trade roasted beans for sale, even if they usually don't sell it brewed up. Sometimes they even sell it for the same price as a regular cup.

Raging Grannies say "buy less, and when you must shop, buy fair trade whenever possible." At granny ages, we all have acquired way too much stuff!

For more ways to support Fair Trade visit Global Exchange's website here.

Photos by R. Robertson and E. Moran, also available in hi resolution.