June 2, 2007 is truly an historic day within the Fair Trade coffee industry, and we here at Stone Creek would be remiss should we fail to inform you of it. According to a decision made in early March of this year by the Fair Trade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) Board, every contract signed between fair trade coffee producers and wholesale buyers after June 1 will carry a substantial increase in the Fair Trade Social Premium and Organic Differential payments, both vital incentives to coffee producers to become and remain fair trade and/or certified organic growers.
The importance of these increases cannot be overstated. In the case of the Fair Trade Social Premium payment, the amount that coffee producer groups receive for investment in social and economic development in their communities will double. This means that the farmers and farm workers, who decide democratically how to invest, will have more funds available for use in developing their communities. That translates into more medical services, more schools, more roads, more homes.
The increase in the Organic Differential payment, while at a smaller percentage than the boost in the Fair Trade Social Premium, is significant as it is a critical component to the entire Fair Trade coffee system. Simply put, the Organic Differential paid to Fair Trade coffee producers is an economic incentive to cover the additional costs associated with the production of certified organic coffee. And, as we all know, organic is good.
Are you still with us? Kinda confusing, huh? The bottom line is that tomorrow is just the type of day we here at Stone Creek live for--a day that reminds us of why we are so committed to Fair Trade and Socially Responsible coffee--a day when coffee farmers, farm workers, wholesale buyers, retail sellers, and you, the coffee lover, can all celebrate the bean we love together.
In honor of this grand day, we invite you to stop by your nearest Stone Creek Coffee retail store tomorrow and raise a cup with us in honor of Fair Trade. We'll be glad to see ya!