Fair Trade Coffee
Growing Momentum To Help Growers

Fair Trade Coffee is a designation for coffee growers testifying that the producers receive a minimum price for their coffee. This is through The International Fairtrade Certification Mark. Fair trade coffee is not necessarily organic but it can be.

To be Fair Trade Labelled with the designation of the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO)

Some of the main points

• Independently certified
• Must meet independent standards
• Growers must belong to a co-op
• Applies to importers and exporters who market the coffee.

Coffee is one of the worlds most popular drinks and Colombia is a top producer of the Arabica bean.

Arabica Bean

• Grown in Colombia
• Highest Quality
• Grown at higher elevations
• More expensive to produce
• Plants take longer to grow and produce

Although there are many other varieties of coffee beans the second most popular is the Robusta (Canephora)

Robusta Bean

• More hardy variety
• Grows at a lower elevation
• Cheaper to produce
• Is found in canned and cheaper coffees
• Has a higher caffeine content
• Blended as a filler with Arabica

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is one of the regions where coffee is grown and is the oldest coffee growing region in the country. Much of the coffee is grown at elevations of between 4000-5000 feet where you will find both regular and organic cultivated beans. Harvest between May to November.

The term 100 percent Colombian coffee, means it has a Protected Geographical Status, meaning it's place of origin has to be from Colombia. Colombia was the first country outside of the EU to be granted this status. this is an EU designation to protect the reputation of genuine products.

When I have enjoyed a fine cup of coffee when visiting friends in Santa Marta their method uses an all metal type espresso maker on the stove, this is how they do it

Coffee preparation

• Use Arabica Beans, freshly ground is best
• Cold water
• Fill the water reservoir
• Add the coffee to the screened funnel
• Put on low heat
• Wait until the top reservoir fills with brewed coffee
• Coffee is best when freshly brewed

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