September 2007 Issue
GOODWORKS
Local Companies ‘Go Fair’ to Fight Poverty
Alberta’s engineering companies recognize that global connections stretch beyond the technical projects they undertake. Some corporate leaders are ‘going fair’ by introducing employees to fair trade coffee. In the process, they’re helping improve the lives of farmers and families in impoverished countries
BY BRAD LARSON, P.ENG.
Engineers Without Borders
_________________________
In an era when technology regularly allows us to overcome geography and connect
with family across the country in an instant, it’s still difficult to overcome
the divide between ourselves and the developing world. It’s hard to imagine
the link between an engineer in Fort McMurray, say, and a cocoa farmer in Ghana.
But in reality the direct and indirect connections between the two get stronger
every day. And many APEGGA permit holders are further forging those connections,
in a good way.
As consumers, our purchasing decisions directly connect us to labourers, farmers
and artisans living around the world. Choosing fair trade products, which are
increasingly available across Alberta, allows us to support developing world
producers by providing them and their families with a fair wage for their work.
We are, in essence, supporting livelihoods that are the key to escaping the perils of extreme poverty.
Small Choice, Big Impact
Fair trade products are imported goods from developing countries
under a price that reflects the true value of farm labour and includes a social
premium to be reinvested in the community. Fair trade premiums allow for worker
training opportunities, non-discriminatory employment practices, no underage
or forced labour, access to collective bargaining processes, freedom of association
of the workforce, and fair occupational safety and health conditions.
For producers, fair trade often means financial advice on contracts and access to capital to overcome financial obstacles to business development, which are important to develop sustainable production. Fair trade promotes entrepreneurship and can assist the economic development of entire rural communities.
The fair trade premium also promotes environmentally sound agricultural practices, setting standards for minimal and safe use of agrochemicals, waste management and maintenance of soil fertility and water resources.
Fair trade products are identified by a distinctive logo applied only to goods that meet the standards defined by the Fairtrade Labelling Organization International. The FLO is an umbrella organization for fair trade production and labelling organizations in developing and industrialized nations.
FLO-CERT, an independent certification company, rigorously applies international standards to maintain the integrity of the Fair Trade certified mark. TransFair Canada is the independent national body and FLO member that audits and licenses sales of certified fair trade products in Canada.
The Fair Trade Certified designation is available on a wide range of products, including coffee, cocoa, sugar, wine, fruits and spices. Once relegated to the shelves of specialty stores and health food markets, these days certified fair trade products are available in major grocery chains and many coffee shops.
The cost difference between fair trade and uncertified products is less than you’d think. It’s estimated that fair trade practices add one to four cents per cup of coffee.
TransFair Canada estimates that farmers in fair trade coffee cooperatives — ones linked directly with foreign markets — are able to earn three to five times more than they would by selling their coffee to local middlemen. A small price differential in Canada can mean a major difference for farmers working their way out of poverty overseas.
Permit Holders Involved
In recent years, Canadians have become increasingly aware of their connection
to people living overseas, and demand for fair-trade-type options has increased
exponentially. Corporations are taking note of this demand, and many have stepped
up to play their part.
CH2M HILL Canada Ltd. has been providing Certified Fair Trade coffee to employees for over two years. Committed to providing “responsible solutions for a sustainable future,” the engineering services company works to find new ways of balancing its social, economic and environmental responsibilities.
CH2M HILL has implemented a policy to provide fair trade coffee, supplied by coffee provider Van Houtte, in all of its Canadian offices. With more than 700 employees, the company has translated a small corporate purchasing decision into significant impact and positive change for farmers in impoverished communities.
Shell Canada recently began a pilot program to offer a fair trade organic coffee option, along with traditional blends. Now Shell employees at its headquarters, along with customers at many of its service stations, can decide whether to support fair trade alternatives.
Beyond the workplace, APEGGA members are seeking out fair trade products
to enjoy at home.
Jeremy Barretto, E.I.T., who works for CH2M HILL, is one coffee aficionado who’s
happy he made the switch. “I’m a big fan of certified fair trade
products and ask for them wherever I go,” he says.
“It gives me a chance to enjoy good-tasting coffee while knowing I’m
making a personal contribution towards creating a better life for people living
in poverty overseas.”
The Engineers Without Borders Calgary Professional Chapter, one of seven EWB professional chapters across Canada, engages professionals in Calgary to promote human development through access to technology. Brad Larson, P.Eng., is the external communications director with the EWB Calgary Professional Chapter.
Ready To Go Fair?
|