October is Fair Trade Month

Social justice news
October 2005

Brazilian bishop ends hunger protest
Catholic Campaign for Human Development Awards $9 Million to Fight Poverty
Catholic group says U.S. must do more to prevent Darfur genocide
CRS in crisis response to Pakistan/India earthquake
Darfur aid workers taken hostage
October is Fair Trade Month
Keeler cites 'mixed outlook' in respect for human life
Oil experts discuss 'curse of oil' in Africa development

October is Fair Trade Month
In recognition of the growing nationwide demand for Fair Trade Certified(TM) products, TransFair USA, the only third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States, has proclaimed October National Fair Trade Month. The month-long celebration will be marked by a diverse array of events, from gourmet food tastings to presentations by Fair Trade farmers.

TransFair is conducting a series of events to publicize this second annual Fair Trade month in October. The goal is to expand the fair trade movement in the U.S. overall with different organizations promoting their own areas of involvement. TransFair's focus will be on the promotion of fair trade certified products. The group is once again collaborating with businesses, consumers, and non-profit organizations to raise consumer awareness and increase sales of fair trade products.

Since 1998, TransFair USA has certified more than 90 million pounds of Fair Trade products, channeling more than $67 million in additional income to farmers throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia. Though TransFair certifies several products as Fair Trade, coffee is by far the most widely distributed. Over the last six years, U.S. Fair Trade Certified coffee imports have grown more than 75 percent annually. More than 350 companies are licensed to sell Fair Trade Certified products, and they are offered in more than 35,000 cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, natural food stores and dining service venues nationwide.

The Fair Trade Certified label guarantees a decent living for farmers in developing countries. Farmers use the additional income earned to provide education and healthcare for their children and to improve communities. TransFair describes fair trade as a progressively growing international movement. Each year, the group says, more fair trade certified commodities, produce, and manufactured goods are becoming available to American consumers.

For more information:
TransFair's Fair Trade Month
Where to buy fair trade products

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