Natik: ED MAY 2022Fair Trade

I hope you are well and enjoyed our Annual Report. It's attached in case you missed it in April! 

Tomorrow is International Fair Trade Day and I’d like to honor the Fair Trade movement and its contributions toward the world being a fairer place.

Normally Fair Trade is associated with agricultural products.  However, the certification process also includes the production of artisan goods.  We are thrilled that after three years of training and rigorous evaluation, the Mujeres Sembrando la Vida artisan cooperative in Zinacantán, Chiapas were granted Fair Trade Certification by Corazón Verde in 2019. 

Currently, they are the only Natik partner to receive that designation, but perhaps someday other partners will decide to go through the certification process for their artisan and/ or agricultural products. If so, Natik will be ready to support them every step of the way.

Meanwhile, we believe in the Fair Trade model and apply the principles of dignified wages, community considerations, and sustainable environmental practices to our partner relationships.

Here's my response to people who tell me the reason they don’t drink Fair Trade coffee is because they don’t like the taste:

“Fair Trade is not a brand, it’s an economic model that honors the labor of the producers, the integrity of the local community, and the importance of the environmental sustainability. If you don’t like the taste of one, then try another! There are thousands of Fair Trade producers and one is bound to satisfy your taste!”

I recommend this 3-minute Fair Trade video. 

As always--- Thanks for being there!

🍀 🌞 🍀 Anita 

Executive Director 

anita.smart@natik.org