What is “Fair Trade” and “Equal Exchange?”
Fair Trade is a model of doing business that provides a fair price to the farmer, including a guaranteed minimum when market prices are low, and above market premiums for quality and certified organic products. Equal Exchange, founded in 1986, is the oldest and largest for-profit Fair Trade company in the US. Through Equal Exchanges Interfaith Store, SCPC’s Mission Ministry unit offers organic, gourmet coffee, tea, cocoa and chocolate bars at cost. These are produced by democratically run farm coops in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Equal Exchange is committed to encouraging ecologically sustainable farming practices that help build a long-term economic base for farmers while protecting their communities, the environment and consumers from dangerous chemicals.
