If You're Planning on Seeing Black Gold this Evening in Pittsburgh...
If you're going to see the film Black Gold this evening (6pm at the Regent Square Theater), we just wanted to remind those truly interested in helping coffee farmers like those portrayed in the movie that there are other - and maybe better - ways to help than simply seeking out the Fair Trade Certified label.
We're not suggesting the Fair Trade Certification is a bad thing. In fact, far from it - in many cases Fair Trade is all that's keeping some cooperatives afloat. We're simply saying there are other models to consider that may be more fruitful in the long run.
Especially if you're a fanatic about the quality of the coffee you drink.
Geoff Watts, who has on-the-ground relationships with dozens of farmers and cooperatives worldwide, is the green coffee bean buyer for our primary roaster, Intellgentsia Coffee. Geoff and Intellgentsia have a different view on how to make coffee commerce more equitable and more sustainable for coffee growers - primarily through encouraging quality coffees for which people will pay more.
Here are some selected articles, interviews and blog comments made recently by Geoff on this subject:
Geoff Watts replies to criticisms of "not supporting" Transfair USA on the blog LA Green Girl
Intelligentsia's Direct Trade model criteria
Wall St. Journal article: What Price Virtue? At Some Retailers "Fair Trade" Carry a Very High Cost (but not us - Fair Trade/Direct Trade carry only the same markup as all our other coffees)
Reason magazine: Absolution in Your Cup: The real meaning of Fair Trade
Any questions? In addition to Peter Giuliano, co-owner of Counter Culture Coffee (who frequently travels with Geoff Watts and follows much the same philosophy and model), who will speak after this evening's showing, Melanie, Rich, Belle, Frank and Lauren will be hanging out after the movie and available to discuss the Intelligentsia Direct Trade model.
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