Most of the food that we put on our tables has been grown and raised by farmers in other countries who cannot make enough money to feed their own families. The lack of immediate access to a market place, high market prices and weak organizational business skills often leave them selling their crops for less than it takes to produce them.
This ultimately creates a cycle of debt and poverty that reigns over the innumerable hours put into reaching often unreachable goals. More often than not, to help with the heavy work load children are expected to not attend school in order to tend to the crops.
These farmers and their families are not only left without a profit to improve their health and financial status but their farmland continuously goes without being properly improved upon. There is also no money to put into learning and practicing sustainable methods for the life of their crops. Leaving the very children that dedicate their lives to this land no insurance that it will be producing when they are old enough to take it over.
It seems only fair to offer these individuals the same respect that we want for ourselves. To recognize their value as not just human beings but also those that are working very hard to make their way in life.
By making the decision to support Fair Trade and buy certified products you are helping to invest in the life of these farmers and their families. Once a farmer begins receiving fair price for his crops, he is then able to gain more access to the outside markets. This in effect, allows him to eventually rise above poverty and reep the benefits of his crops and land.
If you believe that we are all created equal and are subject to the same treatment as we would ask for ourselves then make the choice to buy fair trade. Just look for the label to ensure that it is a qualified fair trade product and put your money where your mouth is.
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