Fair Trade

The work of Jubilee Economics Ministries includes educating individuals and groups about the importance of buying fairly-traded products.

• We believe that fair trade expresses sabbath-jubilee values, which ensure that workers and the land will be treated justly and kindly.
• Our congregations, households, schools, and workplaces are all venues in which to make the shift to fair trade.
• Purchasing fair trade products is an amazing way to make decisions that counter the destructive international free trade agreements negotiated by countries and the World Trade Organization.

What is Fair Trade?

Fair trade is a market-based approach to sustainable development that links consumers directly with producers, thereby reducing the number of levels in the distribution chain. As a result, a greater share of revenue gets in the hands of small-scale farmers. The purchase of Fair Trade Certified™ coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate bars, bananas and other fruits benefits producers and consumers by promoting:

• fair prices
• cooperative workplaces
• environmental sustainability
• access to financial and technical support
• quality products

Learn More

As advocates of justice for both indigenous workers and God's creation, we offer educational workshops that focus on fair trade for organizations, businesses, churches, schools and college campuses. If you would like to arrange a fair trade presentation in the San Diego or Chicago areas, please contact us.

For a more comprehensive understanding of Fair Trade concept, please visit TransFair USA. Also, additional information can be found on the following web sites

• Fair Trade Program (Co-op America)
• Fair Trade Federation
• The International Fair Trade Association
• Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International
• Make Trade Fair (Oxfam International)

Making a Difference

When shopping for coffee, tea, chocolate, bananas, and other fruit, always look for the Fair Trade Certified™ label. If your local market doesn't stock these fairly traded items, encourage the store manager or owner to do so.

San Diego Friends of Fair Trade

In the San Diego region, JEM maintains a working relationship with SDFoFT. Visit their website at fairtradesd.org and join their efforts to promote the fair trade.

Grounds for Action Brochure

Our "Grounds for Action" tri-fold brochure provides information about Fair Trade Certified™ coffee, and what you can do to support small-scale farmers. This colorful resource is a great way to introduce your group to the benefits of buying coffee that carries the Fair Trade label.

Grounds for Action Video

Our "Grounds for Action" video tells the story of the Maya Vinic Coffee Cooperative in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. This 17 minute presentation describes how the concept of fair trade is a life or death reality for the community.

The video is available from JEM in VHS and DVD format for $20 plus $3 for shipping. To purchase a copy, please contact us. Discounts are available on orders of 10 copies or more.

Maya Vinic Coffee Cooperative

For more information about the co-op, visit the web site of Higher Grounds, a small, socially conscious coffee roasting enterprise located in Michigan, or go to the Maya Vinic web site (Spanish only).