I used to have an unreasonable prejudice against “fair trade” coffee.  Of course I’m in favor of living wages, but something about fair trade coffee struck me as the epitome of a yuppie eco-chic status item.

(Coffee cherries at harvest; photo by Kim Elena Bullock of Counter Culture Coffee)

Then last month we attended a lecture on coffee growing at our neighborhood coffee hangout. It made such a difference to see photos of the actual farm and the actual people who make my favorite coffee happen.  I was particularly struck by a photo of the plant undergrowth used to nourish the soil at this sustainable organic farm compared to a picture of the bare earth that encourages soil erosion at a regular coffee farm.  We even got to talk to the grower via Web phone from El Salvador.  In this age of mega-corporations and questionably processed food, it is mind-blowing that I have “met” the woman who grows my morning coffee!

(Aida Batlle, grower of Finca Mauriania; photo by Kim Elena Bullock of Counter Culture Coffee)

Wish I could pour each of you a cup of my favorite coffee and sit down for a chat.  Failing that, how about I give away a bag to one lucky reader?  The prize will be a sweet treat and one 12-oz package of whole-bean Finca Mauritania, which the roaster describes as “a true classic and one of the greatest coffees in the world.”  And of course it is fair trade.**

To enter, just leave a comment on this post. One entry per person.  Open to international readers.  Winner will be chosen by random draw on February 14.

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**Interesting side note:  “Fair trade” claims can be confusing.  There is an official Fair Trade Certified (FTC) seal, but that certification is only available to certain farming co-ops and not independent growers.  Counter Culture Coffee uses Direct Trade Certification, which includes direct partnership with growers, supply chain transparency, and high quality standards, as well as a fair price per pound.