The Sweet Truth: Why Fair Trade Matters for Cane Sugar and Cocoa 

In today's interconnected world, the choices we make as consumers can have far-reaching consequences. One such choice is to support fair trade practices. Fair trade isn't just a buzzword; it's a commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices that benefit producers in developing countries. Here we explore why it is important to buy fair trade products, particularly focusing on cane sugar and cocoa, and the significant advantages it offers to growers. 

The Fair Trade Philosophy 

Fair trade is more than just a label; it's a philosophy rooted in equity and justice. It's a system that empowers growers and artisans by ensuring fair compensation, safe working conditions, and environmentally sustainable production methods. This approach seeks to redress the imbalances in the global supply chain, where producers in developing countries often face exploitation, low wages, and poor living conditions. 

Empowering Growers 

For cane sugar and cocoa farmers, fair trade practices represent a lifeline. Many of these producers are small-scale farmers in impoverished regions, struggling to make ends meet. Fair trade ensures that they receive a fair price for their products, which helps them maintain a decent standard of living, invest in their communities, and break free from the cycle of poverty.   

Premium for Development 

One of the key features of fair trade is the premium paid on top of the regular price for products. At PRANA, we uphold this principle by providing $80 in direct premium to growers for every ton of organic cane sugar we purchase, $350 per ton for conventional cocoa, and $410 per ton for organic cocoa.   

This premium goes directly to the farmers and is invested in community projects that improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure. In the case of cane sugar and cocoa, this premium can have a profound impact. For example, it might be used to build schools, provide clean drinking water, or support agricultural training programs to enhance the quality and yield of their crops.  

Cocoa: A Taste of Equity 

Cocoa farming, predominantly found in West African countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast, has long been plagued by issues of child labor, low wages, and poor living conditions. By supporting fair trade cocoa products, you are contributing to the eradication of these problems. Fair trade organizations actively work to ensure that children have access to education and that workers are paid fairly, allowing cocoa farmers to enjoy a better quality of life while producing high-quality cocoa. 

Over the past five years, PRANA has directly contributed $161,000 in premiums only to cocoa farmers through premium payments alone. Most of the cocoa used in our products comes from South America. 

Cane Sugar: A Sweet Change 

Cane sugar production is labor-intensive and often involves farmers in countries like the Philippines, Costa Rica, and Malawi. In conventional trade, these farmers can face exploitation and instability. Fair trade, however, offers them a secure source of income, enabling them to maintain a stable lifestyle and invest in their communities. Additionally, fair trade practices encourage environmentally sustainable farming techniques, reducing the use of harmful chemicals and promoting responsible land management.   

Since PRANA’s foundation in 2005, we ensure that all the cane sugar we import for making our products is certified Fair Trade, emphasizing our commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing practices. Our cane sugar comes from a cooperative of Paraguay that not only provide high quality products, but also work to reduce poverty and create the essential social, economic and environmental sustainability needed to empower small farmers and communities. 

The Role of Certification 

To identify fair trade products, look for certification labels like Fair Trade Canada. These labels guarantee that the product has been sourced and produced following fair trade principles. By purchasing certified products, you are casting a vote for fairness and sustainability. 

In the pursuit of a more equitable and just world, buying fair trade cane sugar and cocoa is a small but meaningful step. Your choices as a consumer can uplift communities in distant corners of the world, giving farmers the opportunity to lead better lives and work under humane conditions. By supporting fair trade practices, you are contributing to a more compassionate and sustainable global economy. So, the next time you reach for a chocolate bar or sweeten your coffee, choose fair trade and savor the sweet taste of ethical consumption. 

 

Check out our 11 certified Fairtrade products
https://pranafoods.ca/collections/fairtrade