U.S. Sales of Fair Trade Certified Products Up in 2008 Despite Economy

On an article posted by the Fair Trade Resource Network (FTRN) we learn that the demand for Fair Trade Certified products has grown rapidly nationwide, according to TransFair USA's recently released 2008 Almanac.

Annual imports of coffee grew by over 30% in weight, tea by over 20%, cocoa by over 95%, and bananas by over 250%. Additional income to farmers and producers grew 74%, to $32.6 million.


In other news, a grass-roots, nonpartisan coalition of Fair Trade organizations, vendors, retailers, schools, individuals and consumers, is inviting the First Lady to help extend the Fair Trade movement by declaring the White House a "Fair Trade Home." Having the White House seek to purchase and use fair trade goods encourages households throughout America to refine their buying habits toward ethical consumption so that poverty, both in America and around the world, is reduced.

Throughout the year, the campaign will seek online signatures from consumers and organizations to show the First Lady the momentum and support of the Fair Trade movement. The coalition hopes that the First Lady will accept the invitation so that a ceremony is conducted in May 2010 in honor of "World Fair Trade Day."
Learn more or participate in the campaign at Fair Trade the White House.