Global markets for certified sustainable natural products have grown significantly in recent years. This growth has happened in step with the evolution of new enterprise activities that integrate international trade, community-based development, and responsible natural resource management. In North America and Europe, a growing number of socially-driven companies serve as vehicles to support sustainable agriculture and other eco-friendly production activities, especially in Latin America and East Africa. They source goods directly from rural co-operatives producing coffee, cocoa, tea, fruits and spices organically grown in a rich and diverse forest environment. These buyers increase small producers' incomes by offering secure markets, price protection, and technical assistance to enhance local productivity and competitiveness.
The organic agricultural product market, for instance, allows peasant farmers to compete internationally on terms other than price, while at the same time helping to preserve endangered habitats. Focusing on this kind of market represents a sustainable long-term strategy given that sales of organic products globally are growing at an average of 25% per annum and show no signs of slowing. Likewise, rising demand for specialty coffee, cocoa and other produce represents a unique opportunity to harness market forces to foster grassroots development and environmental conservation. The number of specialty coffee importers, roasters and retailers involved in sustainable coffee has grown dramatically following the successes of industry pioneers such as Equal Exchange, CafeDirect and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, the active organizing and advocacy efforts of organizations such as the Fairtrade Labeling Organisation and their associated National Initiatives.
-- this post is updated in 2008-5-13 9:55:59. |