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Press Releases
TransFair Press Release
06/26/2006
Fair Trade Certified™ Chamomile, Hibiscus and Mint Now Available in U.S. Market
Herbs Join an Already Booming Fair Trade Certified Tea & Rooibos Market
Oakland, CA (June 26, 2006) – The caffeinated world of Fair Trade just got a little calmer. TransFair USA – the only independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade goods in the United States – has introduced Fair Trade Certified™ chamomile, hibiscus and mint to the U.S. market, expanding an already booming Fair Trade Certified tea market – which grew a record 187% in 2005 – to include consumers who prefer a non-caffeinated brew, as well as diversify the Fair Trade Certified ingredients available to the culinary, nutraceutical and herbal supplement industries.
So far, Fair Trade Certified herbs available in the United States originate from two producer groups in Egypt, both certified organic – Royal Ottoman, via its North American subsidiary Organic Nature, and the Sekem Initiative. Herb cultivation in Egypt dates back to the Pharaohs, and Egyptian herbs are considered some of the highest quality to this day. Modern-day Egyptian agribusiness has grown faster than the social infrastructure, leaving working and living conditions for many farming communities behind the development curve.
“We are delighted to expand the Fair Trade Certified Tea Program to include herbs, giving consumers even more opportunity to support Fair Trade in their daily purchases,” said TransFair USA President and CEO Paul Rice. “We are also eager to extend the benefits of Fair Trade to Egypt, where most villages lack basic necessities such as clean drinking water and power, compounded further by marginal healthcare, education and transportation systems, leaving many farming communities isolated with very few resources.”
The Fair Trade Certified label is a simple way for consumers to know that their products were produced under socially, environmentally and economically sustainable conditions. Farmers and farm workers in Fair Trade Certified producer organizations are guaranteed fair, above-market prices for their crops and fair wages; have direct market linkage with international buyers who offer reliable, long-term contracts and pre-financing; use sustainable farm management systems that protect the environment, and prohibit forced and child labor, harmful agrochemicals and GMOs; and have the right to organize and democratically decide how to best re-invest their Fair Trade premium in community and business development projects.
With Egypt’s illiteracy rate over 40%, it’s no surprise that members of both the Sekem Initiative and Royal Ottoman have decided to invest their Fair Trade premium in scholarship funds and literacy programs for all ages. At Sekem, producers have decided to invest in better housing, sanitation and healthcare facilities, and safe, reliable transportation. At Royal Ottoman, producers have decided to set-up private health care and life insurance plans, and increase the number of women to 65% of their workforce, especially women who are the sole supporter for their household. These sorts of basic infrastructure improvements are vital throughout Egypt, where access to daily necessities can be challenging in all sectors.
Fair Trade Certified herbs follow the same certification standards and reporting procedures as tea (Camellia sinensis) and rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), making the integration of these products a seamless process for businesses already carrying Fair Trade Certified™ products. While these herbs are grown domestically, many U.S. companies prefer the flavor profile, and require the volume availability, of internationally produced herbs. Consumers can expect products with Fair Trade Certified mint, chamomile and hibiscus on the shelves in the coming months – stay tuned!
For more information about the Fair Trade Certified Tea & Herb Program, contact Maya Spaull at mspaull@transfairusa.org.
About TransFair USA
TransFair USA, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, is one of twenty members of Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO), and the only independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States. TransFair USA audits transactions between U.S. companies offering Fair Trade Certified™ products and the international suppliers from whom they source, in order to guarantee that the farmers and workers behind Fair Trade Certified goods were paid fair, above-market prices and wages. FLO annually inspections producer organizations to ensure that strict socioeconomic development criteria is met using increased Fair Trade revenue, in addition to sustainable farm management, environmental stewardship and democratic decision making. For more information, visit www.transfairusa.org.
CONTACT:
Nicole Chettero
Public Relations Manager
TransFair USA
510-663-5260, ext. 357
nchettero@transfairusa.org
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