Fair Trade USA announces 1 billion pounds of certified Fair Trade coffee

Fair Trade USA has announced it has certified 1 billion pounds of coffee since its founding in 1998. Nearly 500 coffee companies purchased all that coffee, helping Fair Trade coffee farmers and farm workers earn almost $124 million in Community Development Premiums to date, including $30.8 million in 2013 alone. “Hitting 1 billion pounds is a monumental achievement for Fair Trade USA and our partners,” said Fair Trade USA Director of Coffee Business Development, Jennifer Gallegos, in a statement. “We’re proud of this achievement, but also know that coffee producers and business still face many challenges that can’t be solved by any one organisation alone. As we work toward the next billion, our focus will be on collaboration and innovation to create greater shared value for all.” In celebration of the milestone, Fair Trade USA has unveiled several new initiatives, including the acquisition of Acopio, Inc. Acopio, Inc. is a technology-based tool that allows cooperatives to capture, analyse, and manage transaction data.  The platform is also expected to enable the exchange of impact data between farmers and buyers. “Fair Trade USA’s innovations all work towards a common goal,” said Fair Trade USA Vice President and General Manager of Coffee Bob Hill. “With our partners, we seek to revolutionise how businesses source, how consumers buy, and how farmers and workers produce and trade to create true sustainability for all.  One billion pounds is just the beginning.”