What’S The Big Deal About Fair Trade Chocolate?

Few of us dislike chocolate, which explains its relative popularity as well as the growing interest in fair trade chocolate. As a confection that figures into most major holidays, and as a treat that’s enjoyed by young and old year-round, its effect on the planet and the communities that produce it is significant. As consumers gain an understanding of the serious social and environmental issues associated with conventionally-grown chocolate, Fair Trade Certified and organic chocolate is gaining a loyal following.

But what is fair trade chocolate, what why is it important? Child slavery, unfair working conditions, and unsustainable farming practices all play into the concerns of a growing group of chocolate-lovers.

Child slavery

Fair trade chocolate is definitely a social issue, especially in regions like Africa where most of the world’s chocolate is grown. According to the organization Global Exchange, the US State Department recently reported that 15,000 children aged 9 to 12 were working as enslaved laborers in plantations that grow chocolate, cotton, and coffee. In addition to the child slaves, as many as 284,000 children are working on cacao farms with their parents because their parents cannot afford school.

Working conditions on these farms can be quite hazardous. Dangerous tasks like working with machetes and applying toxic chemicals like insecticides and pesticides without protective gear are common. These children also work long hours at very strenuous tasks with little nourishment. And amazingly, although these children work with cacao for years, they have never tasted chocolate.

Unfair pricing

Yet children aren’t the only ones suffering without fair trade certifications. Adult farmers see a disproportionately small amount of profit for their labors and are also forced to work in unfair and unsafe conditions. Non-fair trade chocolate companies have refused to establish stable and sufficient prices for cocoa, and as a result, prices fluctuate and are often well below production costs.

According to Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, only one penny from a typical candy bar will go to the farmer. This forces cacao farmers to adopt additional industries to support their families, like raising livestock or growing alternate crops.

Source : articlesbase