Fair Trade Organizations

WILMINGTON, N.C.-- (TRANSFAIRUSA.ORG) -- January 09, 2005 -- How are Fair Trade communities being affected by the Asian earthquake and tsunamis? The staff and Board of Directors of TransFair USA share the grief felt around the globe for the victims of the tsunami disaster and their families and loved ones. Many Fair Trade cooperatives and farms that we work with are in the affected countries, and we would like to share information about these communities with you as we find it over the coming weeks.

Here is a breakdown of Fair Trade organizations in the affected countries:

Report from TransFair USA

We are grateful that reported loss of life and physical damage has been minimal in the Fair Trade organizations, which are situated mostly inland and at higher altitudes, though the trauma and desolation is widespread. In solidarity with their people, members of Fair Trade organizations are finding ways to pitch in and assume leadership in the recovery efforts.

Our Producer Relations staff is in contact with numerous partner organizations and with producer partners to gather updates regarding export transportation delays and other information about how the communities have been affected.

Indonesia

The 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated parts of the west and east coasts of Sumatra, in one of the top five coffee producing countries in the world. Indonesias death toll has exceeded 80,000. Coffee producers live in Aceh, near the reported epicenter of the quake.

An update Monday from a representative of the Sumatra coffee project reported at least two families in the growers co-op PPKGO were killed when their homes fell in on them. He also reported that many roads used to transport coffee from growers to the ports were blocked. The wet mill, used to process coffee for export, sustained damage. The largest warehouse remains intact and is being used as temporary shelter for those who have lost their homes. The co-op is providing emergency supplies of food and clothing to its members in need. The growers' children attended schools in the heavily hit provincial capital of Banda Aceh. At this time 13 are reported missing.

India

TransFair producer relations spoke with seven representatives of tea gardens in India who reported that members are safe. Most report no physical damage to the gardens, but shipments are delayed. The two most affected states in India, according to producers, are Tamilnadu and Kerala.

In a January 6 communication from the United Nilgiri Tea Estates Co. Ltd., we received the following: " Thank you very much for your concern. It means a lot to us. The tsunami devastated part of Tamilnadu. Our garden is inland and up in the hills; but nonetheless the shock of many deaths and such desolation and devastation is horrible for all in Tamilnadu. Most of the victims are women and children. We have contributed one day salary to the Relief Fund. We have also requested the district administration our willingness to adopt 20 children who have been orphaned in the disaster. "

Sri Lanka

Representatives of Bio Foods report that farmers were not directly affected but that there are delays in exporting shipments.

Thailand

No immediate losses reported. More information forthcoming.

Tanzania

All producer partners have indicated that they are safe and that shipments and infrastructure are not affected.

What you can do in collaboration with some of our Fair Trade partners:

The Fair Trade Labelling Organizations International has collected a list of producer partner group websites to make donations directly to Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia.

Coffee Kids and ForesTrade: Contributions to the Sumatra Relief Fund will benefit coffee farming families in the heavily affected area of Aceh in Sumatra Funds are being sent to the PPKGO cooperative, and more information about the cooperative will be available on our web site shortly. Donate here.

Oxfam America is providing clean water, food, temporary shelter, and sanitation facilities to affected areas of India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Donate here.

The Café Femenino Foundation is receiving funds to provide food, medical assistance, and infrastructure repairs in affected areas of Sumatra. Donate here.

Additionally, many faith-based organizations are receiving funds for relief and reconstruction in the affected countries. Visit the following sites for more information or to donate:

Finally, TransFair USA, a 501c(3) organization, is also able to channel donations to specific Fair Trade groups in the affected areas. If you prefer to contribute in this way, you may send checks payable to TransFair USA and earmarked Tsunami / (name of group).

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