NATIONAL FAIR TRADE CONFERENCE

THE REAL COST OF CHOCOLATE

AUTHOR: Larissa Kanhai

FEATURING: Don Pilar Ramirez of REDDOM,  Dominican Republic

"Farmers only make 3¢ on the dollar on a #chocolate bar. I'd be happy if this just moved to 5¢," said #Fairtrade #cacao #farmer, Don Pilar Emilio Ramirez, today.
"So how can I support the farmers?" asked someone.
"Buy fairtrade," replied Ramirez.
He continued.
"When I am with this brand, there are rules I must follow. An inspector regularly comes to my farm to make sure I am operating fairly.
'Do you have any child labourers?' There are children than come to help their parents working, but only when they have free time, and to make pocket money. They don't leave school to work.
'Do you pay your staff well?' I must show payroll to prove I provide fair wages to my employees.
'What about the birds that fly into your farm?' I could answer, 'why does that matter? The cacao is growing just fine.' But no, I must also protect the natural wildlife that come to my farm. I have trees that serve no purpose other than to provide nesting for these migrating birds.
'Do you take care of the water that runs through your land?' Yes, and I must show him how too.
So what can you do? Buy fairtrade, support it, and be part of the movement.”