For children to work or not to work. That is the question.

In all my travels to origin I have found that the majority of the producers that I have met, the whole family works on the farm including the children I also see the children working at the plaza selling jewelery and other small items to the tourist. And even though it breaks my heart, I understand the need for them to contribute to their families income.

Needless to say my heart aches when I see them, instead of going to school and enjoying their childhood they are hard at work every day, all day. One time I saw this beautiful little girl she was about 4 or 5 years old. I notice her nose was bleeding and her older sister told me:" she is OK she is thirsty that is all". When she told me that it dawn on me she was dehydrated. She was selling me a small doll that she had made with ribbon and wool. I told her I would buy it if she promised to go and buy something to drink right away,and she did.

From all of these experiences it makes it even more difficult for me to come back to the USA and see how many people enjoy drinking coffee from the giants who sell their coffee for so much and give so little to the people who work so hard to plant and take care of the coffee trees. These growers have to sell to the giants for a very low price.

Then this company pretend they are doing something for the growers such as dig a couple of water holes and buy some coffee for a bit more than their usual price, making a huge deal about their efforts, spending millions letting you know with their beautiful marketing.

The truth is that they still are buying 90% or more of their coffee for almost nothing, using Coyotes or middleman to purchase the coffee from the small grower who does not have neither the volume or the know how to sell their coffee for the price they deserve.

The truth is that whether I wanted or not the children will still have to work until we all as consumers are smart enough and courages enough to realize that marketing for as beautiful and powerful as it may be, it's not really giving you the real story. It wont stop until all of us as consumers pay attention to the independents who are putting all on the line to show you the truth and sell you the best. Is it worth it for you to have to drive a bit longer or get out of your car to buy your coffee from and independent coffee shop or roaster who you know for sure are buying their coffee for a fair price? You tell me.....