News - Ballston Spa becomes rare fair trade community

Fair trade aims to promote a fair and open partnership between low-income farmers and artisans in developing countries and the businesses who market their products. Products bought by the marketers are produced under fair labor regulations (free of child labor), and compensation for the goods is assigned based on market values, with the money going straight to the farmers and artisans instead of through an intermediary.  

"It really shows a level of pride, equality and appreciation for every worker," Jill Lyons, owner of the Wild Thyme Whole Foods and Tea Company said. "Each person putting forth the work gets paid what it's worth," she said, meaning that the producers are ensured a living wage for the toils of their labor.  

Typically coffees, teas, chocolates and selected produce are sold under the fair trade arrangement. And while usually those benefiting from fair trade agreements are living abroad, Lyons indicated that an effort has been made to support local farmers and artists as well.  

"We make sure that when we get into an agreement with local farms," Lyons said, "it's always a fair price. Usually, that means minus 33 percent of the prices you see at retail, which all goes directly to the farmers. There's no in-between guy."

In order to be designated as a fair trade community, there are several guidelines that must be met. For a town such as Ballston Spa with a population close to 5,500, at least three businesses must offer fair trade products as well as two other community organizations. To meet the latter requirement, the First Presbyterian Church in Ballston Spa has decided to start selling fair trade tea and coffee, and the Strolling Village Artisans are also compensating their artists according to fair trade regulations. 

For business owners such as Lyons, being the first fair trade community in New York State is an exciting notion. 

"It's awesome," Lyons said. "I think Ballston Spa has been pretty up and coming, and this is a great way we've distinguished ourselves from Saratoga. We can be a tiny little town, and still generate some interest, saying, 'Hey, what's that you're doing there?' And hopefully, some will follow in our footsteps."  

A committee of local business owners, community leaders, students and church representatives has been formed, including Lyons, Kim Anderson, Cliff Baum, Nur Atalay, Alicia Gardner, Carron Mastan, Corina Oberai, Steve Salzman, Karen Totino and Jen West in order to oversee the fair trade efforts. 

For more information on fair trade, Kim Andersen at Mango Tree Imports is encouraging phone calls to her number at (518) 884-4652, or you can visit the organization's website at www.fairtradetownsusa.org.