Recently several JCers had the distinct pleasure of attending the FUNDEPPO Small Producer's Symbol Kickoff in Portland, Oregon. The event-- aptly called "Dance with the Small Producer's Symbol"-- was something of a coming out party for the only fair trade certification that is farmer-owned and fully dedicated to small-scale and democratically organized producers.

The party got started with addresses by FUNDEPPO president Marvin Lopez Garcia and CLAC president Merling Preza who both celebrated the moment and spoke of the long road that brought the SPP to fruition. They made clear the importance of farmers inserting themselves into the certification movement as subjects and not simply as objects of verification schemes.

 

Next traders spoke about their participation in the new system. First Just Us Coffee's Jeff Moore recounted his co-op's history and their excitement over the opportunity to be a part of the new seal. Just Coffee Co-op's Matt Earley (yours truly) then talked about the importance of uniting around a farmer-owned label and how it would revolutionize fair trade. Monika Firl from Co-op Coffees spoke briefly and passionately about our commitment to making the new seal work. And Equal Exchange's Rob Evert's got the crowd pumped with a rousing homage to the SPP label.

 

After the speeches, and a couple of glasses of wine and/or beer, the crowd was ready for some dancing. While attendees signed a declaration of support, the DJ got busy with some pulsating latin dance and hiphop tunes. Before long the floor was full of sweaty fair traders cutting the proverbial rug with reckless abandon. After doing my best robot and busting out my most intense Kevin Bacon in Footloose impressions, I crawled off of the dance floor in exhaustion feeling certain I had given my all to "Dance with the Small Producer's Label". It should also be specially noted that the FLO contingent from Bonn were absolute maniacs on the dance floor.  

 

In hindsight, I am certain that a movement that will soon be legendary was hatched that night. And I am not just talking about my awesome and ninja-like dance moves.