http://cacaolab.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/alan-mcclure-from-patric-chocolate-part-ii/ Thinking about artisan chocolate Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:05:25 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 http://cacaolab.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/alan-mcclure-from-patric-chocolate-part-ii/#comment-554 Michael Allured Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:41:07 +0000 http://cacaolab.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/alan-mcclure-from-patric-chocolate-part-ii/#comment-554 Laura, I think that Alan is saying that chocolate labeled fair trade or organic isn't the goal. The goal is to use products that are purchased such that the farmer is receiving a fair wage for their efforts and that are grown with the betterment of the environment in mind. There is much debate as to whether the various Fair Trade organizations really help the cacao farmer and there are other, more direct avenues available at times. Also, it is expensive for a farmer to obtain organic certification. Many farmers do not use chemicals and farm in a manner that could be certified as organic, but do not have the wherewithal to get the certification. Laura, I think that Alan is saying that chocolate labeled fair trade or organic isn’t the goal. The goal is to use products that are purchased such that the farmer is receiving a fair wage for their efforts and that are grown with the betterment of the environment in mind. There is much debate as to whether the various Fair Trade organizations really help the cacao farmer and there are other, more direct avenues available at times. Also, it is expensive for a farmer to obtain organic certification. Many farmers do not use chemicals and farm in a manner that could be certified as organic, but do not have the wherewithal to get the certification.

]]> http://cacaolab.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/alan-mcclure-from-patric-chocolate-part-ii/#comment-29 Josh Usovsky Tue, 22 May 2007 14:50:14 +0000 http://cacaolab.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/alan-mcclure-from-patric-chocolate-part-ii/#comment-29 Laura, my guess is that most people (myself included, to some extent) actually don't care where the cacao comes from or how it's obtained as long as the product tastes good. Laura, my guess is that most people (myself included, to some extent) actually don’t care where the cacao comes from or how it’s obtained as long as the product tastes good.

]]> http://cacaolab.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/alan-mcclure-from-patric-chocolate-part-ii/#comment-21 laura Tue, 08 May 2007 22:14:20 +0000 http://cacaolab.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/alan-mcclure-from-patric-chocolate-part-ii/#comment-21 really interesting! i had no idea that fair trade, organic cacao wasn't the norm for high end chocolate. my guess is that's part of what people think they're paying for. really interesting! i had no idea that fair trade, organic cacao wasn’t the norm for high end chocolate. my guess is that’s part of what people think they’re paying for.

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