Planet & People:  About Fair Trade


Fair Trade Overview
Fair Trade empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace.

Fair Trade principles include:
  • Fair Price: Democratically organized farmer groups receive a guaranteed minimum floor price and an additional premium for certified organic products.

  • Fair Labor Conditions: Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.

  • Direct Trade: Through Fair Trade, small farmer organizations market their own harvests through direct, long-term contracts with international buyers, learn how to manage their businesses, and thereby compete directly in the global marketplace.

  • Democratic & Transparent Organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to invest Fair Trade revenues.

  • Community Development: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects like scholarship programs, quality improvement training, and organic certification.

  • Environmental Sustainability: Harmful agrochemicals are strictly prohibited in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers' health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.

Fair Trade Certification
In the United States, Fair Trade certification is performed by TransFair USA, a nonprofit organization and member of the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO). TransFair USA audits transactions between U.S. companies offering Fair Trade Certified™ products and the international suppliers from whom they source. FLO annually inspects producer organizations to ensure transparency, compliance with socio-economic criteria and sustainable farm management practices, and democratic decision making for investment of Fair Trade premiums.

Agricultural products that are currently Fair Trade Certified™ in the U.S. include:

  • Coffee
  • Tea & herbs
  • Cocoa & chocolate
  • Fresh fruit
  • Sugar
  • Rice
  • Vanilla
  • Flowers
  • Honey



For more information on Fair Trade and Organic, visit our Resources & Links page.


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