Sugar Program

Dignity for sugar farmers
The US is an important sugar grower, growing over 80% of our domestic consumption. But the small amount of sugar that we do import is grown by impoverished sugar cane farmers in the developing world, subject to a declining world market price, environmental degradation, and hazardous working conditions.

Fair Trade certification ensures that sugar cane farmers receive a fair price for their harvest, creates direct trade links between farmer-owned cooperatives and buyers, and provides access to affordable credit. Through Fair Trade, farmers and their families are earning a better income for their hard work-allowing them to hold on to their land, keep their kids in school, and invest in the quality of their harvest.

Protecting the environment
Large amounts of herbicides and pesticides are commonly sprayed on to sugar cane crops. Burning and processing of sugar crops can also cause serious pollution of the ground, waterways and the air.
On Fair Trade farms, producers must adhere to strict standards regarding the use and handling of pesticides, the protection of natural waters, virgin forest and other ecosystems of high ecological value, and the management of erosion and waste.

Selling at Fair Trade prices enables small sugar farmers to pay for organic certification and training in sustainable agriculture techniques. Paraguay and Costa Rica grow organic Fair Trade Certified sugar cane.

A growing market
In Europe, demand for Fair Trade Certified sugar expanded by roughly 120% in 2003, from 650 tons to 1430 tons. In the US, the launch of Fair Trade Certified sugar in March of 2005 represents a new direction in the growth of Fair Trade products and relationships. Fair Trade Certified sugar is available from Costa Rica, Malawi, Paraguay, Peru, and the Philippines.

Consumer demand for socially responsible goods, including Fair Trade Certified products, is rising. An all-time high of 91% of Americans say they are likely to switch brands to help support a cause, when price and quality are equal. Fair Trade Certified, the most consumer-recognized label of social responsibility, is becoming an invaluable asset to businesses across the country.

» To learn how to become a licensed sugar importer, click here >
» To learn how to use Fair Trade sugar in your products, click here >
» To learn how to retail Fair Trade Certified sugar through your business, click here >