What is Fair Trade?

Empowering You and the World Many of the foods we consume on a daily basis are grown by people living in extreme poverty. Lack of direct access to markets, volatile prices on the world market, and poor infrastructure often force them to sell their harvests for less than the cost of production.  Farmers end up in a cycle of poverty and debt and are unable to support their families, much less invest in improving their farms or in sustainable farming methods. Fair Trade certification ensures that farmers and farm workers around the world receive a fair price for their top-quality products.

By purchasing Fair Trade Certified™ products, you can directly support a better life for farming families in the developing world. Fair Trade farmers are able to market their harvests directly to international buyers, thereby lifting themselves out of poverty and keeping food on the table, children in school and families on their land.

Fair Trade empowers you to choose products that align with your values. In the U.S., Fair Trade Certification is currently available for coffee, tea and herbs, bananas, cocoa, sugar, rice, fresh fruits, and vanilla.

Look for the Label!

The Fair Trade Certified label appears on products as a guarantee that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a better deal.  Fair Trade farmer groups receive a minimum price covering the cost of sustainable production and a premium to invest in social and economic development projects. The Fair Trade Certified label guarantees that:

• A stable, fair price is paid directly to democratically organized farmer groups
• A premium is paid for community and business development projects
• Farmers receive much-needed access to pre-harvest credit
• Fair labor conditions exist for farm workers
• Farmers and workers are free to organize and engage in democratic decision-making processes
• Harmful agrochemicals are banned from production in favor of environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices

What are the benefits of Fair Trade?

Direct Trade: Fair Trade helps family farmers gain direct access to international markets and develop the business capacity necessary to compete. Empowerment: Farmers and farm workers decide how to invest Fair Trade premiums. Fair Labor Practices: Fair Trade farmers enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and democratic decision-making. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited. Environmental Sustainability: Producers practice sustainable farming methods, protecting their health and preserving their local ecosystems.

Who certifies Fair Trade?
Transfair USA, a non-profit organization, is the only independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States.  It is one of 20 members of Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO).  TransFair USA audits transactions between U.S. companies offering Fair Trade Certified products and FLO-certified producers.  TransFair USA only allows companies to display the Fair Trade Certified label on products that meet FLO’s strict certification standards.

For more information about Fair Trade and FTC products, please visit www.fairtradecertified.org.