What is Fair Trade
Fair Trade is a concept. In a nutshell, the purpose is to create equity in international trade, ensuring that producers are paid fair wages for the products they make. Fair Trade seeks to reduce the number of middle men, allowing poorer producers to keep more of the fruits of their labor, and to educate producers to increase their knowledge and skills.
But that’s not all. In order to use the International Fair Trade Mark (pictured at left and awarded by the Fair Trade Labeling Organization (FLO)) on a product, companies must adhere to strict standards that include good labor practices, and exclude the use of dangerous and toxic chemicals and materials. Therefore, Fare Trade product certification is not only good for producers, but it’s also good for consumers. It’s good for YOU!
Other Marks and Organizations
The registered mark above is only used to certify products, not companies. There is another organization, the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) that issues certifications to companies (see mark on the left).
There are additional Fare Trade organizations, but the two marks on this page are the ones you should look for both for Fare Trade products and companies.
Fair Trade Products Categories
The following is a list of food products where you can find the Fare Trade label:
- Bananas
- Cocoa
- Coffee
- Fresh Fruit
- Honey
- Juices
- Rice
- Spices and Herbs
- Sugar
- Tea
- Wine