What Is Fair Trade Food Products?
Food products labeled as fair trade indicate that the farmers or farm workers are organized cooperatively and have received a fair minimum price for their goods. Fair trade certification is available through different organizations in different countries.
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Purpose
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Fair trade eliminates middlemen between farmers or farm workers and distributors, directing some of the cost savings to the farmer.
Benefits
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Many farmers and farm workers live in poverty; the additional money enables them to improve their farming practices and their quality of life.
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Products
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Currently, in the United States, coffee, tea, herbs, cocoa, chocolate, fresh fruit, sugar, rice, vanilla, flowers and honey can be Fair Trade Certified. In addition to these items, Fair Trade Certified cotton, sports balls, wine and beer are available in Europe.
Certification
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Fair trade certification organizations investigate each product for compliance with fair trade principles and practices.
Principles and Practices
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Fair Trade Certified products come from cooperatives that include farm owners and workers, where the cooperative has received a fair price for the product. Each cooperative member receives a living wage and safe working conditions and participates in decision making. Farms adopt or improve environmentally sustainable practices.
Uncertified Fair Trade
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Some products are advertised as fair trade but are not Fair Trade Certified. These products may adhere to different standards than certified products.
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