Fair Trade: Behind the Label
Fair Trade: Behind the Label
This article is part of a three-part series celebrating fair trade products. Click here to read from the beginning.
There are a number of Fair Trade labeling programs represented on products throughout our markets. The two most common are those managed by Fairtrade International and Fair Trade USA:
Fairtrade International
Fairtrade International (formerly known as Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International) is an umbrella organization made up of three producer networks and 20 national Fair Trade organizations operating around the globe. Their mission is to harmonize Fair Trade labeling standards worldwide, inspect and certify disadvantaged producers, and bring consistency to the Fair Trade message across the movement. Their FAIRTRADE Certification Mark is used in over 50 countries and on dozens of different products, including coffee, tea, rice, bananas, mangoes, cocoa, cotton, sugar, honey, fruit juices, nuts, fresh fruit, quinoa, herbs, spices, wine and many others.
Fair Trade USA
The Fair Trade Certified program is well-known in the United States. It was established by Fair Trade USA, an independent, nonprofit organization that has developed its own extensive set of Fair Trade standards and compliance criteria. Fair Trade Certified is an indication that a product has been produced, procured and offered for sale according to rigorous social, environmental and economic standards. People making Fair Trade Certified goods work in safe conditions, protect the environment, build sustainable livelihoods, and earn additional money to empower and improve their lives and meet the unique social, economic and environmental needs of their communities.
