© James. A. Rodriguez

© Sean Hawkey

is an ethical certification system and

movement with a people-first approach to

trade.

To connect disadvantaged producers and

consumers, promote fairer trading conditions

and empower producers to combat poverty,

strengthen their position and take more

control over their lives.

.

A world in which all

producers can enjoy

secure, sustainable

livelihoods, fulfill their

potential and decide on

their future

World trade rules and power structures are unfair. The odds

are stacked high against small-scale farmers and workers in

the developing world.

They face the challenges of rising food and fuel costs, an

increasingly unpredictable climate and volatile prices for their

goods. Fairtrade offers farmers and workers in developing

countries a better deal, and the opportunity to improve their

lives and invest in their future.

© Sean Hawkey

1. Long-Term Partnerships

2. Transparency

3. Fairtrade Minimum Price

4. Fairtrade Premium

© Jasper Leonard

Fairtrade Standards encourage long-term business relationships

between producers and their business partners to build more

stability from year to year.

Producers also are involved in decisions in the Fairtrade system.

They play a key role in the Board, Standards Committee, General

Assembly and in consultation processes for Standards and Pricing.

Fairtrade and its members also manage partnerships with important

NGOs to bring additional services to producer organizations.

© Jasper Leonard

Small farmer groups must have a

democratic structure and

transparent administration to be

certified. Workers must have

representatives on a committee

that decides on the use of the

Fairtrade Premium.

Fairtrade International supports

producer groups to develop

capacity in these areas.

© Jasper Leonard

The Fairtrade Minimum Price acts as a safety net for farmers at

times when world markets fall below a sustainable level.

When the market price is higher than the Fairtrade Minimum Price,

producers receive the market price or the price agreed at contract

signing.

The Fairtrade Premium is an additional sum of money paid on top of

the product price. The Premium goes into a communal fund for

farmers and workers to improve social, economic and environmental

conditions.

© Sean Hawkey

The Belize Sugar Cane

Association uses the Fairtrade

Premium to support numerous

schools in Belize.

© James A. Rodriguez

Cooperative COINACAPA in

Bolivia purchased trucks with the

Fairtrade Premium

© Carla Veldhuyzen

© James A. Rodriguez

Doroteo is a former sugar

cane farmer. The Belize

Sugar Cane Farmer

Association used the

Fairtrade Premium money

to pay for half of the costs

of his prosthetic limbs.

(San Narciso, Corozal,

Belize)

© Sean Hawkey

more stable prices and

develop long-term

trading relationships that

allow them to develop

their businesses and

plan for the future.

© James A. Rodriguez

can choose from an ever growing range in line with their

values. By buying into Fairtrade, consumers support

producers who are working to improve their lives.

© Jasper Leonard

Fairtrade rewards and encourages

environmentally sustainable practices,

including organic certification and more.

© James A. Rodriguez