What is Fair Trade Certification?

October is Fair Trade month

Fair trade certification lets you know about the origin of the product. Fair Trade products come from all over the world, but share a common history.  Farmers who grow Fair Trade products receive a fair price, and their communities and the environment benefit as well.

Fair Trade helps family farmers in developing countries gain direct access to international markets and to develop the business capacity necessary to compete in the global marketplace. By learning how to market their own harvests, Fair Trade farmers are able to bootstrap their businesses and receive a fair price for their products.  The result: higher living standards, thriving communities and more sustainable farming practices.

Environmental sustainability: Harmful agrochemicals and GMOs are strickly prohibited in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers' health and preserve valuable ecosytems for the future generation.  Fair Trade farmers  protect the land and the wildlife habitat by intercropping plant species to improve soil fertility and protect against erosion. 

Fair Trade conditions:  Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy freedom of association, safe working and fair wages.  Forced child labor is  strictly prohibited.