Identifying Fair Trade

Courtesy of Fair Trade Healdsburg


Fair Trade USA, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, is the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States.

http://www.transfairusa.org/











Fairtrade International is the organization that coordinates Fairtrade labelling at an international level. They set international Fairtrade standards, organize support for producers around the world, develop global Fairtrade strategy, and promote trade justice internationally.
http://www.fairtrade.net/



"Fair for life" is a brand neutral third party certification program for social account-ability and fair trade in agricultural, manufacturing and trading operations. The program complements existing fair trade certification systems.

http://www.fairforlife.net/

The Fair Trade Federation is the trade association that strengthens and promotes North American organizations fully committed to fair trade.

http://www.fairtradefederation.org

The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is the global representative body of over 450 members committed to 100% Fair Trade. Membership covers five re-gions: Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and North America & Pacific Rim.

http://www.wfto.com/



Consumers in search of Fair Trade products have a vast array of products to choose from. Product labels, such as Fair Trade Certified, Fairtrade and Fair for Life, as well as membership in associations like Fair Trade Federation and World Fair Trade Organization, help identify Fair Trade products that are produced according to Fair Trade standards. Looking beyond the label to the trading relationship, consumers can identify Fair Trade standards that meet their values. TransFair USA certifies many products from coffee to chocolate to body care to wine. For Fair Trade Certified™ products, a base price for the commodity is set by the international Fair Trade Labeling Organization. The price attempts to cover the cost of production and a living wage to cover the basics of food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical care. Importers and retailers are then screened and certified by TransFair USA to ensure that they are paying the Fair Trade price for products.

Crafts, apparel and other non-certifiable products are sold by members of the Fair Trade Federation, businesses committed to the principles of Fair Trade. For these crafts, producers are paid a minimum of a living wage but often the producers dictate what they are paid to enable them to have health care, educate their children, help their community with future projects and have a small savings.