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Fair Trade certified products ensure that workers are paid a fair wage for a hard days work, helping stabilize communities and promote environmentally friendly business practices. Pioneering businesses across the world have proven that a Fair Trade model works. The Fair Trade system benefits over 800,000 farmers organized into cooperatives and unions in 48 countries. Backed by consumers such as you, Fair Trade organizations are engaged actively in supporting marginalized producers and in raising awareness and campaigning efforts for fair international trade.  What does the Fair Trade Label Mean? The Fair Trade Labeling Organization (FLO) is responsible for monitoring the path from producer to consumer to ensure Fair Trade practices were followed throughout. FLO monitors countries and regions of origin and makes annual visits to ensure producer compliance with the Fair Trade criteria. To warrant certification, the crops must be grown and harvested in accordance with the International Fairtrade standards. Certification also requires producers to adhere to the human rights standards set by the International Labor Organization (ILO), including agreements banning child and slave labor, guaranteeing a safe workplace and the right to unionize, adherence to the UN charter of human rights, a fair price that covers the cost of production and facilitates social development, and protection and conservation of the environment. Back in the U.S., importers and retailers must sign a licensing agreement with TransFair USA, the certification sector of FLO, in order to sell Fair Trade Certified products using the TransFair seal. By tracking the Fair Trade certification process from the earth to the supermarket shelf, FLO guarantees that when you see the FairTrade label, you are supporting global economic and environmental sustainability and using your power as a consumer to make our international trade agreements fair, safe, and green!   Get the Fair Trade vs. Free Trade Fact Sheet! (8mb PDF, 2 pages)Learn the basics of why Fair Trade is so important and why the free trade model is flawed. Also discover locations and websites where you can purchase fair trade products on line! Find out where to buy Fair Trade products. Up to Top HOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | © 2008 Sierra Club |
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Feel good about the purchases you make and know that your money is going to support sustainable worker and environmental practices. Your values are reflected in the purchases you are making. For a better world, for a cleaner environment, consider buying fair trade.