The fairtrade mark

The FAIRTRADE Mark is the original fair trade consumer label

For most Fairtrade products, buyers must pay at least the Fairtrade minimum price. This price aims to cover the costs of sustainable production for the producer. It’s a safety net for farmers when market prices fall below a sustainable level. Without it, farmers are at the mercy of sudden drops in value for their crops.

The number of ethical labels is growing, but Fairtrade remains unique. While other schemes aim to ‘protect the environment’ or ‘enable companies to trace their coffee’, Fairtrade’s focus is on helping farmers and workers improve the quality of their lives and take more control over their futures. Fairtrade is the only certification scheme whose purpose is to tackle poverty and empower producers in developing countries. Fairtrade delivers unique benefits to producers, businesses and consumers.

Our mission: to connect disadvantaged producers and consumers, promote fairer trading conditions and empower producers to combat poverty, strengthen their position in world markets and take more control over their lives.

Whether the minimum price has been activated or not, producer organisations are always paid a Fairtrade premium – this is a mandatory  amount above the cost of the goods that producers themselves decide how to spend, according to their needs. The premium is most often invested in farm improvements to increase yield and quality, processing facilities to increase income, and education and healthcare projects. These projects can bring change to the whole community.

Fairtrade standards protect workers basic rights according to the International Labour Organisation conventions. This means health and safety standards, freedom of association, collective bargaining , no discrimination and no bonded or illegal child labour.

segments from http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/what_is_fairtrade/fairtrade_is_unique.aspx      posted by Alice