The Benefits of Fair Trade for Producers
Fair Trade is more than a feel-good choice, it’s a powerful tool for growth and transformation. By becoming Fair Trade Certified, farms, factories, or fisheries can tap into new markets, boost worker morale, and strengthen their operations for long-term success. while motivating your workforce.
Why Producers Choose Fair Trade Certified
Producers are the heart and soul of the Fair Trade movement. At Fair Trade USA™, we set rigorous standards that foster transparent, equitable trading partnerships rooted in and economic empowerment. Producers choose Fair Trade Certified not only for our high standard but also for our cross-commodity expertise, stepped approach to compliance, and in-field support.
But don’t just take it from us—hear directly from producers about how Fair Trade Certification has helped them build more sustainable and successful livelihoods.
Producer Spotlight: How Wholesum Benefits from Fair Trade
Olga Borquez, former Sustainability Manager at Wholesum, shares how Fair Trade Certified helps support the company’s sustainability goals by providing a framework that allows for more positive impact, and brings more equity to the supply chain.
How Does Fair Trade Affect Farmers & Producers?
1. Gain Access to New, High-Value Markets.
Our ability to demonstrate the value of investing in the people behind supply chains has resulted in more than 1,500 businesses partnering with us.
2. Secure Better, More Reliable Prices.
Fair Trade supports pricing models that aim to improve producer incomes and promote sustainable growth.
3. Ensure Safe, Fair Working Conditions.
Our rigorous Fair Trade Certified standards protect worker rights, promote fair wages, and require safe, healthy conditions – leading to a more motivated and secure workforce.
4. Empower Communities with Direct Investment
With every Fair Trade sale, producer earns additional premiums that they invest in self-chosen projects like clean water, education, housing, or health care, tailored to their community’s needs.
Farmers, Factories, and Fisheries We Partner With
These are just a few of the Fair Trade producers that we work with. You can view a list of more partners here.
Stories from Fair Trade Producers
Jiang Feng
“I’m grateful to have been able to produce quality tea and help my community at the same time. With support from the premiums on Fair Trade sales, we’ve assisted childrens’ educations, helped with medical bills, planted trees, trained upcoming farmers, constructed roads and even streetlamps.”
Mohammed Zunaid Alam
“Since the Fair Trade program started here, the factory has improved overall and we have received different types of orders from abroad. I like that by working to make a good product, we are also able to help our families and each other. The past four years of premiums have really helped my family – one year, I was able to fix my roof; I’ve invested in savings which will double in 5 years. As my two daughters grow, they will need funds for furthering their education.”
Inza Sanogo
“Before we were certified, our parents worked in the cocoa fields and did the best they could. Now that we’re certified we have gained new infrastructures and social improvements for the village and local community, as well as trainings to continue improving our skills and techniques. It’s so important to be trained.”
R. Sumita
“When we started the [Fair Trade] program here in 2015, I was kind of surprised and in disbelief that this existed. Factories that give back to the workforce and care in this way are few and far between. With our Fair Trade Community Development Funds, workers often receive household goods like rice and oil, which are key to celebrating the Tamil New Year. Workers from other factories are amazed when they hear of the benefits of working at a Fair Trade Certified factory.”
Guerdie Belon
“Working is my pride, and being able to work in an organized way is very important. The way we collect the mangos is very good because there is no waste and the return is guaranteed and stable. In this community the hardest things are sending your children to a good school and food is not easy to find. The mango business makes it easier for the entire community because we can all prosper from it.”
Certification Overview
Get in touch with our team
Fill out a form below to learn more about what it takes to get certified.
Create your Certification Plan
We’ll work closely with your team to audit your business needs and identify a plan to achieve certification.
Execute your Program Rollout
Access a stepped approach to full compliance that makes progress achievable for your unique situation. You’ll receive comprehensive support throughout the entire process!