What are the Benefits of International Fair Trade?
Fair Trade USA™standards were created to make global supply chains more ethical, sustainable, and fair for all. Our model ensures that all certified farms, factories, and fisheries are adhering to our globally trusted standards, which advance fair pay, anti-discrimination, community development opportunities, and climate action.
The Benefits of International Fair Trade
Fair Trade standards cover key industries including coffee, textiles, florals, produce, and seafood. Though standards are tailored for each unique industry, they all focus on a several key issues:
- Economic Opportunity: Fair Trade Standards help create opportunities for workers to advance economically and succeed in global markets. Our goal is that workers are empowered to use their unique expertise to build thriving futures for themselves and their communities.
- Education: Increased access to education means that workers can expand earning potential in their industries, set future generations up for success, and access opportunities for business and community growth.
- Environment: Climate action is a key part of Fair Trade standards. Our standards seek to empower workers to use their experience and knowledge to steward local ecosystems.
- Gender Equity: Anti-discrimination of all kinds, including gender-based discrimination is an essential part of our standards. This includes processes for safe reporting, procedures to address violations, and community education.
- Worker Welfare: Safe working conditions are a human right. That’s why we work directly with workers to understand how to best support safe working conditions and implement strong regulations into our standards.
Fair Trade Community Development Funds
Fair Trade Community Development Funds are another key benefit of certification. All Fair Trade USA industry and brand partners pay an additional sum of money, known as a Fair Trade Premium, that is incorporated into the product’s selling price. These funds go into a worker-controlled Community Development Fund at origin.
From there, workers vote democratically on how funds should be used. These conversations are led by Fair Trade Committees, which are groups of democratically elected workers. Community Development Funds often support projects that improve infrastructure and living conditions, including housing projects, solutions for clean drinking water, farm/fishery improvements, or purchasing equipment and tools for workers.
Building Better Supply Chains
The Fair Trade USA model seeks to eliminate poverty and enable sustainable development for people around the world. Our standards were built to put workers first and make ethical supply chains mainstream—benefiting people and our planet while elevating brands that are making a difference.