The Impact
of Fair Trade
Certification
Today, Fair Trade Certified™ products originating in more than 60 countries (and growing) are being sold in the United States and beyond. Those purchases unlock transformative social, environmental, and economic impact for communities that need it the most, which in turn creates more resilient supply chains.
How We Create Change
Everyone deserves to prosper in a sustainable community. Our impact model protects human rights, enables sustainable livelihoods for farmers, fishers, and workers, and creates more resiliency – in both communities, as well as supply chains. More than $846 million in financial benefit has been delivered to producer communities between 1999-2020.
Learn more about our Theory of Change which frames a model for how our programs work together to create impact, or dive deeper by learning about our Impact Management System.
Strengthen Communities
Community investment is a pillar of fair trade impact. Through the Community Development Fund, farmers, workers, and fishers democratically determine their biggest areas of need and what to invest in. Many of the benefits of fair trade are a result of this. Gender equity requirements create leadership opportunities that would otherwise not exist. Investments are consistently made in areas that both positively impact the community (like access to healthcare and education) as well as productivity (including quality and production improvements).
Protect Workers
Our rigorous standards and certification model ensure that farmers, workers, and fishers are educated on their rights and engaged, especially on workplace safety and protection. We protect human rights and grant access to safe environments, additional capital and resources, and education along the Fair Trade Certified journey.
- 1.6 million Fair Trade Certified Producers: across more than 60 countries
- 700+ Social, economic, and environmental protections
Change Industries
We help change industries and empower communities by setting a high bar on responsible business practices and developing ethical and transparent supply chains – all in compliance with ISEAL’s best practices.
- 1,400+ business partners
- 1,000 new products launched in 2020
- 36% increase in Fair Trade Certified produce in 2020
Engage Consumers
We help engage consumers by celebrating brands that sell Fair Trade Certified products, and by educating shoppers about why and how to reward ethical sourcing.
- 66% consumer awareness
- Thousands of products on the market
Our Impact
We measure progress in the tangible difference we’re making in the lives of millions of workers, companies, and consumers across the world.
975 k +
Farmers & Workers
Last year, Fair Trade Certified supported nearly 1 million farmers, fishers, and workers in more than 60 countries.
$846 M
Financial Benefit to Producers
Since 1999, farmers, workers, and fishers have earned a total financial benefit of $846 million in Community Development Funds.
150 +
Social Economics Environmental Protection
Fair Trade Certified products are produced according to rigorous standards that protect the well-being of farmers, fishers, and workers.
1,400 +
Responsible Businesses
The fair trade market is growing because of businesses’ dedication to Fair Trade USA standards.
12,500 +
Products carry the Fair Trade Certified seal
By putting our seal on goods made responsibly, fairly, and sustainably, we make it easier for people to choose products that align with their values.
66%
U.S. General Population Consumer Recognition
Consumers increasingly know and trust Fair Trade Certified; we are the most widely recognized fair trade seal in the U.S.
How do we measure and define our impact? Learn about our Impact Management System.
Where We Work
We unlock transformative social, environmental and economic impact in more than 60 countries.
Who We Partner With
Collaboration makes our work possible. By enrolling brands, manufacturers, traders, and retailers, we are able to connect producers to businesses, as well as to consumers. We also partner with a diverse network of philanthropic supporters to innovate the fair trade model and accelerate our impact.
Join the Fair Trade Community
Stay informed on the latest fair trade products, recipes, shopping guides, events, and more.
Learn More
2020 Annual Report
Take a closer look at how Fair Trade USA is improving livelihoods and the environment in key product categories and regions.
Theory of Change
How We Work
