Fair Trade Month

Basic Principles of Fair Trade

• Fair price: Democratically organized farmer groups receive a guaranteed minimum floor price and an additional premium for certified organic products. Farmer organizations are also eligible for pre-harvest credit.

• Fair labor conditions: Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.

• Direct trade: Importers purchase from Fair Trade producer groups as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to develop the business capacity necessary to compete in the global marketplace.

• Democratic and transparent organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to invest Fair Trade revenues.

• Community development: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects like scholarship programs, quality improvement training, and organic certification.

• Environmental sustainability: Harmful agrochemicals and GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are strictly prohibited in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers' health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.

Ways You Can Support Fair Trade

• Host a Fair Trade house party, film screening, or product tasting to raise awareness and educate others in your community about the importance of Fair Trade.

• Give Fair Trade products as gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other special occasions.

• Encourage your place of worship to make the switch to Fair Trade coffee and tea.

• Introduce the idea of Fair Trade to your high school or college campus. Hosting a Fair Trade Festival is a great way to educate students about the impact of buying Fair Trade.

• Sell Fair Trade products as a fundraiser for your school, church, or community group.

• Ask your favorite coffee shop, restaurant, or grocery store to start carrying more Fair Trade products.

Follow this link to find out how you can help.