October is Fair Trade Month

Next month will bring national awareness to the positive impact that Fair Trade products have on workers and the planet! 

What is Fair Trade? 

Fair Trade certification ensures rigorous standards are met along the supply chain of many products.  These standards include fair market wages for farmers and workers, safe working conditions and environmental protection. 

^ Juan Francisco Calle, 64,  proudly displays sun drying cacao beans. Mr. Calle states: "We are currently doing very well here. It was tough before, but we have come a long way since we became organized. Everyday there are more of us who join the co-op. When a community unites it always moves forward."
Image courtesy of Fair Trade USA and CEPICAFE

What impact does it make? 

Fair Trade ensures guaranteed minimum prices that protect farmers from volatile shifts in the marketplace.  Farmers and workers also get paid a premium that goes into a community development fund – then communities decide democratically how to use these funds for health care, child care, education, clean water and more! 

Certification also ensures workplace safety, from healthy working environments to protecting women from harassment.  Fair Trade USA even has programs to help farmers be more environmentally friendly by reducing deforestation and providing training on sustainable farming methods that increase yields while improving soil health. 

How can you make a difference? 

This Fair Trade month, you can do a few simple things to promote the Fair Trade movement.  

  1. Shop Fair Trade: Start by choosing a few products that you normally purchase and swap them for Fair Trade alternatives.  Common choices are coffee, chocolate, tea, flowers and clothing. 
  1. Tell your friends: “Thanks, it’s Fair Trade!”  Sharing the benefits of Fair Trade via word-of-mouth can be one of the most effective ways to grow the movement. 
  1. Join the community: This Fair Trade Month, follow @fairtradecertified to learn more about the Fair Trade Difference.   

Source: Fair Trade USA