Key benefits of Fairtrade

Fairtrade is a better way of shopping and doing business – uniting farmers, shoppers, businesses and governments to co-create a world that is fair to people and the planet.

The benefits

Here is what makes us stand out:

1. An equal say The only global sustainability standard where farmers and workers have representation at all levels of governance, including 50 percent of decision-making power in the general assembly.
2. Priority on Price We’re the only certification system to set minimum prices for all major commodities - an essential safety net for producers. We’re also leading the way on living income and living wage, setting reference prices that companies can choose to pay, to do their part towards fair incomes.
3. Fixed Fairtrade Premium The unique Fairtrade Premium is an extra sum of money which farmers and workers receive from companies on top of the Fairtrade Minimum Price, to invest in community or business projects of their choice.
4. Strong Standards Fairtrade Standards are continuously updated to match new realities that farmers face. Rigorous Standards support farmers and workers to protect their land, health and livelihoods. They also promote environmentally sustainable practices, and support compliance with HREDD regulation, guiding businesses to prevent and mitigate human rights and environmental risks.
5. Democratic and inclusive Fairtrade requires farmers and workers to organise collectively, for example in cooperatives, with democratic and transparent structures, so they have greater bargaining power and control over their businesses. Our Standards promote equality and have zero tolerance of discrimination.
6. Local experts – local support Fairtrade provides support and expertise through the producer networks in Africa, Asia and Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean – run for and by farmers and workers. We also have offices in many major consumer markets and a strong grassroots network of local supporters and campaigners.