5 Reasons to Choose Fairtrade Products

Have you ever thought about where your food comes from? There are currently 500 million small-scale farmers growing 80% of the world's food. These farmers have to work for long hours, often with harmful chemicals, and they also have to support their families' basic needs. With Fairtrade, farmers will earn a fair wage and be able to speak up for themselves.  

What is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade is a system created by Fairtrade International, an NGO that has made the most globally recognized Fairtrade standards and leads other Fairtrade organizations in different countries. 

Read on to find out 5 reasons that you should look for the Fairtrade logo when you're shopping. 

1) Support 500 million small scale farmers in the Global South

Fairtrade has covered more than 71 countries across the globe, and includes industries like banana, cocoa, coffee, cotton, flowers, sugar, tea, and gold. 

Fairtrade allows farmers to have their voices heard. The General assembly and the Board of Directors govern the international Fairtrade system and meet annually. The General Assembly comprises 50% of producers and farmers' representatives and 50% of the national Fairtrade Organization. It means that farmers can be involved in decision-making and able to raise their concerns.

2) It is more than a label!

One of the benefits of Fairtrade is the transparency of every process in the supply chain. So how does the certification scheme work?

The first step starts with Fairtrade International, the Fairtrade umbrella organization that works with producers to develop the standards. It not only provides support and services to the farmers but also manages the global market development for Fairtrade products. 

Then, FLOCERT, the independent auditing organization, performs unannounced audits. They have to make sure each step in the supply chain is Fairtrade certified by meeting those specific social, environmental, and economic standards. 

Finally, Fairtrade Canada is a Canadian branch of Fairtrade International. They license companies to use the fairtrade sticker on different products before being sold at a retail level. 

3) Stop Child labour and forced labour

About 98 million children work on farms instead of learning at school. Fairtrade collaborates with local organizations, governments, and child protection agencies to protect affected children. Meanwhile, Fairtrade standards prohibit farms from employing children below 15. In addition, Fairtrade uses so many policies to protect children's rights and safety. Check out the Fairtrade International Website to find out more!

4) End poverty

Every farmer and worker deserves to have their basic needs met. But unfortunately, many farmers are still earning 1.30 Canadian dollars per day. According to a report published by Fairtrade Foundation, the farmers need at least 3.24 Canadian dollars to cover all expenses of their lives, including sending their children to school, access to clean water, nutritious food, and healthcare.

In the Fairtrade system, there are two parts of their pricing model. First, the Fairtrade Minimum Price acts as a safety net for farmers that covers the cost of sustainable production when the market prices fluctuate. It guarantees to get a fair wage even when the market price drops.The second part is known as the Fairtrade Premium is an additional sum of money given to the producer organization to develop their social, economic and environmental conditions. 

5) Improve social, economic and environmental conditions for farmers

When farmers are given the Fairtrade Premium, they can decide how to use it. Fairtrade International will not intervene in how the farmers spend the money. They can use it to access healthcare, build schools, or buy tools to help them farm.

Are you interested in learning more and getting involved with Fairtrade at SFU? Check out SFU Fair Trade and their Student Ambassador Program. 

Written by Daphne Chan