Fairtrade is about better prices, safe working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.
Fairtrade is about better prices, safe working conditions, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.
Fairtrade certified coffee is produced and traded through an alternative system to the conventional global coffee market. Coffee producers are assured a minimum price per pound—a price that’s guaranteed to cover their cost of production—meaning they’re not subject to the volatility of global coffee market prices.
In addition to being guaranteed a minimum price, producers also receive the Fairtrade Premium—an additional sum of money paid on top of the minimum price to invest back into their community for education, medical care, water treatment, and more.
The fairtrade model changes business-as-usual by putting people first. It asks us to leave a lighter footprint. It helps us step forward without leaving others behind.
| WHAT FAIRTRADE IS | WHAT FAIRTRADE ISN'T |
| Values-driven | Profit Driven |
| Challenges power imbalance in the coffee trade | Perpetuates cycle of poverty |
| Provides income stability for farmers | Leaves farmers vulnerable to volatile coffee prices |
| Invests extra $ in community development | No additional $ for community projects |
| 50% owned by farmers | Excludes farmers from determining trade |
| Zero tolerance for child labour | Child labour prevalent in informal coffee economy |