How it Works

Today, more than five million people – farmers, producers, workers and their families – across 58 developing countries benefit from the unique, independent Fairtrade system.  Fairtrade provides farmers and producers in developing countries with a fair price (the Fairtrade Price) for their produce, helping protect them from damaging fluctuations in world market prices. They also receive an additional sum of money (the Fairtrade Premium) for investment in social, economic and environmental development in their community, such as educational and medical facilities. Fairtrade Certification standards also prohibit the use of forced and abusive child labour.
 
Fairtrade delivers a better deal for farmers and producers in the developing world through:

•  A fair and stable price for their produce
•  Security of long-term contracts
•  Investment in local community development
•  Improved working conditions
•  Environmentally sustainable farming methods
•  Support in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to operate successfully in the global economy