![]() ![]() One of the key members in FLO International is the Fairtrade Foundation, a UK-based independent nonprofit. The organization is recognized by ISEAL Alliance, a global association that sets sustainability standards, and is also a part of the Fairtrade System. ![]() Today the federation has many member countries involved with labeling initiatives, spanning across Europe, North America, Japan and Australia, while also including networks of producer organizations from Asia, Latin America, Africa and beyond. This decision reflected their commitment to promoting cooperative principles and the power of helping farmers and workers organize. In 2013 the organization amended its constitution to give farmers and workers more voting power to influence the direction of the movement. Fairtrade International is the abbreviated version of FLO and has been the official name of the organization since 2011. ![]() In 2004 it split into two independent entities: Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International and FLOCERT, a certification body that helps companies implement and follow fair trade standards. Fairtrade Internationalįairtrade International is the oldest and largest fair trade organization in the world. Equal Exchange products are not available in many major stores or chains, but they do have an online shop. The co-op specializes in standard fair trade staples such as coffee, chocolate and bananas, but their team also focuses on the avocado industry. Equal Exchange claims it is a “democratic worker co-operative,” meaning its workers are also owners and managers. A vote from an executive director or board member is worth the same as one from a lower-level employee or farmer partner. Their co-op has more than 120 workers who are entitled to an equal stake and vote in the business. The Equal Exchange team is the most dedicated to the cooperative structure that has defined the fair trade movement. ![]() Nonetheless, their label and business are prominent in the fair trade movement. Unlike the other entries in this list, Equal Exchange is not a fair trade certification body. Here are the major players: Equal ExchangeĮqual Exchange is an alternative trade organization that sells fair trade products under the Equal Exchange brand. There are also subtle differences in what each considers fair trade. The qualities that separate these organizations and fair trade labels are their legal statuses, organizational structures, histories, values, priorities and market shares. Leaders in the movement also tend to focus on other foods and consumer products, such as bananas, tea, cotton and clothing. These two are the ones you’ll most likely see at the supermarket. The fair trade industry covers a growing range of products, but the most common ones are coffee and chocolate. Certified brands can leverage fair trade labels to attract consumers who value ethical and sustainable production - and also don’t mind paying a little extra. Some of these nonprofits and cooperatives issue certifications to producers and brands who have proven they are facilitating just labor practices and adequate conditions for workers and artisans. By learning more about fair trade cooperatives and nonprofits, you’ll understand what’s behind each label and whether you care to choose one over another.Īll fair trade organizations have the overarching mission of ensuring farmers, laborers and artisans can receive fair wages, market prices and trade conditions for the goods they produce. Shop: Ground Coffee ($6.50), Coffee Beans ($6.50)īecause there isn’t a single entity that manages the production of fair trade goods on the consumer market, there are multiple labels. Fair trade may be a movement to support farmers and laborers in achieving better trade conditions, but it’s also a system of organizations that label products and certify producers. ![]()
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