The Future of Fair Trade

A 3p series in partnership with Fair Trade USA.
The concluding months of 2011 were marked by a period of great change and innovation in the Fair Trade movement, a time of unprecedented forward thinking and passionate debate about what it means to be Fair Trade Certified. We now find ourselves at an exciting crossroads. Fair Trade USA has boldly questioned the status quo and is moving in a new direction to significantly increase the effectiveness and reach of the Fair Trade model. Join us as we explore the existing benefits of Fair Trade, and the great possibility that lies ahead as we begin to bring more farmers and workers into the system.

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FairTrade USA Ramps Up Fight Against Coffee Rust in Central America

coffee rust, Central America, Fair Trade, Fair Trade USA, Rust Response Fund, Hemieia Vastatrix, Ben Corey-Moran, coffee farmers, arabica coffee, coffee, Guatemala

Fair Trade USA launched the Rust Response Fund, to which we will contribute a minimum of $50,000 to fight the spread of coffee rust in Central America.

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How Collaboration Creates Fair Trade from Farm-to-Shelf

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How can groups that are passionate about making change work together to solve an intricate and complicated problem that spans the globe?

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Attention Shoppers: Your Holiday Purchases Have Power

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With 70 percent of the American economy based on consumer spending, holiday shoppers have the leverage to use that spending power for social good. Depending on the products you choose, your purchases in the next several days could help improve lives and protect fragile ecosystems across the globe.

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Why Choose Fair Trade?

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In honor of Fair Trade month, Fair Trade USA produced this great infographic to show what happens when you purchase fair trade products. Click through to enlarge, or visit the main page to view the dynamic version. If you like what you see, take the Fair Trade pledge.

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Fair Trade Changes Lives – Can it Preserve Culture?

Migoel with coffee

Author Kelsey Timmerman has traveled around the world meeting the people who catch, pick, and grow our food while conducting research for his upcoming book. He reflects about his visit to Nabusimake, the heart of the heart of the world.

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Fair Trade: How to Vote with Your Wallet

Elba Vilorio Ramirez is proud of her Fair Trade cacao

Walking the grocery store aisles can be daunting if you know a thing or two about international supply chains. In honor of Fair Trade month, Fair Trade USA released this video about how to vote with your wallet when it comes time for your weekly grocery trip.

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First Fair Trade Certified Coffee Estate Already Improving Lives

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Within 3 months of certification the first Fair Trade coffee estate’s 110 workers (40% of whom are women) earned $7,250 in community development premiums, which they elected to invest in critical healthcare programs.

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From Field to Cup: Why It’s Important to Know the Story of Fair Trade Tea

Dazhangshan - Loukeng - Yu Xiying mit - Teeblättern in Teegarten

The tea supply chain is a complex trade network with many different players. Each and every farmer, worker, exporter, importer, processor, auctioneer, buying agent, retailer, café worker and tea drinker in the chain played an important role in bringing you the world’s favorite beverage.

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Why Fair Trade Matters to Working Women Everywhere

Women plucking tea in India_Nora Pittenger

Fair Trade Certified farms empower women, not only through labor protections required by the Fair Trade standards, but also through opportunities for education, scholarships, leadership roles, and micro-finance programs. Fair Trade gives women a voice in a sector where many are invisible.

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Why Fair Trade Means Protecting the Environment, Too

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When people think of Fair Trade, they might think of fair prices for farmers, better labor standards, or maybe even safe working conditions – but what people often forget about is that Fair Trade is equally invested in protecting the environment.  Fair Trade not only helps improve farmers’ living and working conditions, but also helps them become better stewards of the land.

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