October is Fairtrade Month! With rising inequality, persistent and worsening poverty, gender discrimination, racial injustice, and climate change, it’s more important than ever to rebuild our world fairer and stronger. Fair trade, which is both a philosophy and business model, sits at the intersection of economic resilience, social fairness, and environmental sustainability.
In a fair trade system, farmers and producers maintain agency over their business, land, and livelihoods while gaining access to global markets. By compensating farmers and producers fairly for their work, they are insulated from volatile market conditions, which can be detrimental to the wellbeing of their businesses and communities. Ensuring a fair price also ensures equitable and sustainable trading partnerships endure.
Fair trade:
Products which are created within the fair trade system are often certified through a third-party audit to verify that a clear set of established standards has been met. Standards vary from organization to organization, so knowing what each certification entails is important.
If you see these labels on a product, research additional, if any, fair practices the brand requires. Products certified with these labels may go beyond these certifications to ensure fairness, but they also may not. Research before you buy these products or understand that these fair trade labels don’t guarantee fair practices.
Looking to support fair trade practices with your next grocery trip? We carry a variety of products at the Co-op that make it easy to shop with fair trade in mind. Look for these products during Fair Trade Month and beyond!
Produce
Coffee
Chocolate
Tea
Miscellaneous Grocery
Wellness Items
