Fairtrade Producers
The FLO Fairtrade system is distinct from most development schemes as it empowers and guarantees a better deal to disadvantaged producers. It addresses the injustice of low prices by guaranteeing that producers receive fair terms of trade and fair prices – however unfair the conventional market is. Additionally to the Fairtrade Minimum Price, the Fairtrade Labelling system guarantees a Premium to producer organizations or worker bodies to enable them to invest in social, economic or environmental improvements.
The concept of Fairtrade, however, goes far beyond a simple economic transaction. At the heart of Fairtrade are long term relationships between producers and buyers, enabling producers to strengthen their businesses and diversify their sources of income. Unlike aid, which is dependent on donors, Fairtrade offers a more sustainable solution for farmers, workers, and their families to improve their livelihoods.
In 2006, the Fairtrade system benefited approximately 1.4 million workers, farmers in 57 developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
This section provides more information about Fairtrade certified producers and their products.
Fairtrade Products
Since the aim of FLO International is to improve the position of disadvantaged producers in developing countries, the range of FLO Fairtrade products consists primarily of typical agricultural products. However, manufactured products are becoming important future candidates for Fairtrade certification.
Currently, there are Fairtrade standards for 18 different product categories. This section includes information on a selection of the most successful Fairtrade products and their producers.
Extending the range of Fairtrade products
The range of Fairtrade products is steadily extending as new product development is a very important issue for the future of Fairtrade. On the producer side, product range extension is important because it allows new producers and workers to join Fairtrade. And for producers of existing products, like coffee, new products create opportunities to diversify production and reduce their dependency on just one crop. On the market side, the demand for expansion of the Fairtrade product range is evident, and for many companies involved in Fairtrade a broad product range is crucial for the economic viability of their involvement. For supermarket chains it makes all the more sense to invest in marketing Fairtrade products when the range of products is significant, as it helps to increase awareness of the Fairtrade Certification Mark and ultimately to raise sales for the benefit of the Fairtrade Producers.