Get certified as a producer
Producers are at the heart of Fairtrade Africa – the reason we exist. If you are a farmer or worker, learn more about what Fairtrade Africa can do for your organization.
Across the continent, nearly 700 producer organizations, representing more than 1.4 million farmers and workers, are active in Fairtrade Africa.
Here are a few of the reasons why, and how you can join them!
Benefits of Fairtrade
Stable prices: Most products have a Fairtrade Minimum Price aimed at providing producers with a safety net against falling market prices and allowing long-term planning. Learn more about the Fairtrade Minimum Price here.
Additional Premium: The Fairtrade Premium is a tool for producers to improve the quality of their lives, communities, and businesses. It is an additional amount of money paid on top of the agreed Fairtrade price, which producers decide democratically how to use. The Fairtrade Premium is often used for investments in education, healthcare, and farm improvements that increase income. Though the size and sales volume of Fairtrade producer organizations can vary considerably, on average each Fairtrade producer organization received €111,000 in Fairtrade Premium during 2017.
Partnership focused on your needs as a producer: Fairtrade certified farmers and workers co-own and manage Fairtrade Africa– through participation in the board of directors, key committees, and consultation processes, producers can influence Fairtrade’s strategy, standards, prices and premiums.
Empowerment of farmers and workers: Fairtrade aims to transform trade, and empowering producers is at the core of our model. In order to be Fairtrade certified, small-scale farmer groups must have a democratic structure and transparent administration. In plantations and hired labour settings, workers form a committee that decides on the use of the Fairtrade Premium. Fairtrade Africa offers support to develop capacity in these areas, strengthening producer organizations in the process.
Market opportunities: Fairtrade is the most recognized ethical label in the world. Businesses and consumers are increasingly seeking sustainably sourced products, and Fairtrade’s brand and global network of marketing organizations can extend your reach.
Another advantage is the power of community: By joining Fairtrade Africa your organization gains a network which provide support, training and representats you in the global Fairtrade system.
How to become a Fairtrade producer
Here are the initial steps.
- Determine if you are working in Fairtrade’s Geographical Scope. Countries and territories shaded orange, green or blue in the map above are within our scope.
- Determine if there are Fairtrade Standards for the product(s) you produce.
- If both of these criteria are met, contact FLOCERT – the independent certifier for Fairtrade – to commence the process of certification. FLOCERT’s website provides step-by-step guidance on the process, and their multilingual team can answer your questions. Visit this page or apply directly.