Partnership means power-sharing
Fairtrade farmers and workers are represented at all levels of Fairtrade governance—but they've got more than just voice; they have votes.
We're normalizing fairness across the supply chain
Fairtrade America works to rebalance trade, making it a system rooted in partnership and mutual respect rather than exploitation. This is a sharp contrast to trade-as-usual, where uneven power dynamics and extractive economies pass as normal. So, how are we endeavoring to root trade in partnership? A key component is power-sharing—because voice without vote is window-dressing that maintains the status quo. And if the status quo has done you dirty (i.e. if you and your community are living amidst the persistent legacies of colonialism), then representation alone is a frustratingly futile tool to usher in meaningful change. This is why Fairtrade farmers and workers have representation at every level of decision making. Because we're serious about being an organization not just for farmers, but by and with farmers.
General Assembly
Every year in June, leaders from across the Fairtrade network gather at our General Assembly in Bonn, Germany to make key decisions about our global strategy and priorities for the year to come. One thing that’s unique about the way Fairtrade does fair trade? Farmer and worker representatives have a weighted vote so that they hold 50% voting power at this annual forum.
Standards Committee
Our Fairtrade Standards do a lot of important things. First, they name some hard passes for Fairtrade stakeholders. For example, the Fairtrade Standards prohibit child labor, deforestation and GMO seeds. Next, they articulate what we stand for. For example, the Fairtrade Standards specify particular mechanisms through which we promote safer working conditions, climate resilience and gender equity. And then, of course, there's price. The Fairtrade Standards identify both the Fairtrade Minimum Price and the Fairtrade Premium, crucial elements of our unique pricing model.
As climate and market conditions change, the Fairtrade Standards Committee meets to adjust the Fairtrade Minimum Price and the Fairtrade Premium. They consult with representatives from across the supply chain (including farmers, workers, traders and brands), and then they vote to finalize any changes.
The Standards Committee is an eight-member body composed of various stakeholders across the supply chain—four of whom are farmer and worker representatives (read: farmers and workers hold half of the decision-making power).
Fairtrade Premium
Farmers and workers know best what they need. Accordingly, Fairtrade smallholder farmer cooperatives and workers' organizations have autonomy to invest the Fairtrade Premium that they've earned on top of the selling price as they see fit. This might take the form of a cash disbursement to cover immediate cost-of-living needs, the construction of a community center with extracurricular activities for children and youth or the purchase of farm equipment.
Lest we get too abstract...
Keen to learn about some concrete ways that farmers and workers experience their partnership with Fairtrade? Take a deep dive through these farmer profiles.
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