Identifying Certified Fair Trade Labels

Fair Trade Federation members strive to create positive change through all of their work: socially, economically, and environmentally. These relationships go beyond ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions — they empower producers to strengthen their communities and grow their businesses sustainably. All FTF members undergo a rigorous screening process to evaluate their internal commitment to all 9 FTF principles. Only those organizations which have passed the screening process are admitted as members and permitted to display the FTF logo. http://www.fairtradefederation.org/

Fair Trade USA, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, is the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States. Fair Trade USA audits and certifies transactions between U.S. companies and their international suppliers to guarantee that the farmers and workers producing Fair Trade Certified goods are paid fair prices and wages, work in safe conditions, protect the environment and receive community development funds to empower and uplift their communities. http://fairtradeusa.org/

The Fair for Life Social & Fair Trade Certification Program offers operators of socially responsible projects a solution for brand neutral third party inspection and certification in initial production, manufacturing and trading. It combines strict social and fair trade standards with adaptability to local conditions. The system is de-signed for both food and non-food commodities (like cosmetics, textiles or tourist services). http://www.fairforlife.org

Fairtrade International (also known as the Fair Trade Labeling Organization or FLO) is the organization that coordinates Fair Trade labeling at an international level. From their offices, in Bonn, Germany, they set inter-national Fairtrade standards, organize support for producers around the world, develop global Fairtrade strategy, and promote trade justice internationally. http://www.fairtrade.net/

The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is a global network of organizations representing the Fair Trade supply chain. Membership of WFTO provides Fair Trade organizations with credibility and identity by way of an international guarantee system; a place of learning where you connect with like-minded people from around the world; tools and training to increase market access; a common voice that shouts out for Fair Trade. http://www.wfto.com

Consumers in search of Fair Trade products have a vast array of products to choose from. Product labels, such as Fair Trade Certified, Fairtrade and Fair for Life, as well as membership in associations like Fair Trade Federation and World Fair Trade Organization, help identify Fair Trade products that are produced according to Fair Trade standards. Looking for these label can help consumers to identify Fair Trade and know that the standards meet their values.

For Fair Trade Certified™ products, a base price for the commodity is set by the international Fair Trade Labeling Organization. The price attempts to cover the cost of production and a living wage to cover the basics of food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical care. Importers and retailers are then screened and certified by Fair Trade USA to ensure that they are paying the Fair Trade price for products.

Crafts, apparel and other non-certifiable products are sold by members of the Fair Trade Federation, businesses committed to the principles of Fair Trade. For these crafts, producers are paid a minimum of a living wage but often the producers dictate what they are paid to enable them to have health care, educate their children, help their community with future projects and have a small savings.

One World Fair Trade is fully committed to Fair Trade and is a long time proud member of the Fair Trade Federation.