Comments on: Fair Trade USA New Labeling Policy for Multi-Ingredient Products Is Harmful to the Fair Trade Movement

By: Danika @ Your Organic Life

Danika @ Your Organic Life — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:43:56 +0000

As a former intern from their early days it really saddens me the way they have been watering down their certification for multi-ingredient products. Many of the same arguments in this article also apply to personal care products they certify, some of which have as little as 5% Fair Trade ingredients. I know the head of Fair Trade USA, and I know he is sincerely passionate about Fair Trade, but I think it’s a case of they can’t see the forest for the trees. They are so focused on producers they have lost site of the perspective of the consumers who need to trust the integrity of their certification. They really don’t get that the certification is being watered down and people are losing trust in it. And while they may be helping more producers right now, as fewer and fewer consumers trust the certification their ability to help producers is going to be diminished. It’s a bad move in the long term.

By: Pam Fischer

Pam Fischer — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:03:07 +0000

When I buy Fair Trade I want to know the profits go primarily to small farmers, to the indigenous workers, who make it. I want to know that my money is not slipping into the pocket of some larger corporation through loophole words or invisible behind the scenes agreements. If I can’t trust the Fair Trade label to be honest, then I’d rather skip the export products and stick with foods I buy from small local farmers and artisans instead. At least then I KNOW WITHOUT DOUBT that my money is supporting the person who cares enough to create food in harmony with nature Vs despite nature or in ways that destroy it and the people who depend on it for survivial. For me, buying Fair Trade is one of the ways I have to support the health and welfare of small farmers and food artisans everywhere, NOT the already bulging profits of corporations who care nothing about the quality of the food or the integrity of the food growing culture.

By: Kerstin

Kerstin — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:04:20 +0000

The policy change is open for public comments through the end of the month. Perhaps if they hear from enough of us they will change their minds. You can give feedback by going to their website here http://www.fairtradeusa.org/certification/standards
and clicking on draft policy: multiple ingredient policy.

By: Laurie McLaughlin, Canada

Laurie McLaughlin, Canada — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:08:53 +0000

You’d think that a common-sense “fair” approach like a 50% minimum would be acceptable. How can consumers influence this trade labeling body?

By: Cathy Lawson

Cathy Lawson — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:00:09 +0000

Lets call a spade a spade. No fair claiming Fair Trade when you are not. At least add the percentages. Sounds like false advertising to me!