What does fair trade certified mean?
Our Eco-Social and Fair Trade Certification Analysis is intended to help consumers, retailers, and businesses understand the differences among various seals in the market. Some seals are more reputable or rigorous than others, and differences in scope and requirements among seals may mean that some match values of consumers or businesses better than others.
Transparency is a key principle to fair trade and consumers should understand what they are buying. We believe brands should get credit for what they do well but should not be allowed to “fairwash;” and ultimately we cannot let our confusion about labels discourage us to the point that we give up on farmer-led initiatives to increase market share.
We focus on topics that are key to understanding the strengths and weakness of seals or that contribute to ongoing discussions and debates within the ethical trade movement.
View Fair World Projects analysis on:
- Reference Guide to Fair Trade and Worker Justice Programs
- International Guide to Fair Trade Labels
- Farmworker Certification Analysis: Justice in the Fields
- Fair Trade Certification Report: Fairness for Farmers
- Fyffes Farms Exposed: The Fight for Justice on the Honduran Melon Fields
- Label Before Labor: Fair Trade USA’s Dairy Label Fails Workers