Fair Trade Producers

Sales of Fair Trade Certified products have grown phenomenally in Canada over the past decade. So who's behind all of these products?

There are people on the other side of your morning coffee, chocolate bar, and soccer ball – people with families, communities, and incredible stories.  This section will introduce you to the amazing people behind these projects and the products you buy. Meet them (and check out our nifty map) here.

What does Fair Trade mean for producers?

As you may know, Fair Trade guarantees producers a minimum price to cover the costs of sustainable production. But it’s about much more than just price. Producers receive Fair Trade premiums on top of the Fair Trade price, and democratically decide how to use them. They typically invest this money in education, healthcare, farm improvements or processing facilities, but this decision is entirely up to the producers. They know what their communities need, and invest these resources accordingly. 

Producers are often organized into co-operatives or associations with a democratic structure and a transparent administration. Some Fair Trade goods (such as tea, fresh fruit, and sports balls) are also produced by hired labour workers in factories or on plantations. Both groups have representatives on a committee that decides on the use of the Fair Trade premiums.

Fair Trade encourages farming and production practices that protect the natural environment. Many Fair Trade products are certified organic or are working towards meeting these standards.

And there’s more…

There’s a lot more to the Fair Trade system, like access to credit, long-term, commitments, and equal opportunities for women. You can learn more about all of the standards here.

                                                                                     Photo: Mr. Didier Gentilhomme