Landless labourers are some of the most disadvantaged producers in the world. While most Fair Trade goods are produced by small-scale farmers, the standards also cover products which are mainly grown on bigger farms that employ workers. Examples include tea, flowers, and sports balls.
Workers can participate in Fair Trade if they are organized, normally into unions. Employers must pay decent wages, guarantee the right to join trade unions, and provide good housing where needed.
Most Fair Trade goods are produced by groups of small-scale farmers. These producers are organized into co-operatives or associations, which they own and govern democratically. Cocoa, sugar, cotton, coffee, herbs and spices all come exclusively from small producer organizations.
There are Fair Trade standards related to social, economic, and environment development, as well as labour conditions for small producer organizations. Read the small producer standards here.
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.
Producer networks are regional associations representing small-scale producers, workers, and other producer stakeholders. Fair Trade producer organizations can join these groups if they choose to.
There are currently producer networks on three continents: Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean.
African Fairtrade Network (AFN)
Established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2004, the AFN’s mission is to increase Fair Trade awareness in Africa.
