Micro-Roasters Program
Highlight the social, economic, and environmental difference your Fairtrade coffee makes.
Did you know that 80% of the world’s coffee is grown by smallholder farmers, many of whom struggle to earn a reliable living?
Fairtrade Canada’s Micro-Roasters Program highlights cafés and restaurants offering Fairtrade certified coffee so Canadians can support coffee farmers through businesses that share their values.
The program gives micro-roasters transforming green Fairtrade certified coffee the opportunity to promote their coffee as Fairtrade to their customers through an annual contribution related to the volume of Fairtrade green coffee they buy from a certified trader. Discover the rules and eligibility criteria here.
By choosing Fairtrade coffee, you’re supporting more than 750,000 coffee farmers to thrive in an unstable market by earning a decent income, protecting their local environment, and investing in their farms and communities.
Canadians want to know the coffee they buy is sourced sustainably and ethically.
Join the Micro-Roasters Program for:
Enhanced
Visibility
Gain recognition by promoting Fairtrade certified coffee, get featured on Fairtrade Canada’s website, and participate in campaigns like Fairtrade Month.
Free
Resources
Enjoy special in-store materials and access a comprehensive library of resources to support your Fairtrade journey, free of charge.
Dedicated
Support
Work with a program manager for tailored guidance and ongoing assistance.
Why Fairtrade?
While the global coffee industry has grown to generate more than $200 billion per year, the average farmer’s income has not changed or has even declined over the past 20 years!
Small-scale farmers are among the most marginalized by the global trade system. At Fairtrade, they are at the heart of everything we do. As a certification system that is 50% governed by producers, we are building a model of trade based on better prices, decent working conditions, no child labour, sound environmental practices, and strong business relationships.
Fairtrade is the only global sustainability certification that guarantees a Minimum Price for coffee, which acts as a safety net for farmers against price volatility. Cooperatives also earn the Fairtrade Premium, an additional sum of money that goes into a communal fund that members democratically choose how to use, whether for education for their children, healthcare, improving their business, or building vital infrastructure such as roads and bridges for their community.
Program eligibility and FAQ
Eligibility
To participate in the Micro-Roasters Program, partners must meet the following criteria:
- Be a registered business in Canada;
- Buy an annual volume of at least 1,000 kg of Fairtrade certified coffee;
- Source their coffee from a Fairtrade certified trader;
- Offer at least one Fairtrade option on their menu;
- Communicate the volume of green coffee purchased at the end of the year via the renewal form sent by Fairtrade Canada;
- Pay an annual participation and administration fee of $300 to $700 (+ tax), depending on volume.
In-store program rules
- The partner clearly distinguishes its Fairtrade offer from its conventional in-store offer with signage and the Fairtrade Mark.
- The partner may not use the Fairtrade Mark on the packaging of a finished product intended for retail sale.
- The partner uses only the communication materials provided by Fairtrade Canada.
- Any coffee that is not Fairtrade certified (FLO) can in no way be associated with this program or identified in-store by the Fairtrade logo or the “Fairtrade” legal trademark.
- The partner is allowed to register a maximum of 2 physical locations. Any additional locations will require an additional $60 per location per year.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a volume report to be provided to Fairtrade Canada at the end of the year?
The program partner reports the volume of green coffee purchased during the year via the renewal form sent by Fairtrade Canada in December.
What are the overall costs of the program?
The only cost to expect is the membership fee for the program, covering Fairtrade Canada’s administration costs. Annual membership to the program is $300 (+ applicable taxes) for 3 MT or less, and $700 (+ applicable taxes) for 3MT to 6MT.
Why am I being charged for the program?
Fairtrade being a non-profit organization, all revenue is dedicated to promoting Fairtrade in Canada and ensure a sound administrative management.
Do I need to inform my green coffee supplier about my participation in the program?
Yes, it is important to do so for traceability reasons. Inform them of your admission to the Fairtrade Micro-Roasters Program so that they can add the following statement to your invoices: “Sale under the Fairtrade Canada Micro-Roasters Program”.
What happens if I change green coffee suppliers during the year?
Inform your supplier of your admission to the Fairtrade Micro-Roasters Program so they can add the following statement on your invoices: “Sale under the Fairtrade Canada Micro-Roasters Program”. You will inform Fairtrade Canada of the change on your annual renewal form.
What happens if I exceed the limit of 6000 kg of Fairtrade coffee per year?
We will support your transition to certification, which will allow you to make full use of the Fairtrade Mark. During this period, you will retain your status as a program partner, but you still cannot use the Fairtrade Mark on any retail-facing packaging.
What happens if I am not ready to transition to certification within the program’s timelines?
We can assist you in resolving blocking factors or grant you an exception if you increase your commitment to Fairtrade sourcing.
Have a question about the Micro-Roasters Program or want to learn more about Fairtrade?
Send us an email at cafe@fairtrade.ca to chat with our team.