0 item(s) in cart

The FAIRTRADE Mark ensures that disadvantaged tea farmers & workers in developing countries benefit from improved social and environmental standards plus an additional Fairtrade Premium which enables them to improve the lives of their families and communities.

The Fairtrade Foundation is the independent certification body in the UK that licenses use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products that meet international Fairtrade standards set by Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO e.v.).

Fairtrade is an alternative model of trade which consumers can participate in if they want to ensure that producers get a fair deal. Certified producer organisations and registered traders must comply with international Fairtrade standards that ensure better terms of trade, fair prices, and decent working conditions.

Fairtrade standards are set by the Foundation’s umbrella organisation, Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO), in consultation with stakeholders from FLO’s national member organisations, certified producer organisations, registered traders and external experts.

Producer organisations make a commitment to ongoing improvements and are regularly monitored by FLO.

There are generic Fairtrade producer standards for two main types of producer groups:

	democratic small-scale farmers’ organisations (e.g. co-operatives)
	producers that are structurally dependent on hired labour (e.g. plantations, tea estates, large commercial/private farms)
	there are additional product specific standards that may include price and premium levels plus other environmental and trading standards and contract requirements.

For most products both smallholder organisations and plantations receive a guaranteed minimum price that at least covers the costs of production and, in the case of smallholders, provides a sustainable livelihood.

Plantations must meet minimum labour, social and environmental standards based on International Labour Organization conventions on labour rights.

Producer organisations receive an additional Fairtrade premium. Smallholder organisations can use the premium for business, social or environmental development projects agreed on by an elected committee of members. On plantations the premium is reserved for community development projects that benefit the workers, their families and their communities. Projects must be agreed by a Joint Body comprising management and elected workers’ representatives.