Fairtrade / Rainforest Alliance

Fairtrade

The Fairtrade Foundation is a charity which awards its stamp of approval - the Fairtrade mark - to goods that meet its international production standards.

Small producers must be part of a democratically run co-operative demonstrating sustainable farming methods, and workers must be paid decent wages, have the right to join a trade union and be protected by the minimum health and safety standards. Forced or child labour is forbidden.

Fairtrade itself doesn't buy or sell goods, instead it fixes the price, in consultation with producers, which covers the cost of sustainable production, plus raises a premium that's then invested in social, environmental or economic projects.

Fairtrade products are a little more expensive than some. Cutting out the profits of the middle men give producers the chance to build a better life and many shoppers appreciate that.

The extra premium money that Fairtrade charges is used to develop the businesses, and to provide items such as drinking water or street lighting that benefits the whole community.

Rainforest Alliance

The Rainforest Alliance is a leading conservation organisation. It's mission is to protect the ecosystem and the people and wildlife that live within them by transforming land use practises, business practises and consumer behaviour.

Companies, cooperatives and landowners that participate in Rainforest Alliance Programmes meet rigorous standards, which conserve biodiversity and provide sustainable livelihoods.