By Caroline Rosini

If you live a plant-based lifestyle chances are you already give great consideration to which products end up in your shopping cart, diving deep into labelings like organic, local, or artificial-free. But do you consider the farmers who grow the food you’re putting in your basket? By buying Fair Trade Certified products, you’re making the conscious choice to empower farm workers globally and encourage sustainable agricultural practices.

What is Fair Trade?

According to fairtradeusa.org, a “Fair Trade Certified” label on groceries like coffee, sugar, and spices—among many other items—means that the product was produced with respect to farmers and the Earth. Through a market-based philosophy, farmers earn a fair, marketable price for their harvest. Without the Fair Trade business model, these underprivileged farming families would likely not receive a reasonable price. All of this is in hopes that these farmers will invest more into making environmentally sustainable agricultural decisions.

The History of Fair Trade

The Fair Trade movement began 50 years ago as an opportunity for marginalized producer communities, primarily those in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, to gain access to export markets as a means of economic development. Until the 1980s, Fair Trade products were only sold in specialty stores; now Fair Trade items are widely available. It’s never been easier to make the responsible choice. 

The Real Impact of Fair Trade

Fair Trade is making a global impact, supporting more than 1.2 million farmers and their families in 70 countries. By purchasing a Fair Trade Certified bag of coffee beans or sugar, you’re providing a farming family with a healthy meal, improved housing, the opportunity to pursue education, or the option to make their farms more environmentally sustainable.

Fair Trade is making a global impact, supporting more than 1.2 million farmers and their families in 70 countries.

How do Consumers Benefit?

Fair Trade products are good for the consumer, too. Fair Trade Organizations cut out the middleman and work directly with producers, making goods competitively priced when compared to their counterparts. Not to mention, the close relationship between Fair Trade Organizations and producers fosters a consistent dialogue about consumer needs, which leads to high-quality products.

What Products are Fair Trade Certified?

From clothing to flowers to wine, you can purchase just about anything Fair Trade. Notable brands like Athletica, Patagonia, Kashi Foods, Honest Tea, and select products from Whole Foods, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, General Mills, and Kroger have joined the Fair Trade movement. For a complete list of licensed Fair Trade partners check here.

By being Fair Trade Certified, companies don’t have to sacrifice social responsibility for financial considerations.

By being Fair Trade Certified, companies don’t have to sacrifice social responsibility for financial considerations, because goods with a Fair Trade Certified label are something consumers can feel good about buying.