FAIRTRADE INTERNATIONAL

Fairtrade International, formerly known as Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO), is a global non-profit organization that is committed to promoting fair trade practices and improving the lives of farmers and workers in developing countries. It was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Bonn, Germany.

The primary objective of Fairtrade International is to create a more equitable and sustainable trading system that ensures fair prices and better working conditions for producers in marginalized communities. The organization achieves this through the development and implementation of Fairtrade Standards, which cover a wide range of social, economic, and environmental criteria. These standards aim to address issues such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, child labor, access to education and healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

Fairtrade International operates as a global network of organizations, including national Fairtrade organizations, producer networks, and certification bodies. It works closely with these stakeholders to facilitate the certification and labeling of Fairtrade products, ensuring that consumers can identify and support products that meet the established Fairtrade Standards.

Certification by Fairtrade International involves a rigorous process that includes on-site inspections, audits, and continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with the standards. Producers who meet the criteria are granted the right to use the internationally recognized Fairtrade Mark on their products. This mark assures consumers that the product has been produced and traded in accordance with Fairtrade principles, and that a fair price has been paid to the producers.

In addition to certification, Fairtrade International engages in capacity building and provides technical assistance to producers, helping them to improve their productivity, sustainability, and access to markets. The organization also advocates for fair trade policies at the international level, working with governments, businesses, and civil society to promote a more just and sustainable global trading system.

As a non-profit organization, Fairtrade International operates with a social mission and reinvests its income into supporting producers and promoting fair trade initiatives. The organization relies on funding from various sources, including certification fees, grants, and donations, to carry out its work and support the ongoing development of fair trade practices worldwide.

Overall, Fairtrade International plays a crucial role in empowering farmers and workers, creating market opportunities, and fostering sustainable development in communities that rely on agricultural production. Through its certification program and advocacy efforts, the organization has become a prominent voice in the fair trade movement, driving positive change in global supply chains and promoting a more equitable and sustainable world.