Standard Owner Benchmark - FAIRTSA

FairTSA (Fair Trade Sustainability Alliance) is an organization dedicated to promoting fair trade and social responsibility in the agricultural sector. They have developed a comprehensive community development support program that aims to empower producer communities, improve living conditions, and foster democratic processes. Through their initiatives, they provide valuable assistance to small-scale producers who may face challenges in meeting the requirements of fair trade and social responsibility certifications.

FairTSA recognizes that certification processes based on Western, document-centered "standard and control" culture can be difficult for producers from oral or traditional cultures. To address this, they offer support to producers even before they join their program. This support includes providing free seminars and assigning a dedicated Producer Relations Manager to guide them through the certification process. By offering guidance and assistance, FairTSA helps bridge the gap between different cultural contexts and ensures that producers understand and comply with the certification requirements.

One of the unique aspects of FairTSA's approach is their emphasis on collaboration and leveraging existing networks. They work closely with certifiers, qualified indigenous personnel, and collaborating NGOs to provide effective support to producer communities. This collaborative approach allows them to tap into local knowledge, expertise, and resources, which in turn empowers communities to make decisions that align with their needs and aspirations.

FairTSA also places a strong emphasis on accountability and transparency. They have developed their Project-Based Accountability concept, which requires certified producers to submit Community Development Project (CDP) proposals based on estimated social premiums. Inspectors then verify the implementation of these projects, including the traceability of expenses and documents. This accountability mechanism ensures that the premiums received are used effectively for community development and that the desired outcomes and impacts are assessed through periodic evaluations.

By combining support, collaboration, and accountability, FairTSA strives to promote sustainable social development in producer communities. They believe in empowering local farmers to determine the most appropriate solutions for their communities while upholding fair trade principles. Through their community development support program, they not only assist producers in meeting certification requirements but also foster long-term improvements in living conditions, economic opportunities, and democratic processes.