Researach continued.

Fair Trade:
“It is a holistic approach to trade and development that aims to alter the ways in which commerce is conducted, so that trade can empower the poorest of the poor. Fair Trade Organizations seek to create sustainable and positive change in developing and developed countries.”
Facts and Figures:
*$4.12 billion - amount of total fair trade sales in 2008 according to the UK's Fairtrade Foundation
* 2.7 billion - estimated number of people in the world existing on less than $2 / day, according to the World Bank
*7.5 million - individuals in 2008 that directly benefit from Fair Trade Certified production, according to the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International
*$25 billion - amount spent annually on US farm subsidies, according to a 2007 Heritage Foundation report
Source:
"Welcome to the Fair Trade Federation." Fair Trade Federation. 16 Sep. 2009 <http://www.fairtradefederation.org/ht/d/sp/i/2733/pid/2733>.
“The Fair Trade Certified Label guarantees consumers that strict economic, social and environmental criteria were met in the production and trade of an agricultural product. Fair Trade Certification is currently available in the U.S. for coffee, tea and herbs, cocoa and chocolate, fresh fruit, flowers, sugar, rice, and vanilla. TransFair USA licenses companies to display the Fair Trade Certified label on products that meet strict international Fair Trade standards”
Fair Trade Information Map: http://www.transfairusa.org/content/about/global_reach.php
Fair Trade is much more than a fair price! Fair Trade principles include:
*Fair price: Democratically organized farmer groups receive a guaranteed minimum floor price and an additional premium for certified organic products. Farmer organizations are also eligible for pre-harvest credit.
*Fair labor conditions: Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
*Direct trade: With Fair Trade, importers purchase from Fair Trade producer groups as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to develop the business capacity necessary to compete in the global marketplace.
*Democratic and transparent organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to invest Fair Trade revenues.
*Community development: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects like scholarship programs, quality improvement trainings, and organic certification.
*Environmental sustainability: Harmful agrochemicals and GMOs are strictly prohibited in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers’ health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.
Source:
"TransFair USA About Fair Trade." TransFair USA . 16 Sep. 2009 <http://www.transfairusa.org/content/about/>.