The Story Behind Fair Trade
You've seen them on coffee and chocolate, but Fair Trade labels are popping on 500 million-plus pounds of produce nationwide. What exactly do they mean?
SHAPE: The Story Behind Fair Trade
No doubt you've seen Fair Trade labels on coffee, chocolate, and tea, but the certification is also popping up on honey, agave, quinoa, rice, sugar, apparel, and fruits and veggies. While you may pat yourself on the back when you throw any kind of produce into your grocery cart, reaching for Fair Trade Certified produce could be an even healthier pick for you, the environment, and the farmers who produce the food you eat.
So what exactly is Fair Trade certification? Fair Trade means that you are getting a quality product, that workers receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to education and healthcare, and that farmers use sustainable farming practices. The byproduct is happy consumers, happy workers, and a protected environment.
