Almost 2 million farmers and workers in 71 countries are involved in the Fairtrade scheme. Close to half produce coffee, but they also produces everything from bananas and chocolate to clothes and flowers.

With Fairtrade Fortnight 2023* just around the corner, our sustainability expert Sarah Walkley digs into Fairtrade and what we can expect when we see the Fairtrade logo on products.

*Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual celebration of the power of Fairtrade, it runs from 27 February to 12 March.

Internationally recognised

Fairtrade is an internationally recognised certification scheme that ensures that the rights of farmers and workers are respected and goods are produced under safe working conditions. It also ensures that farmers and workers are not discriminated against on the basis of ethnicity and gender, helping to increase the number of women farmers and workers able to support their families.

Fair price

Less ethical buyers try to negotiate the cheapest possible rate for the goods they buy, even if that rate is lower than what it realistically costs to grow the crops. The Fairtrade scheme means that farmers are paid a fair price for the goods they produce. It sets a minimum price for all goods. If the price drops below this, the farmer receives the guaranteed price; if prices rise, they receive the current market price.

In 2020, Fairtrade farmers were paid £169 million over and above what they would have received had they just been paid the average market rate. That money is reinvested. For some crops, such as coffee, some of the money has to be spent on improving the productivity of the farm. However, much of the money goes on making farms and local communities more resilient to the impact of climate change, pumps to provide clear water or better housing. Around 20% of the extra money farmers received was spent on new schools and improving education for their children. The community decides where the money is best spent.

Fairtrade in the UK

In the UK, there are over 6,000 products that have received the Fairtrade standard. As a consumer, when we buy a product marked with the Fairtrade logo, we can be sure it has been produced to the highest ethical standards. However, still less than 10% of the 98m cups of coffee consumed every day come from Fairtrade beans!

While we might be familiar with the Fairtrade logo on products, it is also popping up on town signs across the country.

Fairtrade towns

With 377 Fairtrade towns, the UK is home to almost one in five of the world’s Fairtrade Towns. There are also at least another 200 certified community groups. Fairtrade communities are towns, villages and communities that are passionate about campaigning for fair trade. The council must agree to use and promote Fairtrade certified products. Fairtrade products have to be easily available to buy locally, while cafés and restaurants need to pledge to incorporate Fairtrade products on their menu.

Wales became the world’s first Fairtrade nation in 2008, with more than 60 Fairtrade communities and national targets to ensure equal trade for all producers wherever they are in the world. The capital Cardiff is also a Fairtrade City.

Choosing Fairtrade

Choosing Fairtrade means standing with farmers for fairness and equality, against some of the biggest challenges the world faces. It means farmers creating change, from investing in climate friendly farming techniques to developing women in leadership. 

With Fairtrade you change the world a little bit every day. Through simple shopping choices you are showing businesses and governments that you believe in fair and just trade.

Read more about Fairtrade here.

Sarah Walkley is a freelance writer and researcher on a mission to empower everyone to play their part in addressing climate change and nature loss.

She set up Purplefully to help organisations develop their sustainability strategy and communication.