table of contents

About Fair World Project ...... 1 Letter from the Director ...... 2 Fair Trade Timeline ...... 3 Contributor Bios ...... 3 Reference Guide to Fair Trade Certifiers and Membership Organizations ...... 4 How Do You Know It’s Really Fair Trade? ...... 5 Fair Trade Sprouting Hope in Palestine ...... 8 Creating Sustainable Livelihoods in the Indian Himalayas ...... 9 Action Center ...... 10 Reviving Social Justice in Sustainable and Organic Agriculture ...... 12 Manuel Guzman on Farmworkers and Fair Trade ...... 14 A Co-op’s Journey to Domestic Fair Trade Certification ...... 15 Going Fair Trade – the Challenges of Setting Up Sustainable and Fair Supply Chains ...... 17

about fair world project

Mission Fair World Project (FWP) promotes organic and fair trade practices and transparent third-party certification of producers, manufacturers and products, both here and abroad. Through consumer education and advocacy, FWP supports dedicated fair trade producers and brands and insists on integrity in use of the term “fair trade” in certification, labeling and marketing. Why FWP Exists • Conscious consumers armed with informed purchasing power can create positive change and promote economic justice, sustainable development and meaningful exchange between global South and North • The Organic movement, with the advent of federal regulations, has lost sight of the social criteria of fair prices, wages and working conditions. • Family farmers and farmworkers in the developing world are often impoverished by unfair volatile prices, wages and working conditions. • North American and European family farmers and farmworkers face similar challenges, and thus we need to bring fair trade criteria home with “Domestic Fair Trade.” • Existing certifiers and membership organizations vary in their criteria and philosophy for the qualification of products and brands for designation as “fair trade.” FWP will work to keep the term “fair trade” from being abused and diluted. • FWP cuts through politics in the world of fair trade in order to catalyze the rapid expansion of the universe of fair trade products, in particular promoting certification to rigorous standards that give consideration to the local context of a project. The Fair Trade Movement The fair trade movement that FWP is part of shares a vision of a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices, both at home and abroad, so that everyone through their work can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood.

Fair World Project | Fall 2010 1 Letter from the Director

Fair World Project was launched by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) to promote fair trade in commerce, especially in organic production systems, and to protect the term “fair trade” from dilution and misuse for mere PR purposes, as conscious consumers expand the market for fairly-traded products. What do consumers expect when we pick up a bottle of iced tea, drink a cup of coffee, eat a chocolate bar, use a bar of soap or buy a handicraft that claims to be “fair trade?” What is our money really doing? With new fair trade certifiers joining the movement, seasoned certifiers enabling unjustified fair trade claims and “fairwashing” practices becoming common, we intend to discuss and dissect: • Fair trade criteria, including fair prices, wages and working conditions, and why they are necessary to uphold versus “Free Trade.” • Why bringing fair trade criteria home to support farmers and farmworkers in North America and Europe is necessary. • Why “organic” does not mean “fair trade.” • Why transparent and rigorous third-party certification of fair trade claims that takes into account the local context is necessary. • Various fair trade standards that are appearing in the market, considering in particular their certification approach, and their control of truth in fair trade advertising/labeling, or lack thereof. • Examples of amazing mission-driven fair trade companies and projects. • “Fairwashing” practices by prominent brands. We will work through these and other complex issues with the goal of helping consumers, business owners, employees and activists make informed decisions about where and on what to spend their money and resources – to build a better and more just world. FWP provides a space and forum at our Web site where we can discuss issues within the fair trade movement, ask tough questions and share information, so we as consumers can make educated purchasing decisions. We will celebrate corporations that are adopting fair trade into their business models, but at the same time hold “fairwashers” accountable and insist on keeping fair trade’s integrity. We will make sure fair trade certifiers and membership organizations maintain high standards to keep fair trade meaningful, not just in the wording of their standards but also in their inspection and certification processes. We will pressure our schools, employers and other institutions to adopt fair trade purchasing practices with regard to food and other consumer products. We will confront corporations, especially those already dealing in certified organic products, and government agencies everywhere, and to compel them to implement fair trade practices in their supply chains. We look forward to a day when all trade is fair. Sincerely, Dana Geffner Dana Geffner Executive Director

CONTact us For more Information on Fair World Project please visit www.fairworldproject.org or contact us at:

Fair World Project Dana Geffner, Executive Director All of the images on our cover 1625 SE 25th Avenue [email protected] were taken by the following: Portland, OR 97202 Jane Mintz Gero Leson 503-206-6729 Ryan Zinn, Campaign Coordinator Katie Schuler [email protected] [email protected] Dana Geffner

www.fairworldproject.org | Fall 2010 2 fair trade timeline Contributed by the Fair Trade Resource Network (www.ftrn.org) 1946 Edna Ruth Byler imports European humanitarian Havelaar, in the Netherlands international “FairTrade” needlecrafts from low-income organizations open the to offer third-party certification mark women in Puerto Rico, and first World Shop in the recognition and a label for Producers form national displaced in Europe, laying the Netherlands to sell crafts, fair trade products 2004 and regional fair trade groundwork for Ten Thousand build awareness and International Fair Trade associations across Asia, Latin Villages, North America’s first campaign for trade reform 1989 Association (IFTA), now fair trade organization America and Africa 1972 Ten Thousand Villages WFTO, is established by fair The Institute for 1948 Church of the Brethren opens their store, the first fair trade pioneers as the first 2006 establishes SERRV, North trade retail outlet in North global fair trade network Marketecology (IMO) America’s second fair trade America begins their “Fair for Life” organization, to import 1994 Fair Trade Federation certification program wooden clocks from German 1986 Equal Exchange is formed as the first network 2007 Fair trade retail sales refugees of WWII is established as the first of fair trade organizations in fair trade cooperative in North America top $1 billion in the U.S. and 1968 United Nations North America, importing $2.5 billion worldwide Conference on Aid and coffee from Nicaragua as 1997 Fairtrade Labeling 2010 Organic Consumers Development (UNCTAD) a way to make a political Organization (FLO) is formed Association (OCA) launches embraces “Trade not Aid” statement with a high-quality, 1999 TransFair USA begins Fair World Project, the concept, bringing fair trade household item certifying fair trade coffee first fair trade consumer into development policy 1988 Farmers and activists using the TransFair USA label organization, to promote and launch the first fair trade protect the integrity of the fair 1969 Oxfam and other certification system, Max 2002 FLO launches the trade movement

CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE Nasser Abufarha, PhD Jason Freeman Elizabeth Henderson is the founder and Director of founded Biohemp is an organic vegetable farmer Canaan Fair Trade Company, Environmental in western New York for over based in Jenin, Palestine. Technologies and in late 30 years, a boardmember Abufarha has a PhD in Cultural 1999 Biohemp became of NOFA-NY, and author of Anthropology and International the first company in Sharing the Harvest: A Citizen’s Development from the University North America to bring Guide to Community Supported of Wisconsin - Madison. He is the author of to market a line of certified organic Agriculture (Chelsea Green, 2007) The Making of a Human Bomb, published by hempseed food. After selling Biohemp Gero Leson Duke University Press, and numerous articles in 2001, Jason founded and became coordinated the conversion on the subjects of development, landscape General Manager of Farmer Direct of Dr. Bronner’s raw material and political violence. Co-operative Ltd. FDC is a farmer supply to socially responsible owned business that provides the world Rashmi Bharti and environmentally with ethically grown and traded food. is the co founder of the sustainable sources. He set up certified “organic” voluntary organization Avani José Manuel Guzmán and “fair trade” farmer groups and oil mills and is based in the Himalayas is a Lead Organizer with el Comité de in Sri Lanka and Ghana. His MS in physics in India. She has been Apoyo a los Trabajadores Agrícolas and doctorate in environmental science and working with issues related to rural development (CATA). Mr. Guzman is a former engineering has helped him find solutions to for the past 15 years. agricultural worker from Moroleon, technical, environmental, and economic problems. Guanajuato, Mexico who worked as a Vivien Sansour David Bronner mushroom harvester in Kennett Square, is the Media & Promotions is a ne’er-do-well scion of the Pennsylvania beginning in 1978 and Manager for Canaan Fair Trade, notorious Dr. Bronner’s Magic was one of the leaders in the Kaolin based in Jenin, Palestine. As a Soaps insane asylum. When Mushroom Worker strike in April of life style writer and photographer, not frothing incoherently at 1993. Trained in the Popular Education she is capturing the stories of the the mouth, he babbles about technique, he was hired by CATA in farmers of the Palestine Fair Trade business as a catalyst for 1994 as an organizer and educator. Association for the wider world. Her interest in positive social and environmental change. agricultural and cultural identity has led her to Best to run away quickly if you notice him Additional Contributors: work with farmers in South and Central America, anywhere around. Sue Kastensen and Cosmic Egg Studios as well as her native country of Palestine.

Fair World Project | Fall 2010 3 Reference Guide to Fair Trade Certifiers and Membership Organizations

Fair trade certifiers and membership organizations all agree on these basic fair trade principles: • Long-term direct trading relationships • Prompt payment of fair prices and wages • No child, forced or otherwise exploited labor • Workplace non-discrimination, gender equity and freedom of association • Safe working conditions and reasonable work hours • Investment in community development projects • Environmental sustainability • Traceability and transparency

However, there is a crucial difference between fair trade certification and membership in a fair trade organization:

• Certification – a third-party certifier audits the supply chains of specific products from point-of- origin to point-of-sale against fair trade criteria. Depending on the certifier, they may certify only a specific product or an entire organization and its products. • Membership – the organization evaluates members for their full commitment to fair trade principles and accepts only “100%” fair trade entities. They provide a screening process only, with no “on the ground” audit.

*We acknowledge that other socially responsible systems are available but they do not rise to the Fair Trade level such as the Rainforest Alliance program.

This chart summarizes the logos of relevant certification programs and membership organizations. A product sold by a company that is a member of a fair trade organization may not have gone through third-party certification; conversely, a product certified as “fair trade” under a certification program does not mean that the company that produces that certified product is itself a dedicated fair trade company.

www.fairworldproject.org | Fall 2010 4 How Do You Know It’s Really Fair Trade? An Overview of Fair Trade Labeling and Validation Programs By Nasser Abufarha, Managing Director, Canaan Fair Trade, Jenin, Palestine Gero Leson, Director of Special Operations, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Escondido, CA

onsumers who want to buy products fundamental similarities, but they Ultimately, brand-neutral inspection and Cmade in a “fair trade manner” can vary considerably with respect certification of products by an independent face a confusing range of fair trade to approach, substance of their organization to a credible transparent seals and claims on product labels. requirements, labeling rules and other standard is the most effective way of Educated consumers associate the term critical details. This article summarizes assuring consumers that what they buy in “fair trade” with fair prices, wages and key issues in fair trade verification and fact contain fairly produced and traded working conditions on and in the farms reviews the strengths and weaknesses agricultural materials. In response to and factories that make a “fair trade” of the most common validation systems growing public concern over exploitative product. But what exactly does a given for fair trade claims. labor and pricing in various commodities, claim mean? Does it refer to all major there has recently been a proliferation of Membership organizations review an processing steps in the value chain or only such certification programs. Their basic applicant’s practices and check trade to individual raw ingredients at the farm elements and approaches are similar: references as indicators that a company gate? Are there governmental regulations, they cover the prices paid to farmers, is committed to fair trade criteria along its or at least voluntary standards, for fair working conditions and wages in farm and supply chain. However, they generally do trade, and who verifies them? factory, and contributions to community not independently verify fair trade claims development. Some certifiers also audit Unlike for certified organic foods, on the ground, relying instead on a traders and brands along the value chain for which the U.S. (under the USDA’s review process that may give companies for their commitment to Fair Trade at National Organic Program) and many who “talk the talk” but don’t “walk the home in the West. other countries have adopted legally walk” a pass. To date these organizations enforceable standards, there are no and their members focus on crafts and The detailed provisions of certification such standards for fair trade products. traditional fair trade commodities, such programs can vary considerably, yet Consequently, the use of the term “fair as coffee, cocoa and others. ultimately a program’s quality and trade” on a label is not protected by law impact depend on its implementation Several socially responsible companies and may well be meaningless unless it and follow-through, or lack thereof. have adopted their own brand programs. is supported by a recognized validation Rather than compare the requirements Their substantive requirements concerning system. Responsible manufacturers on paper of several certification systems, prices paid, content rules, payment of a ensure that their claims of fair trade we’ll review two with whom we have community development premium and production are independently verified first-hand project experience and who the methods of auditing vary considerably. under a reputable third-party fair are vision-driven and commercially Self-respecting brands in this category trade certification program. Several relevant but take different approaches have third-parties conduct regular audits of such programs exist, and their seals in key areas. their supply chains against the program’s increasingly decorate retail products standards. Their impact is limited to the FLO, the international Fair Trade in the North American and EU brand’s products. Labeling Organization, is the oldest and markets. These programs share certain best-recognized fair trade certifier (see

Fair Trade validation systems can be grouped into three major categories. The table shows their main attributes and several prominent examples.

continued on page 6

Fair World Project | Fall 2010 5 continued from page 5 http://www.fairtrade.net). FLO emerged standards. FLO is represented by country for smallholder groups, the development out of a network of fair trade NGOs initiatives in many Western countries, of organic standards for textiles and and has pioneered the development including TransFair USA and TransFair sustainable aquaculture, and for the of meaningful and verifiable indicators Canada, who also inspect traders and collection of wild organic plant materials. of fair trade practices, thereby making importers in the West. IMO released its “Fair for Life” fair trade fair trade coffee, cocoa, tea and sugar program (see http://www.fairforlife.net) in IMO, the Institute for Marketecology, in household names. FLO headquarters 2006 as a more universally applicable Weinfelden, Switzerland (see http://www. in Bonn, Germany develops standards, fair trade alternative to the FLO system, imo.ch) is a well-respected organic and fair usually by agricultural commodity. Its and has since certified more than fifty fair trade certifier whose network operates in independent FLO-Cert affiliate inspects trade projects, usually including several ninety countries worldwide. IMO is known and certifies producers and processors participants along the supply chain of for the development of meaningful and in developing countries against FLO various commodities, such as coffee, fruits practical organic certification guidelines Comparing Approaches and Key Provisions of FLO and IMO Standards

continued on page 7

www.fairworldproject.org | Fall 2010 6 continued from page 6

Organic and fair trade inspection at an olive orchard in Palestine and vegetable oils, as well as downstream companies in the North without holding workers. IMO’s approach in this regard is consumer products and companies. them accountable to fair trade principles. more efficient and better reflects reality.

IMO’s Fair for Life audits the fair trade Several key differences between the Both the FLO and IMO standards are performance and commitment at all programs stand out. First, there is great currently undergoing revision following relevant steps in the value chain, from value in the traditional fair trade model extensive public input. Their provisions the producer groups on the ground to the of smallholder farmer co-ops, and FLO’s are becoming more compatible and ultimate fair trade brands in the West, thus stakeholders and standards have focused harmonized, notably through increased certifying an entire product chain. historically on the self-organization of flexibility in contract production and price smallholder farmers and the protection Second, FLO still relies on a time- setting in FLO’s program. In fact, FLO of plantation workers. However, the FLO consuming process of setting global or recently adopted a quick entry system system has overlooked mission-based regional minimum prices for individual for new crops and projects that may fall companies and commerce-minded crops. This approach was driven by globally- under existing FLO product standards: NGOs who cooperate with individual traded commodities, such as coffee, that the project can simply set the price at farmers or informal farmer groups in experience periodic global oversupplies market price plus a fair trade premium establishing fair trade projects to buy and price crashes. Yet, the process and work out their own floor pricing, and/or process agricultural raw materials involves much research and stakeholder where FLO subsequently reviews, like the and to catalyze agricultural and social consultation within FLO and holds up the IMO approach, local market conditions development around a project. Such adoption of standards for new crops and to confirm they are fair. This suggests that organizations generally provide needed products, thus slowing down expansion we are moving, as happened with organic markets and sustainability for a project. of the universe of fair trade certifiable agriculture and standards, towards more commodities. In contrast, IMO’s Fair for Life harmonized fair trade standards, as real- IMO’s Fair for Life recognizes the value of program takes a holistic local approach to world experience and lessons of what does such organizations who provide markets, a given producer project that, unlike FLO, is and doesn’t serve producers filter back to financing of agricultural and processing flexible in dealing with any mix of products these two excellent fair trade organizations. operations, capital equipment and and commodities produced. However, like Ultimately, with enough certification infrastructure, education and community FLO, IMO stipulates that prices paid to experience and standards settling on development in agricultural areas, and producers at a minimum cover the costs of the same best practices, we should see empowerment and development of production and provide a reasonable profit convergence on a single enforceable producers’ organizations and audits to farmers and processors. IMO includes a standard for fair trade, much as happened of their performance. In effect, FLO cost, price and wage review of a specific with the USDA National Organic Program certifies only producer groups and project in its local context in their annual for organics. This goal is the best way to primary processors against fair trade inspections, conducting extensive interviews ensure consumers that the products they criteria, while downstream just audits the with farmers, farm workers and factory buy are truly fair trade. n fair trade material flow of key handling

Fair World Project | Fall 2010 7 Fair Trade Sprouting Hope in Palestine By Vivien Sansour “My work in olive oil has introduced me to so many people from around the world, and I have learned new things. For example, before a man from Germany visited me, I did not know that growing potatoes close to my olive trees is not a good idea. Now I know a new fact, and with each visitor I have a new idea.” Looking at his daughters as he speaks, Abu Saleh says, “There is a difference between an awake person and a person who is closed. An awake person can learn from other people and other cultures, and Canaan Fair Trade is certified by IMO’s Fair for Life and FLO/TransFair USA he can live in dignity because he can work here is nothing better than a cup of black metric tons of olive oil per year at a value of and survive.” But Abu Saleh’s appreciation Ttea brewed with Palestinian wild sage for $4 million per year, hope for a viable local for openness and cultural exchange does an afternoon break! Sipping tea with Abu Palestinian economy is sprouting. not stop at the thrill of receiving guests. He Saleh under the shade of his olive tree, one Canaan Fair Trade’s notable success in hopes that one day he can visit others around can understand in a deep way what it means specialty food stores, local co-ops and the world the same way people freely come to be a fair trade farmer and the significance organic shops (such as Whole Foods) has to visit him, because he recognizes that there of being a mindful consumer. A member of also had a tremendous cross-cultural impact, are so many people like him around the the Palestine Fair Trade Association (PFTA), since for Palestinian farmers the fair trade world who are left unknown. He continues, Abu Saleh is one of over 1,000 farmers movement has given them more than just “Before we started selling our olive oil, I felt who produce organic certified olive oil for the obvious financial gains. At the same that the outside world used to think Palestine Canaan Fair Trade. His co-op in the village time that Canaan Fair Trade has doubled is a land without a people, but now when of Al ‘Araqa is one of forty-nine co-ops the price of their olive oil, changing the lives they eat my oil they know that we are here.” which comprise the PFTA and work closely of over a thousand families, it has also built with Canaan Fair Trade to find markets for Even as global events and political realities new bridges between different communities their products. Through this partnership are creating false separations between that have been separated by political conflicts between socially responsible organic olive people, the fair trade and green movements and cultural stereotypes. As members of the growers and a socially responsible business are bringing people back together by global green movement, Palestinian farmers represented in Canaan Fair Trade highlighting the importance of our (and downstream partners in Europe “With the situation being so hard, I environment in preserving our humanity and our connectedness as citizens of one and the U.S.), as well as a strong base almost lost hope in ever being able to of conscientious consumers, farmers planet. This is why, in a consumer-focused like Abu Saleh are finding hope in market my olive oil.” world, which particular bottle of olive oil, the midst of harsh economic and cup of coffee or beauty product you buy are finding their place again in the world, not political realities. Um Hamza is a Canaan makes a world of difference, not only in the as “unknown” and marginalized people but Fair Trade producer and a single mother who lives of the producers, but also in the bigger as active members of a worldwide network struggled financially. She says that “with the scheme of things where the choice to buy of sustainable development practitioners situation being so hard, I almost lost hope fair trade becomes a decision to learn about that is building relationships between people in ever being able to market my olive oil. someone else somewhere else whom you working towards an environmentally sound, When Canaan Fair Trade approached me, I may have never thought of before. economically viable and socially just world. asked my brother to help me buy more land, Fair Trade in Palestine in particular has had an People like Abu Saleh may not be world and I planted two acres of olive trees. Now immense impact on how people view the West. travelers, but their work in the fair trade I feel at ease, and I know that every year While most Palestinians are restricted from movement and in their lands has given someone will come and buy all my crops, traveling, their spirits have reached beyond them wisdom to teach us. In the words of and that gives me so much emotional and their olive groves into esteemed grocery stores Abu Saleh, “We make the world beautiful economic stability.” across Europe and the United States and or ugly depending on how we treat each The role that companies like Dr. Bronner’s through people who come to visit them. other and the land we live in.” n Magic Soaps play in the lives of people like This is why Abu Saleh is energized by the Um Hamza and Abu Saleh is not a small increased local awareness of organic one. As Canaan Fair Trade’s largest single farming and is happy that internationals’ buyer, Dr. Bronner’s sources more than 95% interest in Palestinian olive oil, and most of their olive oil from Palestinian fair trade importantly the Palestinian farmer, is feeding farmers through Canaan Fair Trade. With Canaan Fair Trade is certified by IMO “Fair for his natural tendency to be an open person. Life” and Transfair USA, and is a member of the Canaan Fair Trade’s exports averaging 400 Fair Trade Federation.

www.fairworldproject.org | Fall 2010 8 Creating Sustainable Livelihoods in the Indian Himalayas By Rashmi Bharti vani is a voluntary organization that Ahas been working in the Kumaon region of the Indian Himalayas for the past thirteen years. Avani began its journey as the Kumaon chapter of the Barefoot College, Tilonia, Rajasthan in 1997 and was registered as Avani in 1999. The work of Avani has focused on the creation of livelihood opportunities through preservation of traditional craft, dissemination of appropriate technology and farm- based activities. The context of our work is the fragile Himalayan eco-system, unstable mountain ranges and the inaccessibility Preservation of traditional craft The textile business has now been of villages from roads, which therefore • Hand-spinning handed over to a collective of artisans are out of reach of most government that has been registered as the Kumaon • Hand-weaving schemes. Our focus is on impoverished Earthcraft Self-Reliant Cooperative. • Natural dyeing rural youth migrating in search of This cooperative has taken over the livelihoods to the plains. • Knitting entire business. The enterprise supports • Kumkum-making* between 400 to 500 artisans, allowing The participation of the community, spinners to earn a supplementary respect for traditional knowledge, Dissemination of appropriate income and providing an alternative conservation and fair trade practices technology livelihood to weavers. The collection have been the cornerstones of our • Solar energy (both thermal and and cultivation of dye materials has work. Our main purpose has been photovoltaics) led to the protection and planting of to create a choice for rural youth for • Rainwater harvesting traditional trees which previously had local employment that allows them to • Wastewater recycling no economic value. live in their homesteads rather than migrate to the plains for very meager • Pine needle gasification Our philosophy of work has been to incomes. create self-reliance through creativity Farm-based activities and honest effort. We believe that any Presently, the entire team at Avani is • Cultivation of wild silks from income-generating activity can only comprised of local people who have eri, muga and oak tussar be successful if it can generate income grown with the organization and now • Collection and cultivation on its own and does not continue to handle core responsibilities within it. of natural dye materials; rely on outside inputs for long periods During the course of our work over extraction of dye pigments of time. Of course, it is essential to the past thirteen years, we have taken have support initially when setting care to invest in training local human Women’s and Children’s Health up an activity in a remote rural area resources who have had the initiative During the course of our work, we where there is no infrastructure and and the desire to learn with or without have facilitated the setting up of two one is rediscovering the wheel at every formal degrees. rural enterprises stage. But as time progresses, we need Avani works in ninety villages and • Hand-made naturally-dyed to build in systems that ensure efficient hamlets, offering different programs silk and wool textiles that address issues related to rural life. • Manufacture of Solar * Kumkum is a traditional recipe made in the hills with turmeric Most of these villages are located from Equipment (lanterns, water where the fermentation process turns it red, and it is used thirty minutes to three hours (walking) heaters, driers, etc.) in religious ceremonies as a red mark on the forehead. This traditional product has been replaced by chemical powder that from the nearest road. Some of our Both businesses are now self-reliant. uses mercury and is carcinogenic. We are reintroducing organic areas of intervention include: Kumkum into the marketplace. continued on page 11

Fair World Project | Fall 2010 9 continued from page 9

functioning of the enterprise. We also opportunities for employment can be nearest Avani center to do their work. need to invest a lot in team building created locally. This has led to the This system fulfills our first condition and training of rural youth who have donation of land by local residents of not displacing artisans from their stakes in the area and will strengthen in four of our villages for the homesteads, but rather allowing the foundation of a rural enterprise. establishment of village centers that them to bring work to their homes. house the looms and also coordinate It definitely increases our production At Avani, we have also endeavored to all the other programs in nearby costs, but it also increases the artisans’ take into account the environmental villages. These centers have become quality of life – which, for us, is the impact of the introduction of any the hub of activity in those villages, bottom line. small scale industry in a rural area. and we are slowly strengthening There are issues of energy, water Our aim has been to contribute to the ownership of the artisans in this and soil that will impact the area the Himalayas that we love and to business. Ninety-eight percent of for a long time if the first step is not leave the Earth a little more beautiful the participants in this enterprise are conscious. We use only clean energy than we found it. In fact, Avani means women. The program now stands (solar or pine needle gasification) in “the Earth” in Sanskrit. n largely on its own and only needs the production and processing of our support for expansion or capital textiles. We harvest rainwater that is investments. All the operating costs used for natural dyeing and other of the enterprise are sustained by the activities and is then recycled for enterprise. Wages are determined in irrigation. We use only natural dyes consultation with the artisans and are that do not adversely affect the soil. revised every few years. The spinners The sustainability of the enterprise and knitters work from home, while has seen a reestablishment of the only the weavers need to go to the rural youth’s faith in the fact that

Fair World Project | Fall 2010 11 Reviving Social Justice in Sustainable and Organic Agriculture By Elizabeth Henderson Northeast Organic Farming Association Representative on the Agricultural Justice Project Steering Committee

f you can remember back to the early leaving out the social component, principles that can be found in our Idays of organic agriculture in the they responded that it was “not in our program manual to this day: 1970s, you may recall its history as a purview.” • To encourage non-exploitive movement with a holistic approach to This departure from the original treatment of farm workers land and livelihood. The farmers who principles of organic agriculture • To create conditions for were attracted to organic practices and inspired the creation of what evolved livestock that ensure them a their loyal customers agreed that decent into the Agricultural Justice Project (AJP). life free of undue stress, pain prices, fair treatment of workers and Michael Sligh of Rural Advancement and/or suffering animals and care for Mother Earth all Foundation International (RAFI-USA), went together. Organic food enthusiasts • To maximize farmers’ Richard Mandelbaum of the Farmworker were willing to pay a small premium for monetary returns and Support Committee (CATA), Marty Mesh organic products to sustain the farms satisfaction from their work of Florida Organic Growers (FOG) and economically. They understood that • To maintain the land in a I decided to “go beyond” the NOP the prices had to cover the true costs of healthy condition for future definition of organic as a marketing label production, and they trusted their farmers generations and develop standards for the fair and to charge fair prices. That all started just treatment of the people who work The early versions of the principles of to change as larger entities became in organic and sustainable agriculture. the International Federation of Organic involved and organic products began As a small-scale organic farmer, I feel Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), whose to enter the mainstream marketplace. strongly that it is not enough to treat standards formed the basis for most of The initial family-scale farms and earthworms with respect. For our farms the organic standards around the world, small, independent processors faced to thrive, we need prices that cover our included these comprehensive statements overwhelming competition from an costs of production, including living on social justice (from IFOAM Basic “organic industry” and large-scale wages for ourselves and everyone who Standards list of Principle Aims): farms that converted to organic purely works on our farms, plus a surplus to as a marketing decision. The “American • To allow everyone involved invest in the farm’s future. We need to Organic Standards” developed by the in organic and sustainable make agricultural work a respected Organic Trade Association (OTA) did production and processing career with appropriate benefits. not touch pricing or labor issues, and a quality of life that meets then the Organic Foods Production The social justice thrust of AJP has their basic needs and allows Act of 1990, which established the deep roots in the movement for organic an adequate return and National Organic Program (NOP) agriculture. Sometime in the 1980s, the satisfaction from their work, under the USDA, followed suit. When Northeast Organic Farming Association including a safe working commentators criticized the NOP for (NOFA) endorsed the following environment continued on page 13

www.fairworldproject.org | Fall 2010 12 continued from page 12

• To progress toward an entire to spend a little more money to support our standards.

production, processing and family farms in developing countries, has In response to the rapidly growing distribution chain that is both provided an encouraging model. The market for socially responsible goods, socially just and ecologically AJP standards were developed over four the AJP steering committee joined with responsible. years of meetings with workers, small- others to found the Domestic Fair Trade scale farmers, fair trade companies The most recent version of IFOAM’s Association (DFTA) in 2007. The purpose and organizations, indigenous peoples, Principle of Fairness is even more explicit: of the DFTA is to organize food system consumers and organic certifiers. stakeholders around the issue of justice “Organic agriculture should build on Hundreds of people from over sixty in North America. It is a collaboration relationships that ensure fairness with countries participated. The standards between farmers, farmworkers, food regard to the common environment address the following issues: retailers, processors and distributors, and life opportunities. Fairness is • farmer and all food system non-profits and civil society organizations characterized by equity, respect, justice workers’ rights to freedom to bring the principles of international fair and stewardship of the shared world, of association and collective trade to bear on the challenges of local both among people and in their bargaining and regional food production at home. relations to other living beings. • fair wages and benefits for The urgency of reuniting the principles This principle emphasizes that those workers of fairness and organic is underlined in involved in organic agriculture should • fair and equitable contracts for the concluding report of the National conduct human relationships in a manner farmers and buyers Organic Action Plan, “From the Margins that ensures fairness at all levels and to to the Mainstream – Advancing Organic all parties – farmers, workers, processors, • fair pricing for farmers Agriculture in the U.S.” (January, 2010). distributors, traders and consumers. • clear conflict resolution policies for farmers, workers and buyers As Lynn Coody summarized in The Organic agriculture should provide Organic Standard June, 2010 issue: • the rights of indigenous peoples everyone involved with a good quality of “At their beginning, organic regulations life and contribute to food sovereignty and • workplace health and safety set a high bar for advancing cultural reduction of poverty. It aims to produce • farmworker housing and social values in agricultural a sufficient supply of good quality food • high quality training for farm production. It is proposed that and other products. This principle insists interns and apprentices this foundation be restored by re- that animals should be provided with • the rights and protection of dedicating organic practice to an the conditions and opportunities of life children on farms ethical food and agriculture system that that accord with their physiology, natural honors the values of fairness and basic behavior and well-being. In August of 2010, AJP posted a rights. Fairness includes fair trade, fair revised and expanded version of these Natural and environmental resources pricing (and contracts), fair access to standards on our Web site (see http:// that are used for production and land (and credit) and fair access to www.agriculturaljusticeproject.org). Four consumption should be managed in quality, organic food and seeds. These a way that is socially and “As a small-scale organic farmer, I feel basic rights also encompass the rights of all people to ecologically just and should strongly that it is not enough to treat be held in trust for future follow their own cultural generations. Fairness requires earthworms with respect.” and traditional knowledge systems of production, distribution and systems and the rights of farmers and years of pilot projects, where we tested trade that are open and equitable and farmworkers to have an empowered the draft standards against the reality account for real environmental and voice in the continued improvement of actual farms and food businesses, social costs.” (IFOAM Principles 2005) of an ethical food system. This should followed by two years of experience apply directly to both domestic and with social justice certifying, shaped the Bringing Fair Trade Home foreign agricultural policies with the revisions. During this time, AJP has also Since 1999, AJP has been at work recognition of organic agriculture’s developed the policies that will govern elaborating upon these principles. The contributions to local food security and our program, training modules for success of international fair trade, with the the alleviation of hunger both nationally certifiers and auditors and materials to steady climb in numbers of people willing and internationally.” (p. 7) n help farms and businesses comply with

Fair World Project | Fall 2010 13 Manuel Guzmán on Farmworkers and Fair Trade Interviewed and translated by Richard Mandelbaum, CATA osé Manuel Guzmán is a Lead from the consumer to the farmer to the JOrganizer with el Comité de worker, even to the people selling the Apoyo a los Trabajadores Agrícolas product. Related to what I was saying (CATA). Mr. Guzmán is a former earlier about the pesticides and other agricultural worker from Moroleon, chemicals used in the workplace, Guanajuato, Mexico, who worked everyone has a stake in improving that as a mushroom harvester in Kennett situation. By protecting workers, we are Square, Pennsylvania beginning in also producing healthier food, organic 1978 and was one of the leaders in food that benefits those who buy it and the Kaolin Mushroom Worker Strike in eat it as well. From what I have seen April of 1993. Trained in the Popular [at AJP], the farmers and organizations Education technique, he was hired by involved have a real vision to be CATA in 1994 as an organizer and leaders – to improve things not only educator. Mr. Guzmán was trained for themselves but for everyone, and to by the Farmworker Health and Safety Manuel Guzmán of CATA conducts an interview resolve disagreements in a respectful Institute (FHSI) as a Pesticide Educator, with a worker on Keewaydin Farms during a 2009 way, knowing that 100% of problems will Handler Educator and Master Trainer for AJP inspection never be solved, but that we can work Pesticide Educators. He is certified by the demanding – it is very heavy work that together to improve things. For instance, New Jersey Department of Health and results in many health and safety problems, recognizing and respecting workers Senior Services as an HIV Counselor and both in the work and in the housing. In the who have been there for a longer time currently sits on the Board of Directors mushroom houses, workers have to climb (seniority), rather than replacing workers of Camden Regional Legal Services in up and down ladders all day. To reach as they get older and maybe a bit New Jersey. He also represents CATA the second floor of mushroom beds, slower. on the New Jersey Anti-Poverty Network workers walk along wooden planks which and was recently named to the Board are often slippery and not nailed down Richard: How do fair wages play into this? of Directors of FHSI. As an organizer, and sometimes in poor condition. Injuries Manuel: Like I said earlier, the work is Mr. Guzmán has educated thousands from falling are common. Employers also too demanding and becomes unhealthy. of farmworkers on environmental health do not always inform workers about what Because farmworkers are not earning a issues and their rights. chemicals are being sprayed or when, decent pay, they push themselves harder both at the worksite and in the housing. than they should just to make enough Richard: What is your experience with fair Speaking of the housing, there are also to survive. On most farms, workers trade? often serious problems with overcrowding are only receiving minimum wage and Manuel: CATA is one of the partners in and poor conditions. So I am familiar without any benefits. For instance, in the the Agricultural Justice Project (AJP), an with the problems people are facing, mushroom farms, as well as other types effort to bring fair trade to the United and for CATA I assess the working and of farms, a lot of people suffer from back States. I have gotten involved in the last living conditions of farmworkers and also problems, even at a young age, because couple of years – in 2009 I interviewed train workers using the Popular Education of the need to be extending arms into the workers during audits on participating methodology to address the injustices mushroom beds and the speed at which farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin. I have they are facing. All this work translates to the companies require them to work. also participated in some meetings of the the work we are doing in our fair trade So, if, instead of this situation, people Domestic Fair Trade Association (DFTA) project – not only how do you assess what were earning a decent wage with some as a representative of CATA. And later this conditions people are working under, but benefits and had designated days of rest, year, I will begin to train organizers from also how do you empower them to play they would be in a much better situation. the Farmworker Association of Florida an active role in their relationships with Richard: Any last thoughts to share? in how to conduct audits and educate their employers? workers about their legal rights, also as Manuel: I see a lot of enthusiasm for part of AJP. Richard: How can fair trade help this – enthusiasm to advance ourselves, farmworkers? to move forward in a way that is more Richard: What in your background and Manuel: If it’s done right, fair trade can cooperative and that takes everyone experience do you bring to this work? be a real benefit to everyone involved into account. We need to work together Manuel: I worked for fourteen years in – the farmer, the worker, the consumer. to figure out ways to make the program the mushroom farms in Pennsylvania Everyone involved has to be committed grow. n and in some fruit orchards in Maryland. to the idea that everyone has rights – My experience is that this work is too

www.fairworldproject.org | Fall 2010 14 Our Co-op’s Journey to Domestic Fair Trade Certification By Jason Freeman, General Manager, Farmer Direct Co-operative Ltd. http://www.farmerdirect.coop

develop a supply chain that was not only certified organic but also certified fair trade and designed to incorporate additional standards as they came about. Thus, the fairDeal supply chain non-profit was born, to offer one seal for multiple standards, with the initial requirements for membership being both certified organic and certified fair trade. We still had a problem, though, as the fairDeal program needed a domestic fair trade standard to comply with. As it happened, we were not the only group who understood this disconnect. Photo Credit: fairDeal members Belva and Earl Perkin with pets at their farm house in Rouleau, Saskatchewan Others were determined to organize bout seven years ago, our co-op controlled farms*. Whereas it once was for the integrity of organics and the Awas confronted with the reality implicit that organics meant fair wages advancement of domestic fair trade. that organic grains were becoming and dignified working conditions for farm So, in December of 2004, a meeting commodified. Cheap organic imports workers on family farms, it now could was called between Organic Valley Co- were undercutting domestic relationships mean exploitative working conditions op, Equal Exchange, the Agricultural built over many years. Rumors on large plantations, similar to what is Justice Project (AJP) and Farmer Direct abounded of organic fraud relating found in conventional agriculture. Co-operative. This meeting led to the to these imports, but investigation and founding of the Domestic Fair Trade We felt, as a farmer-owned co-operative enforcement during the Bush years Association (DFTA), an organization that paid good prices to our members were lacking. The stark reality was that that has blossomed to over thirty who in turn paid fair wages to their farm an industry founded by mission-based members with representation from workers, that we needed to differentiate pioneers and ethical retailers was being each part of the supply chain, from our organic grains from mass-imported muscled or bought out by profit-driven farmers and farm workers to retailers organic grains. To do this, we decided to corporations and conventional food and food manufacturers (see http:// become certified to fair trade standards. retail chains, for whom a piece of paper www.dftassociation.org). And with The only problem was that there were (organic certificate) often superseded a it, the fairDeal program found its no fair trade standards for domestically long-term relationship. This was a large domestic fair trade standard in the grown crops, and there was no domestic problem for our co-op, as the brunt AJP. fair trade seal or market identifier. of this consolidation is usually born by The AJP, a collaboration between organic farmers in the form of lower prices. There was the added issue that farmers, farm workers and NGOs, came additional ethical and environmental However, there was a huge disconnect. together in 1999. They recognized that standards were being demanded by The core organic consumer, whose organic certification did not address core organic consumers, such as support built the organic industry, was the people, farmers or farm workers sustainable packaging, animal welfare becoming increasingly dissatisfied with who make organic agriculture a real and emissions standards. But this would the change in the industry and the alternative to conventional agribusiness. involve multiple seals on packaging, offerings provided by corporate organics. This represented a significant omission, and label fatigue could set in. To solve Whereas organics once meant raw since historically progress towards social this problem, could we not put these materials from domestic family farms, justice has been one of the basic principles additional ethical and environmental it now may mean, for example, raw of organic agriculture (see http://www. standards under one seal? In 2003, materials from Chinese government- agriculturaljusticeproject.org). our co-op set out with our partners to continued on page 16

Fair World Project | Fall 2010 15 continued from page 15

Photo Credit: fairDeal members Sarah and Dale Johnson with family in Photo Credit: fairDeal member Allan Yarskie with family in Lake Lenore, Kipling, Saskatchewan Saskatchewan For us, it was also significant that the was a catch. Our members, some combine third-party certification with AJP standard was developed by the of them organic farming since the peer review. In this way, our peers and very people it was meant to protect – 1970s (even before certification), fellow seal holders can root out the farmers and farm workers. The AJP was had learned hard lessons from their dishonest players instead of waiting for a genuine grassroots effort to improve organic experience. How are we going the certification bodies or government the lives of those working in agriculture. to maintain our differentiation when to act, which can take years. With Starting in the Summer of 2006, publicly-traded companies and other the additional requirement that all fairDeal undertook to become the first profit-first enterprises co-opt domestic members of fairDeal institute pay equity organization in North America to be fair trade once a market had been (based on highest/lowest salary ratio), certified to domestic fair trade standards. developed? With the incursion of Nestlé including their parent companies, The process was enlightening, as into fair trade chocolate, we knew that we are sure that we can maintain the although our farmers had excellent fair trade, domestic or otherwise, was integrity of the seal. Now we can begin informal relationships with their now on the corporate radar. Once co- to truly provide affordable food to the workers, the AJP standard required that opted, would domestic fair trade be people and fair compensation to all these relationships become formalized watered down, similar to organics, as who work in the agricultural supply through written contracts and policies. with the interpretation of the “pasture chain. n Additionally, the integrity of the audit rule?” Would we be at the mercy of and standard was excellent, with certification bodies to uphold the each farm worker being interviewed standards, even if it was not in their * Nebraska-based Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) had employees of a Chinese separately from the group, so that any short-term economic interest? Would state agency inspect the state-controlled farms, concern or violation could be discussed we have to wait ten years to reassert the which of course misses the whole point of organic in private with the auditor. After four spirit of domestic fair trade, as with the food inspection: independent certification. The USDA responded to the controversy by banning the years and three inspections, Farmer controversy in organics over the access OCIA from running any food inspections in China. Direct Co-op received our AJP social to pasture rule? We felt we needed to (see http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/06/usda- justice certification. learn from our organic experience to drops-ocia-organic-food-inspector-in-china and prevent this co-option from happening. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/14/business/ We were almost on our way, but there global/14organic.html) Our solution to this problem was to

www.fairworldproject.org | Fall 2010 16 Going Fair Trade – the Challenges of Setting Up Sustainable and Fair Supply Chains – and Getting Them Certified By David Bronner, President, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps

eing responsible to the people we crash below COP; ensure that working volumes we required. However, there Bwork with has always been a pillar conditions in processing operations are were no credible fair trade sources for of Dr. Bronner’s business philosophy. safe; follow rules set by the International our other main raw materials, so we In 2002, we decided to expand that Labor Organization regarding working decided to set up organic and fair trade philosophy to our supply chains and hours, gender equity and the right projects for coconut oil in post-tsunami determined to shift our major raw to collective organization; contribute Sri Lanka, for palm oil in Ghana and for materials to certified organic sources. a fair trade premium for community mint oil in India. By 2003, all our soaps were certified development, such as for medical Canaan Fair Trade was already a member under the USDA’s National Organic equipment, health clinics, school of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF), a Program (NOP), but over the next books, water sanitation – whatever the North American fair trade group that two years we realized that our supply local needs might be; and achieve the accepts only dedicated 100% fair trade chains were opaque to us: we bought participation of all stakeholders. organizations as members. However, FTF from intermediate brokers and did not We then searched for existing producer does not certify operations by conducting know whether the organic farmers, projects for our main raw materials “on the ground” inspections of farms and farm workers and factory workers in our that would meet these criteria. The fair factories; rather, like many membership supply chains received fair prices and trade movement had initially emerged organizations, it uses an audit process. wages, or whether child or exploited around coffee, cocoa and tea, major Having witnessed the lack of integrity labor made our organic oils. While the export commodities whose producers concerning professed organic claims on organic movement initially had social around the world routinely suffered from personal care products, we knew that criteria regarding pricing, wages and major price fluctuations and exploitative we needed to have credible third-party working conditions, those had been inspection and certification of Canaan completely dropped from the final Fair Trade and the other projects we NOP regulations. Inspired by fair trade intended to set up. brands such as Equal Exchange and Guayaki, in 2005 we decided to commit Thus, we met with TransFair USA, our company’s full financial and staff the U.S. arm of the international Fair resources to converting all major raw Labeling Organization (FLO), who materials and supply chains to certified had set product specific standards for fair trade status. These materials include several basic commodities. TransFair organic coconut, palm, olive and mint told us there were no FLO standards for oils, and they collectively constitute over the materials we needed. They therefore 95% by weight of our agricultural volume could not certify those materials, - everything except water and the alkali whatever the source, and suggested needed to saponify our soaps. In effect, that we ask FLO to set such standards. this switch would allow us to produce We visited FLO’s headquarters in Bonn, “fair trade” soaps. Germany and met with their standards group at the 2006 Biofach trade show. First, we researched the basic tenets of Photo Credit: Alix Audibert They liked our intentions but said they fair trade and resolved to follow them: trading practices. Only recently had the would not have standards in place for cut out intermediaries in the purchasing fair trade concept begun expanding our commodities for at least another chain and know the farmers and their into other commodities, and the only five years, so we should wait and talk communities from whom you are buying; fair trade supplier of the raw materials to them then. We soon realized that build long-term trading relationships; we required was the olive oil producer the key hurdle was FLO’s approach to make sure prices for crops and wages Canaan Fair Trade in Palestine. The setting global minimum prices for each are fair and paid promptly; help finance company had organized more than new commodity, which was a rather farm inputs such as organic compost; 1,000 small olive farmers in the West time-consuming process. set a floor price that guarantees to Bank into village groups in cooperation cover farmers’ cost of production (COP) with the Palestine Fair Trade Association We asked ourselves: what was wrong plus a fair profit should market prices (PFTA) – and was able to supply the with the fair trade movement and its main

continued on page 18

Fair World Project | Fall 2010 17 continued from page 17

organizations, on a case-by-case basis. youtube.com/watch?v=-A45lj4ydAs). Their approach to fair pricing was to Our sister project for palm oil in Ghana, ensure that a transparent, market-based under the auspices of our subsidiary price was negotiated in good faith Serendipalm, has taken longer to between parties, but with the requirement emerge. We converted about 250 that it had to cover, at a minimum, the smallholders in Ghana’s Eastern Region cost of production and a fair return. IMO to organic farming, and we process also paid much more attention to other their palm fruits in a small oil mill which parties in the supply chain, including the now employs 100 workers. The output main company/brand that sold a given currently meets Dr. Bronner’s demand, fair trade certified product. but, since fair and sustainable palm IMO released its “Fair for Life” program oil for use in natural foods is in high in 2006, and in 2007 Canaan Fair demand, we expect to grow the project Trade was one of the first groups certified in the years to come, providing jobs under the new program. A video portrait and attractive returns to farmers in an of the project can be seen on our Web area left behind by development. Also, Photo Credit: Sue Kastensen site (http://www.drbronner.com/olive_ in partnership with Earth Oil India, Dr. certifier, given that their rules prohibit oil_from_the_holyland.html). Since then, Bronner’s developed a mint project in certifying a project such as Canaan Fair Dr. Bronner’s has purchased almost all Uttar Pradesh, India to supply our mint Trade, which is fair trade in every sense of its olive oil from Canaan, more than oil needs and to meet the demand for of the word? In contrast, NOP organic 100 metric tons per year and growing. fair trade menthol by other companies. standards allow certification to proceed We pre-finance deliveries and support Finally, Dr. Bronner’s purchases without regard to who, where or what is Canaan in its expansion where we can, domestic fair trade hemp oil from the being certified – as long as organic rules as ultimately fair trade is about long-term Farmer Direct Co-operative in Canada, are met, chemical fertilizers and synthetic relationships and mutual benefit. as well as Fair for Life-certified avocado pesticides are not used and soil fertility is oil from Kenya. In the Spring of 2007, after organizing maintained naturally. Why was the same fair trade organic coconut farmers and There are other fair trade projects on not true for projects that meet all fair trade investing close to $2 million in setting our horizon. We are planning a project criteria? A fair trade project internalizes up a modern factory for virgin coconut for the collection of wild jojoba seeds by additional costs associated with ensuring oil, Dr. Bronner’s Sri Lankan subsidiary Seri Indians in the Sonoran desert. The production and operations are fair and Serendipol began operation as the Seri are not farmers, but IMO’s Fair Wild needs third-party certification to win world’s first major fair trade-certified program offers fair trade certification consumer trust. Fair trade certification producer of coconut oil. Serendipol of such non-farming projects, ensuring delayed is fair trade denied. now produces over 1,300 metric tons of that wild collection is also done in At the same show in Germany, we met with coconut oil for Dr. Bronner’s and 300 an ecologically-sustainable manner the respected Swiss organic certifier IMO metric tons for other companies, employs (see http://www.imo.ch/imo_services_ (Institute for Marketecology). IMO was close to 200 workers, administrative staff wildcollection_fairwild_en.html). founded by the late visionary Dr. Rainer and field officers, and buys from more So far, we have been very happy with Baechi, an early pioneer of organic and than 400 farmers. Serendipol supports our four-year partnership with IMO. socially responsible agriculture. IMO had its growers through education in organic They have proven to be an experienced helped FLO in developing several of their methods and the supply of compost and sincere certifier dedicated to fair trade standards, and many of IMO’s to improve productivity of their land. making global production and trade organic inspectors also inspected FLO- Compensation and working conditions of agricultural products fair and certified projects. IMO had realized the at Serendipol are far superior to sustainable. Unlike TransFair/FLO, they need for a fair trade certification system comparable operations in the area. Dr. combine rigor with consideration of that avoided FLO’s burdensome global Bronner’s contributions to the project’s the local setting. Their program allows price-setting mechanism commodity fair trade fund, over $250,000 in 2010 comprehensive certification of diverse by commodity. IMO instead addressed so far, are used for a range of projects projects and products as fair trade along local production scenarios directly, in health care, education and staff the entire value chain, which consumers considering their unique costs, product welfare. A 2009 video provides a good can trust. n mixes, cultural contexts and producer overview of the project (see http://www.

www.fairworldproject.org | Fall 2010 18