Fairtrade International
Fairtrade International (formally, Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International eV) is a member-based initiative operating within the food and agriculture sector across 120 countries, coordinating Fairtrade labelling at the international level. The initiative operates business to consumer, setting minimum pricing and premium levels as part of its as part of its global strategy to reduce poverty for producers in developing countries.
FLO-CERT, a separate certification company, inspects producers and traders to ensure they comply with Fairtrade standards. Every 3 years, a full re-assessment for certification is conducted. Additionally, yearly surveillance audits and random field checks are performed by 3rd-party auditors. The initiative’s primary source of revenue is from membership fees and grants.ref
One of Fairtrade International’s tasks is to make the case for trade justice in debates on trade and development. Together with the World Fair Trade Organisation - Europe, and the European Fair Trade Association, the Fair Trade Advocacy Office in Brussels was set up.ref
Fairtrade benefits from an expanding global grassroots supporter base with strong networks of family, friends and work colleagues actively promoting Fairtrade.ref
Standards
Certification
FLOCERT has a free-to-use customer database which anyone can search for Fairtrade certified products and organisations.
Supply Chain: FLOCERT has set up Fairtrace, which "makes it easy for you to connect and collaborate with other Fairtrade certified companies and build trust and transparency throughout your supply chain. ref, ref Overview, System
Fairtrade Mark
The FAIRTRADE Marks are product labels primarily intended for use on product packaging. They are licensed by Fairtrade International and the national Fairtrade organizations (NFOs). All usage of the Marks require prior written approval from Fairtrade International, a national Fairtrade organization, or a Fairtrade marketing organization.
Fairtrade Sourcing Program Mark
The Sourcing Programs creates opportunities for cocoa, sugar and cotton farmers to sell more of their crops on Fairtrade terms, meaning more Fairtrade benefits for their farms and communities.
Partners
Advocacy
Fairtrade International works together with a number of organisations to amplify the voices of farmers and workers in key policy debates, supporting them to confront policies at the national, regional and global level that impede fair trade and sustainable business.ref
Fairtrade International is a founding member of the Global Living Wage Coalition, which advocates for the improvement of wage levels in certified supply chains.