Organic Processing Vo1.7 #5 - September/October 2010

As the fair trade network grows, it creates a ripple effect that helps build sustainable communities. In 2009, U.S. companies sourced Fair Trade Certified products from 325 farming cooperatives around the world, 25 percent more cooperatives than in 2008. As a result, farmers generated $45 million in additional income and fair trade premiums increased 25 percent to nearly $14 million.

This doesn’t even take into account the positive effects from many other corporate-sponsored programs that have been developed due to the awareness surrounding fair trade such as Frontier’s “Well Earth”

We’re responsible for everything but the glass.

From field to table, we
control every step of the
way to ensure
consistent
high quality
in our soy, corn, sunflower
and grain-based products.

We do it all: choose the seeds, insist on sustainable farming, and utilize natural processing methods and packaging.

It’s why we’re one of the nation’s leading organic and natural producers in everything from oils to snack foods to beverages. Our vertical integration offers the assurance you, and your consumers, deserve and expect.

For more on our seed-to-table traceability, visit www.sunopta.com/foods.

program and Whole Foods Markets’ “Whole Trade Guarantee.” Programs such as these have a foundation of fair trade values and are often combined with fair trade and organic certifications. The third-party certifications offer more credibility for consumers, while the corporate-sponsored programs help increase fair trade’s visibility. Today, there are

“I“In 2009, Fair Trade Certified products generated $45 mil-
lion in additional
income for farmers
in developing

even efforts to develop domestic fair trade. Some organic certifiers have developed programs that include fair trade requirements as well.

countries.”

Behind the Label

The black and white Fair Trade Certified label is backed by a transparent social auditing system and is currently the only fair trade label that has received the International Standards Organization’s (ISO) 65 accreditation. TransFair USA, a nonprofit organization, is just one piece of the fair trade puzzle worldwide as one of 24 member organizations that work under the Fairtrade Labeling Organization’s International (FLO) umbrella. Based in Bonn, Germany, FLO sets and monitors global fair trade standards with farming organizations throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America.