1 December, 2010

Fairtrade is one of the most producer-focussed certification schemes, beating the likes of Rainforest Alliance and UTZ CERTIFIED.

That’s according to a study by Belgian consumer group Netwerk Bewust Verbruiken (NBV), which says Fairtrade stands out for its people approach, giving farmers greater leverage in negotiations and involvement in the trade process, allowing them to improve their lives and take control of their futures.

It also praises the economic benefits of Fairtrade, which is the only label to provide a minimum price to cover the average costs of sustainable production. There is also the Fairtrade Premium – a sum of money paid on top of the agreed price, which producers can then invest in social, environmental or economic projects.

Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and UTZ CERTIFIED all meet the strictest inspection, traceability and transparency standards for sustainably-produced coffee, the NBV report added.