Product Certification
Fresh Produce Program
The Fair Trade Fresh Produce program began in 2004 with the launch of Fair Trade bananas, pineapples, grapes and mangos. Since the onset of the program, Fair Trade has helped produce farmers and family farmers participate in long-term, stable relationships that support a dependable living for farmers and their families, which in turn allows them to provide a reliable, Fair Trade product for the industry. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including fruit juices, fruit purees, and dried fruit and vegetables, are eligible for Fair Trade certification. The list includes, but is not limited to, bananas, mangos, oranges, pineapples, avocados, beans, bell peppers, peas and sweet potatoes. These products can be sourced from 152 farming organizations across Ecuador, Peru, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Colombia, South Africa, Haiti, Mexico and Chile. As of 2010 there are also 199 new applicants. Since launching the Fair Trade Certified banana program in 2004, over 100 million pounds of bananas have been imported and sold in the United States. The result is over $2.8 million dollars in community development funding for farmers and workers to reinvest in their communities and lives.
Featured Producer
EL CORTIJO
El Cortijo is a banana plantation located in the Urabá region of Colombia. It was founded in 1986 by six farm workers who took out a bank loan to purchase the land. The plantation has survived long periods of violence and political instability, especially during the 80's and 90's.
How Fair Trade Has Made a Difference
Bananeras El Cortijo has used some of its Fair Trade premiums to educate local ninth and tenth graders on ways to protect the environment.
Importers
How to Import Fair Trade Fresh Produce
- Sign a Fair Trade USA certification and licensing agreement.
- Purchase Fair Trade Certified produce from Fair Trade producer groups or exporters certified by FLO-Cert. Sell Fair Trade Certified produce to other Fair Trade registered traders and operators.
- Pay at least the Fair Trade minimum price and the designated Fair Trade premium to the certified cooperative--see the FLO Pricing Database at http://www.fairtrade.net/793.html
- Submit quarterly reports to Fair Trade USA on Fair Trade Certified imports and sales. Undergo, and comply with, regular desk audits and on-site audits.
- Contact TransFair USA-licensed importers.
- If you would like to source Fair Trade Certified produce through your current supplier who is not yet licensed, have your supplier contact Fair Trade USA to become licensed and begin sourcing Fair Trade Certified produce.
- Contact Fair Trade USA directly for assistance in sourcing and promoting Fair Trade Certified produce.
