The Fairtrade Standards go through a detailed development process to ensure impact for farmers and workers, businesses and traders. This build confidence in the Fairtrade Mark.

1. © James Rodriguez

2. © Fairtrade 2012 How we set Fairtrade Standards & prices 2
Around the world, the Fairtrade Standards are
known for their rigorous nature and highly
credible development process.
These strong Standards translate
to strong consumer trust in the
FAIRTRADE Certification Mark
(9 in 10 consumers, according to
a 2011 Globescan survey).

3. © Fairtrade 2012 How we set Fairtrade Standards & prices 3
Fairtrade follows the ISEAL Code
of Good Practice for Standard
Setting, the global reference for
sustainability standards.
“ISEAL’s codes of good practice provide
a common and solid framework for
credible standards systems. We are
delighted that Fairtrade is in compliance
with the latest versions of our codes.”
Patrick Mallet, ISEAL’s Credibility
Director.
Read more at www.isealalliance.org/our-
work/codes-of-good-practice

4. © Fairtrade 2012 How we set Fairtrade Standards & prices
There are now
Fairtrade Standards
for over 300 raw
products, three
times more than in
2007
78 % of Fairtrade
prices and Premium
were revised in the
last three years.
4

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• Fairtrade Minimum Price: a price floor to protect
producers if market prices fall;
• Fairtrade Premium: additional funds above the
purchase price to invest in community needs or
businesses;
• Democratic decision-making at the producer level;
• Long-term, stable contracts with buyers;
• Protection of the environment;
• Adherence to core International Labour
Organization conventions.
How we set Fairtrade Standards & prices 5
The key components of Fairtrade Standards are:

6. © Fairtrade 2012 How we set Fairtrade Standards & prices 6
We consult both
producers and
business
partners to
regularly review
our standards
and prices.
Our participatory
approach makes
the Fairtrade
Standards
unique.

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The Standard-
Setting Process
How we set Fairtrade Standards & prices 7
We go through seven different stages involving
producers, businesses and partners at every step:

8. © Fairtrade 2012 How we set Fairtrade Standards & prices 8
• Anyone can request a review, a new standard
or a new price.
• We assess the request according to capacity
and the priorities we’ve agreed on with our
stakeholders.
• Want to send a request? Fill out the form at
www.fairtrade.net/setting-the-standards.html

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• A project assignment provides details on
project start and end, project objectives and
the contact person
• You can find all current project assignments
www.fairtrade.net/standards-work-in-
progress.html

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• We put a lot of time and effort into ensuring the
Standards we set meet the needs of all people
involved.
• Research includes: analysing the supply chain,
talking to key producers and traders as well as
research institutes to gather enough info and
data to present informed options for
consultation
• Depending on the size of the projects, this can
take from 2 weeks to 6 months!

11. © Fairtrade 2012 How we set Fairtrade Standards & prices 11
• We consult both producers and business
partners to review our standards and prices.
• Consultation is normally open for 60 days, giving
plenty of time for people to respond.
• We often hold workshops locally with producers
to ensure we get their input.
• All consultation documents are available online
and open for anyone to take part here
www.fairtrade.net/standards-work-in-
progress.html

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Around 2500
stakeholders
were consulted
in 2011

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• The Standards Committee makes the final
decision on new standards and prices.
• Producers, traders, national Fairtrade
organizations and external experts are all
represented.
• The SC strives for consensus, seeking the
best possible deal for producers & traders
– not always easy!
• Minutes are available online at
www.fairtrade.net/setting-the-
standards.html
Approval of Standards

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• All Fairtrade Standards are published on our
website at www.fairtrade.net/standards.html
• Translations in other languages are available.

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• The Standards Unit trains Fairtrade staff and
members worldwide, using a “train the trainer”
approach
• We also put explanatory documents and fact
sheets on our website for major changes or
announcements.

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Launch of the New
Standards
Framework:
Standards Unit
trained the trainers,
Fairtrade Liaison
Officers then trained
producers in all
regions.

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How often are
standards
reviewed?
How we set Fairtrade Standards & prices 17
We are committed to constant improvement.
• Regular monitoring year round (for minor
corrections).
• Full review at least every 5 years.

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