Farmers and Farm Workers
​Small farmers and farm workers are at the heart of the FairTSA Fair Trade certification (map with producer operations) Most of the food we eat is produced on small farms. Estimates are that between 60 and 75% of the global food supply is produced on farms with 20 hectares (50 acres) or less.
Our relevance for large farms are working and living conditions of the farm workers and whenever possible, we include whole agricultural communities in our Fair Trade Community Development Projects so that the whole region may benefit.
We strongly believe that for a livable planet vibrant agricultural communities are essential. Migration from rural communities to megacities and even across borders has become one of the major problems humanity is facing. Creating opportunities in agricultural communities so their people can have a well deserved sense of pride in their work, that is our contribution to rural life worldwide.
Why FairTSA certification:
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Network of established certifiers for inspection & certification. Maybe your organic certifier already offers FairTSA certification! The combination of organic and FairTSA saves costs and effort.
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Certifier choices, even can change certifiers while remaining in the FairTSA program.
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If your certifier is currently not working with us, they can become part of our network.
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Support of long-term business relationships.
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We offer free Producer Webinars where we discuss the requirements for FairTSA certification, give applicants a brief overview of the Fair Trade marketplace, and answer questions specific to their operations. These webinars are regularly offered in both English and Spanish, and can be translated into French and Arabic.
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We support our certified producers in planning, organizing, documenting and evaluating their community development projects.
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Whenever possible we connect producers with buyers for FairTSA Fair Trade certified products. Also see the search function on our Products page.
Community Projects
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Community Projects and Capacity Building for small farmers and workers are a mandatory part of our Fair Trade program. In addition to a fair price, Fair Trade buyers contribute a Social Premium which is invested in Community Projects. We encourage projects that include the whole community so that everybody benefits. See our Projects page.
How to apply for FairTSA Fair Trade Certification:​
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Contact us or any of our Certification Partners:
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Aditi Organic Certifications
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Agreco GmbH
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Bioagricert srl Unipersonale
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Biocert International Pvt. Ltd.
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Bioinspecta Kontrol Sertifikasyon Ltd.
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CERES Certification GmbH
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Control Union
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ICERT for Development of Agriculture Systems
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Kiwa BCS Oeko Garantie GmbH
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Mayacert SA de CV
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Attend the mandatory FairTSA Webinar.
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Fill out the FairTSA application and pay the annual producer fee.
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FairTSA will confirm participation in the webinar, receipt of the application and the annual producer fee to the certifier.
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The certifier will send you their application form, cost estimate and information about the process.
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You will receive certification from the certifier and if you have Fair Trade buyers, you will connect with FairTSA office for reporting and community development processes.
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Social Responsibility Certification
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The FairTSA Social Responsibility Program is based on the applicable International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. It makes certain that workers are treated fairly and enjoy all applicable Social Security and Health Benefits. Certification requires a safe occupational environment and absence of child labor.
The program has two versions:
1. "Socially Responsible Processing" was designed for operations that manufacture textiles and other products. It was created for committed stakeholders who need an accessible, affordable way to comply with Social Responsibility Requirements.
2. The "Social Responsibility Program Food" is only applicable for operations that are certified organic. It covers the whole supply chain in the country of origin.
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The certification encompass the following main topics:
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All work must be voluntary
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Freedom of Assembly and Collective Bargaining
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Appropriate Wages
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Work Time Limits
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Non-discrimination
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Prohibition of child labor
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Occupational Health and Safety
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Full-time work wherever possible
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Social and Medical Benefits
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Labor Rights Management System
You can download a more in-depth description of the requirements here
GoCaps GmbH of Edling, Germany and CapsCanada of Tecumseh, ON, Canada are our first customers of Socially Responsible Processing program. Congratulations for achieving this ambitious goal for their capsules manufactured in South America.
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The Social Responsibility Certification does not qualify for Fair Trade Sales.