Farmers and Farm Workers
​Small farmers and farm workers are at the heart of the FairTSA Fair Trade program (map with producer operations). More than half of the food we eat is produced on small farms. Estimates say that 60 to 75% of the global food supply is produced on farms with 20 hectares (50 acres) or less.
With larger farms we work on improving living conditions of the farm workers. We include whole agricultural communities in our Fair Trade Community Development Projects to benefit whole regions.
Vibrant agricultural communities are essential. Migration from rural communities to megacities and across borders tears apart communities and families and has become one of the major problems humanity is facing. We create opportunities in agricultural communities so people can be proud of their work. and actively engage in improving their lives.
Why FairTSA Certification:
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We have a worldwide network of established certifiers for inspection & certification. Check with your organic certifier, they may already offer FairTSA certification.
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The combination of organic and FairTSA certifications saves costs and effort.
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You can choose between different certification agencies. You may even change certifiers an remain in the FairTSA program.
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If your certifier is currently not working with us, let us know. They can become part of our network.
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FairTSA upports long-term business relationships.
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We offer free Producer Webinars to discuss the requirements for FairTSA certification. We give applicants a brief overview of the Fair Trade marketplace, and answer operation specific questions. These webinars are regularly offered in both English and Spanish, and they can be translated into French and Arabic.
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When you are ready to start a community development project, we support you in planning, organizing, documenting and evaluating.
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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.
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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.