FairTSA has developed its own community development support program and leverages certifiers’ networks, qualified indigenous personnel, and collaborating NGOs. This way we support producer communities in their efforts to create decent living conditions while empowering the local communities through the democratic process. In specific cases we can also facilitate an on-site Futuresearch Project Planning process, an innovative method to bring people of many walks of life together in a joint planning process for a common purpose.
     Support for Producers is integral to our work. Often, Fair Trade and Social Responsibility certifications leave especially small producers alone in trying to cope with requirements that are based on our Western, document-centered “standard and control” culture. When this Western culture meets people in a mostly oral or traditional culture, the results can clash, and
mutual misunderstandings are not uncommon. Therefore, we offer our producers support even before they sign up with us – from free seminars to the assignment of a Producer Relations Manager to help guide them through the process.  

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"Inclusive community development is our mission. It is through this requirement that the FairTSA team ensures that the funding associated with our work is both accountable and sustainable."

- Dr. Winfried Fuchshofen, Executive Director

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