Fairtrade's latest updates mean stronger supply chains

For 30 years, Fairtrade has championed social justice and environmental sustainability through trade. As global trade evolves, Fairtrade Standards must do the same to support a fairer future for people and the planet.

Human rights and environmental due diligence are becoming the new global norm for responsible business. To support business partners and farmers alike and to promote fair due diligence strategies, Fairtrade has updated the certification standards for traders and hired labor organizations.

How are the standards evolving?

• New requirements to comply with regulations on due diligence, to commit to respecting and raising awareness about human and environmental rights, to assess risks in supply chains and to develop action plans and remediation procedures
   
• Increased collaboration between traders and producers, with an emphasis on supporting producers in tracking due diligence activities
   
• Stronger requirements on the management of environmental impact
   
• Tiered implications, based on organization size, for complying with due diligence requirements

Ultimately, these standards updates aim to strengthen supply chains and make responsible business practices the new normal.

Certification makes an environmental impact

Through efforts to secure more sustainable livelihoods for farmers and workers, Fairtrade certification also addresses pressing environmental risks like deforestation. When you’re sourcing ingredients through Fairtrade certified supply chains, you can be confident that the health of the planet is prioritized.

Take our latest updates to the standards for coffee and cocoa. We consulted with farmers, businesses and policy experts to update our rigorous standards. The changes strengthen anti-deforestation policies and incorporate new requirements to support both farmers and businesses in monitoring and protecting forested areas in their certified supply chains.

Want to learn more? Read more about how Fairtrade cocoa and Fairtrade coffee are protecting forests!

What we're reading:

• Combatting price pressures for growers: interview with Fairtrade's Amanda Archila + Anna Mann
• Third-party verification labels can guide sustainable shopping, if consumers know about them
• A history of coffee
• Three ways consumers are feeling the pinch

Upcoming opportunities to connect:

• May 14-16 — Sweets & Snacks in Indianapolis. We’ll be attending and would love to connect with you!
• May 29-30 — Future of Food USA in Minneapolis. Join us and other food and beverage industry leaders to discuss supply chain transformation for more resilient and regenerative food systems. Use our discount code [FAIRTRADE15] for 15% off your registration!