Whether it’s seeing the logo on packaging or hearing the term used in conversation with a friend or sales associate at a local store, Fair Trade is far more than just a label.

The certification is given to products or companies that show a higher level of dedication to environmental and community stewardship. The actual certification emerged in the 1980’s and has since grown to include a set of rigid requirements.

Certification begins with raw material producers, like farmers and ranchers, who are certified based on their fair labour standards, such as wage and working hours, their sustainable growing practices, and the way that they’re governed.

Producers of consumer goods are required to work primarily with certified raw material producers in order to achieve certification, and must meet additional qualifications that relate primarily to the terms by which they acquire their raw ingredients.

Producers at every level are routinely audited and inspected by a third party, resulting in a certification process you can trust to tell you that the products in your basket have been made fairly and with respect to both the earth and its people.

At present, Community is proud to offer Fairtrade certified products in ten categories: tea, coffee, cocoa, sugar and baking products, rice, spices, bananas, avocados, citrus fruits, berries and ground crops.  Prioritizing Fair Trade products is a way that Community Natural Foods makes a conscious choice for a better world. When you choose a Fair Trade Certified™ good you are making the choice to support responsible companies that make sure their workers and farmers get a fair pay for their work and can support their families. 

For more information on Fair Trade certification and standards, visit http://fairtrade.ca and look for certified products on our store shelves today!