Fair Trade coffee, explained.

Coffee prices on the world market swing wildly, and the farmers at the bottom of the chain usually feel that swing hardest. Fair Trade certification exists to change that — here's what it actually guarantees, and where you can read more.

What certification guarantees

• A minimum floor price

  -farmers are paid at least a guaranteed baseline even if the world market price drops below it.

• A community premium

  -an extra sum paid on top of the price, which co-operatives vote to spend on things like schools, clean water or clinics.

• Environmental standards

  -restrictions on harmful pesticides and requirements around water use, soil health and biodiversity.

• Fairer bargaining power

  -ffarmers organised into co-operatives negotiate collectively instead of individually, and more of the final price stays with them.





You can read more about how the certification works and see which coffees carry it on the Coffee page of Fairtrade International's website.