Become Involved
Become a Supporter of Fair Trade Gems®
By seeking out Fair Trade products, you can ensure your purchases make life better for the workers whose labor brings you those products. Fair Trade businesses commit to fair wages, cooperative workplaces, consumer education, environmental sustainability, respect for cultural identity, and public accountability.
Our Fair Trade Gems program is part of a larger movement in many industries implementing ethical practices for employees and the environment. The ideas and principles behind Fair Trade have been gathering significant support among businesses and consumers, especially among Millennials. Coffee is the most widely available Fair Trade product, with over 100 roasters offering Fair Trade-certified coffee.
Global retail sales of Fairtrade products soared by 15% in 2013 to reach more than $7 billion dollars. Strongest growth markets include the USA, where sales of Fairtrade products rose to $320 million.
"This report demonstrates that Fair Trade businesses-companies that empower economically disadvantaged farmers and artisans, and respect the environment-are growing and thriving," says Chris O'Brien, Associate Director of the Fair Trade Federation.
Large corporations are taking notice. Procter & Gamble, the largest seller of coffee in the U.S., announced that it would introduce Fair Trade Certified™ coffee products through its specialty coffee division, Millstone. McDonald's in Europe, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts all now sell Fair Trade coffee.
A small change in your shopping decisions can make a big difference in people's lives.
Visit these web sites for more information about Fair Trade:
• Fair Trade Federation
• Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International
• Green America
• Oxfam International's Make Trade Fair Organization
• Fair Trade USA- Fair Trade certification for Coffee, Tea, Fruit, and Chocolate