Why FLO deals with Rice?

Many of the small-scale rice growers in FLO target countries have a low income per head. A lot of times the costs of production and cost of living are not covered. This leads to the situation, that farmers have only little or negative savings. Consequently only little investment in their farming system and processing facilities is possible. Inadequate financial resources and reduced productivity are resulting out of this situation, which lowers the annual income per head again.

The fair-trade price would guarantee the producers in Asia, Africa and Latin America a better deal, by paying a price, which covers the cost of living and cost of production. In addition to that a premium would be paid to allow the producers investment in their future. Improved productivity of their farming system and an improved socio-economic situation will make live better for the farmer and its family.