Current challenges

Small-scale fresh fruit farmers often struggle to make a decent living. This financial instability poses significant hurdles for the industry.

• Limited resources and investment. Small-scale farmers frequently lack the funds to invest in sustainable farming methods, better equipment and improved productivity. This lack of resources hinders their ability to grow their operations and secure a stable income.
• Gender inequality. Women make up more than half of all fruit farmers and workers worldwide. Despite their significant contribution, they rarely get a fair share of the rewards and face considerable barriers in owning their own land or accessing credit. This disparity exacerbates the economic challenges within the industry.
• Climate change impact. Higher temperatures, droughts, floods, cyclones and hurricanes, along with crop diseases, soil depletion, and forest degradation, mean fruit growers are highly hit by climate change. 

Addressing these challenges is critical for fair and sustainable livelihoods for fruit farmers around the world.

WHY CHOOSE FAIRTRADE CERTIFIED FRESH FRUITS?

Fairtrade fresh fruits empower smallholder farmers in Asia by ensuring fair prices, better working conditions, and environmentally-friendly farming practices. Every piece of fruit you enjoy contributes to a system that values people, promotes sustainability, and strengthens communities.

• Fairtrade Minimum Price - Fairtrade fresh fruit farmers receive a minimum price which provides a safety net and helps them remain resilient in the face of market fluctuations. 
• Fairtrade Premium - Paid on top of the selling price, the Fairtrade Premium allows producers and workers to invest in business or community projects of their choice. This could include enhancements in healthcare services, better housing or environmental initiatives.
• Fairtrade Standards - Fairtrade standards cover health and safety, including the use of pesticides and protective equipment as well as guidelines for holidays, social security and contracts.
• Training and support - Fairtrade NAPP supports smallholder farmers by providing training and support on sustainable farming practices. This includes agroforestry, efficient water use, drought-resistant crop varieties and diversifying into climate-resilient income streams.
• Climate resilience - To achieve Fairtrade certification, fresh fruit farmers must enhance soil and water quality, manage pests responsibly, avoid harmful chemicals, manage waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity. Fairtrade provides the necessary skills, knowledge, training, and access to finance to enable growers to become more climate resilient.

Support Small Farmers. Choose Fairtrade Fresh Fruits.

By choosing Fairtrade fresh fruits, you are supporting ethical practices that protect farmers' livelihoods, ensure fair pay, and promote sustainability. Your purchase helps create a better future for farming communities across Asia.

For more information write to comms@fairtradenapp.org