Frequently Asked Questions

• I work at a business in the US. How do I get certified?

  I work at a business in the US. How do I get certified?

  We would be happy to walk you through the process. Please fill out our Get Started form and someone will be in touch shortly.

• I am not ready to get certified, but I want to learn more.

  I am not ready to get certified, but I want to learn more.

  We recommend you start with our For Businesses and Get Certified pages. You can also stay up to date by following us on Linkedin or signing up for our newsletter.

• My business is outside of the US. How do I get certified?

  My business is outside of the US. How do I get certified?

  We focus specifically on businesses in the US and have offices in over 20 countries. We recommend that you connect with the Fairtrade office near you. You can find a full list on the Fairtrade International website.

• I am a producer/I run a farm. How do I get certified?

  I am a producer/I run a farm. How do I get certified?

  Fairtrade America focuses specifically on supporting businesses in the US, but you’re in luck! We are part of an international system of fair trade certification and licensing, so we know the people that can support your efforts. I recommend that you visit the Fairtrade International website, specifically the page for producers.

• Do you certify handicrafts?

  Do you certify handicrafts?

  We work with businesses in the US to comply with our rigorous standards that enable farmers and workers to get a better deal. We typically work with commodities that are mainly grown in the Global South—like coffee, cocoa and bananas.

  Unfortunately, we do not work with artisans and as such are unable to provide assistance regarding your specific needs. We suggest you contact our friends at the Fair Trade Federation, a different US organization that works with artisans.

• I am a content creator that cares about ethical and sustainably sourced goods. Do you collaborate with folks like me?

  I am a content creator that cares about ethical and sustainably sourced goods. Do you collaborate with folks like me?

  We do! You can find some helpful tools in our media kit to share with your followers. If you are interested in deeper collaboration, please reach out to our Sr. Manager of Marketing & Campaigns, Pete Tantisunthorn, to learn more.

• I am a member of the press. How can I learn more?

  I am a member of the press. How can I learn more?

  Thank you for your interest in Fairtrade. We recommend you check out our For Media section. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our press team at press@fairtradeamerica.org or 202.930.4349

• I want to spread the word about fair trade in my community. Do you have resources?

  I want to spread the word about fair trade in my community. Do you have resources?

  Thank you for your commitment to fair trade! We would be happy to help you if we have the resources and capacity to do so. Email us at questions@fairtradeamerica.org with the size and details of your event.

• I am a teacher and I want to teach my class about fair trade. Do you have resources?

  I am a teacher and I want to teach my class about fair trade. Do you have resources?

  You inspire us! Check out these learning tools developed our colleagues in the UK. If you need one-pagers or other resources, please let us know at questions@fairtradeamerica.org.

• I am a student looking for research support. Can you help me?

  I am a student looking for research support. Can you help me?

  Due to the high volume of emails, we receive from students, unfortunately, we can’t respond to each individual email. But—we have plenty of resources to support your research and we will keep you in the loop as news around Fairtrade comes up!

  We recommend you start by watching the “What is Fairtrade?” video. Then learn more about how Fairtrade not only affects trade but also relates to other human rights issues like fighting poverty, pushing for gender equality, improving labor practices and fighting child labor.

  Connect with the people who grow our food—read stories or watch videos about individual farmers. If you are interested in learning more about our standards relating to a specific commodity (ie: coffee, cocoa, tea, cotton, produce)—check out the reports or standards sections of our website.

• How do I use my purchasing power to support farmers around the world?

  How do I use my purchasing power to support farmers around the world?

  Check out a full list of Fairtrade products available in the US and some tips on how to shop sustainably.

• Would you like to report a misuse of the Fairtrade Mark?

  Would you like to report a misuse of the Fairtrade Mark?

  Fairtrade’s approach relies on rigorous standards and responsiveness. For farmers, workers, consumers and businesses to continue to trust Fairtrade, we take allegations of misuse of our brand seriously. Learn how to report mark misuse.