What's Fair Trade? Win Fair Trade Goodies!

Learn the importance of Fair Trade and enter to win a Fair Trade gift basket of goodies at New Leaf’s Facebook page! New Leaf will pick two winners on June 2.

What is Fair Trade?
World Fair Trade Day falls on the 2nd Saturday of May each year and is an international celebration and promotion of Fair Trade. World Fair Trade Day is celebrated in six continents and is led by members of the World Fair Trade Organization from across the globe. Seminars, hunger banquets, fairs, concerts, educational conferences and other activities are held to support and celebrate Fair Trade.

What is Fair Trade Certification?
Fair Trade certification guarantees a fair price and fair working conditions for farmers and farm workers. Fair Trade allows growers and farm workers to meet production costs, feed their families, send their children to school, protect the environment, improve their communities and invest in the quality of their farms for the future. In addition, rigorous Fair Trade standards ensure that strict labor and environment guidelines are followed.

Why is Fair Trade Certification Important?
Fair Trade makes it easy for us to make a difference in the world through the purchases we make every day. Fair Trade producers and the people buying their products are the real drivers of the growth of Fair Trade. Without direct access to buyers willing to pay a fair price, small-scale farmers receive only a fraction of their harvest’s worth. Fair Trade certification helps small farmers gain access to markets, and ensures that they receive a reasonable price. Fair Trade price minimums vary by country and product, but are designed to cover the costs of sustainable production. Fair Trade certification also guarantees that in addition to covering their costs, farmers are paid a premium to invest in social and environmental improvements.

If it is Organic Does that Mean it's Fair Trade?
Not necessarily. While Fair Trade requires that a farmer use sustainable agriculture practices which protect workers and the environment, Fair Trade is primarily focused on fair prices, wages and working conditions. However, a lot of Fair Trade certified farms are also certified organic.

How Can You Participate in Fair Trade?
1.Shop at your favorite fair trade store – New Leaf Community Markets of course!New Leaf is located at 150 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay. Connect at: https://www.facebook.com/NewLeafHMB
2.Enjoy a mug of Fair Trade coffee or a fair trade snack.
3.Wear your favorite Fair Trade clothing and accessories.
4.Share a photo, article or resource on social media to help spread the word about Fair Trade. Check out New Leaf’s Facebook page and enter to win a Fair Trade gift basket of goodies!
5.Give a Fair Trade gift to someone special

Look for the Fair Trade label and make a positive difference.