Around the world, many small-scale farmers and workers live on less than $2 a day. Fairtrade aims to break down the systems that trap farmers and workers in cycles of poverty and empower them to have more control over their lives and decide how to invest in their future. For the nearly 2 million farmers and workers who participate in Fairtrade and grow our food, Fairtrade stands for a fairer world through improved income stability; the opportunity to join forces with other producers; resources to improve yields; gender equality for all producers; as well as quality of life benefits, such as investment in their communities.

May is Fairtrade Month for Fairtrade Canada. The month-long campaign is dedicated to building awareness of Fairtrade’s mission, products, and partners by hosting events, featuring promotions, and celebrating community engagement.

Throughout the month, shoppers can participate in online giveaways, take advantage of retailer promotions and learn more about Fairtrade through resources including the campaign landing page and Instagram page @FairtradeCanada.

#ITSONLYFAIR

Fairness is a language without borders – something we innately understand from a young age. Being able to afford a decent living, being paid fairly for work done, having safe work conditions; these are some of the most basic human rights that everyone deserves; It’s only fair.

Everyone has a role to play in creating a fairer trade system. When we commit to buying products that are sustainably and ethically sourced, we recognize our position in a global community that is inter-reliant, and how doing our part is only fair; standing up for the global community is only fair; paying producers in the Global South equitable pay is only fair. We are proud to say we support Fairtrade because it’s only fair.

What is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade changes the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions, and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in the Global South. Fairtrade’s approach enables farmers and workers to have more control over their lives and decide how to invest in their future.

According to a 2021 study from GlobeScan, an independent research and strategy consultancy, eight in 10 Canadians who know the FAIRTRADE Mark (the certification label we see on product packages in stores) agree that by buying Fairtrade they feel part of a community standing up for fairness and justice*. The same study found 75% of Canadians who know the Mark believe that it is even more important to support Fairtrade in building a better economy for all, especially following the COVID pandemic.

As a leader in the global movement to make trade fair, Fairtrade supports and challenges businesses and governments to do better and connects people with the farmers and workers who produce their goods.

In short, Fairtrade puts people and planet first. As one of the most trusted ethical labels in the world, you can trust products with the FAIRTRADE Mark when making consumer choices.

Get involved during Fairtrade Month in Canada

Fairtrade Canada will be hosting Bananas, eh? Canada’s role in fixing the banana problem, a live panel event on Wednesday, May 25, at 12 p.m. ET. The event will include a discussion about the hidden cost of bananas, complications of the supply chain, and why Fairtrade is so important for banana farmers in the Global South. The panel will include Jennie Coleman, Owner and President of Equifruit; Eli Browne, Director of Corporate Sustainability at Sobeys Inc.; Edwin Melo Proaño, President of the Association of Small Producers El Guabo; and Silvia Campos, Fairtrade International Senior Advisor on Bananas. The panel will be facilitated by Fairtrade Canada’s CEO, Julie Francoeur. To register, click here.

Discover the fairness in organic. Read more about the four main principles here.

_{*GlobeScan Fairtrade Consumer Insights 2021 Canada Report}