How does Fairtrade help Farmers?

Fairtrade puts farmers first.  

Fairtrade supports farmers and workers through a unique pricing model, sets rigorous standards across the supply chain, and fosters strong producer communities through local and regional networks.  

There are over 470,000 Fairtrade cocoa farmers representing almost a quarter of all Fairtrade farmers and workers. Their lives are improved in many ways: 

• Decent livelihoods. Fairtrade’s living income strategy is pushing for a livelihood that covers cocoa farmers’ business costs and enough for basic human rights, such as nutritious food and education for their children. Fairtrade cocoa farmers have the buffer of the Fairtrade Minimum Price for what they grow, for when market prices drop. Farmers also receive the Fairtrade Premium, which they choose how to invest, for example, replacing old cocoa trees.  

• Protecting young people.  Fairtrade supports certified cocoa cooperatives in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana to strengthen prevention and remediation of child labor and forced labor.  

• Sourcing. Fairtrade works with key industry players so that they can source large volumes of sustainably produced cocoa. This means more benefits for farmers.  

• Gender equity. This recognizes that greater opportunities for women benefit everyone. Fairtrade Africa’s Women’s School of Leadership has helped young women become leaders in cocoa cooperatives, where management roles are typically held by men.  

• Stronger together. By supporting smallholder farmers to join together into cooperatives and associations, farmers can negotiate better terms of trade and reach more markets.  

• Climate resilience. Through specific programs and standards criteria, Fairtrade works with farmers to adapt to unpredictable weather patterns, mitigate environmental risks, and build a more resilient cocoa industry.