Who’s behind it: US Department of Agriculture
Why it’s legit: It has among the most rigorous and
comprehensive standards as far as how a food is grown.
In short, these standards can support ecosystems and
farmworkers’ health (though not necessarily their wages)
because the farming practices are less intensive than
conventional methods.
FAIRTRADE, FAIR FOR LIFE, AND FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED
What it means:
good, safe working conditions on farms,
prevents discrimination and harassment,
prohibits forced labor and child labor, and
a price premium is often fed into a fund for local projects.
Bananas are a common item I’d encourage you to buy fair
trade certified.
What it doesn’t mean: That workers are earning a livable wage.
The three certifications ensure payment of minimum wage,
but at the time you purchase a product, a manufacturer may
only be gradually upping the pay of its workers. This means
their livelihoods may not yet be as secure as you might
imagine, depending on the cost of living in their area. For
assurance of the highest pay, Consumer Reports considers
Fair for Life to have the strongest policy of the three.
76 how to be a Conscious Eater