Notes

Consumers
Fair Trade relationships provide the basis for connecting producers with consumers and for informing consumers of the need for social justice and the opportunities for change. Consumer support enables Fair Trade Organizations to be advocates and campaigners for wider reform of international trading rules, to achieve the ultimate goal of a just and equitable global trading system. Shoppers can buy products in line with their values and principles. They can choose from an ever-growing range of great products. By buying FAIRTRADE labeled products consumers support producers who are struggling to improve their lives.

Traders/companies
Since its launch in 2002, the FAIRTRADE Mark has become the most widely, recognized social and development label in the world. Fairtrade offers companies a credible way to ensure that their trade has a positive impact on the people at the end of the chain.

Producers
For producers Fairtrade is unique in offering four important benefits: (1) stable prices that cover the costs of sustainable production; (2) market access that enables buyers to trade with producers who would otherwise be excluded from the market; (3) partnership (producers are involved in decisions that affect their future) and (4) empowerment of farmers and workers (assistance for producer organizations to understand more about market conditions and trends and to develop knowledge, skills, and resources to exert more control and influence over their lives).

The costs of these standards can be quite high, meaning that although you have more chance of selling your product, the cost of maintaining standards can sometimes actually outweigh the amount made by selling your produce, therefore making Fairtrade detrimental to the livelihood of the Fairtrade farmers

Fair trade products are a good example. ... When commodity prices fall, they're still paid the guaranteed minimum price for their products, so they have a basic safety net against poverty.