What is FAIRTRADE?

FAIRTRADE is a trading agreement which guarantees a minimum price to farmers that reflects their production costs.

FAIRTRADE products are slightly more expensive than other products, but this makes a big difference to Third World Producers.

For example, in 2003, coffee prices averaged 65 cents for a pound of arabica. By contrast the Fairtrade price was $1.26.* The additional amount paid by consumers for Fairtrade coffee at the checkout really helps Third World Producers.

Source: *The Fairtrade Foundation: Highlights 2003, April 2004.