Fairtrade is co-owned by farmers and workers, putting them at the heart of decision making and governance. They have representation at all levels of governance, including holding 50% of decision-making power in the Fairtrade General Assembly. Fairtrade’s grassroots campaign network is vital to its success and resilience in the UK, as well as to its authenticity as a brand.

Fairtrade’s values are about more than just fair pay. Thanks in part to the Fairtrade Premium, farmers and workers have set up impactful projects for their businesses and wider communities, often run in collaboration with commercial partners. This includes the Women’s School of Leadership in Côte d’Ivoire and a similar women’s empowerment programme in Ethiopia. Additionally, Fairtrade lobbies government, drives awareness with the public and advises and inputs into companies’ own ethical certification schemes.