Fair trade is a simple idea that improves the living and working conditions of small farmers and workers. The fair trade movement promotes standards of fair working conditions, fair prices, direct trade, environmentalism, social policy and community development. Companies wishing to adopt fair trade practices must purchase certification licenses, which then leads to the Fair Trade Labeling Organization (FLO) sending representatives to the farms from which the products are purchased and ensuring that the farmers adhere to the procedures described in fair trade standards. . Products marked with the Fair Trade label contain 100% Fair Trade certified content. By purchasing Fair Trade certified products, consumers help farmers escape poverty by investing in their farms/communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills needed to trade. The practice of fair trade is a good way not only to raise awareness, but also to improve the lives of workers. Two common Fair Trade certified products are cocoa and coffee, each of which contains issues that producers face but benefit from Fair Trade. . Fairtrade International says cocoa is grown in tropical regions of more than 30 developing countries, such as West Africa and Latin America, providing livelihoods for around 14 million people. Fair trade standards for cocoa include no forced labor of any kind - including child labor and environmental standards limit the use of chemicals and encourage sustainability. One of the problems facing cocoa farmers is lack of access to markets and financing. Since cocoa is a seasonal crop, producers need loans to meet the planting and cultivation needs of their crop. With this in mind,...... middle of document ......r demands for less efficient methods of operation mean that resources are diverted from more efficient methods. Additionally, the cost of the finished product is a little higher for the third-party certification process, but the actual production of the product costs less. A fair trade certified product does not necessarily mean that it is grown organically. In conclusion, fair trade provides a reasonable amount of evidence that it is an excellent way to improve the lives of workers. Learning more about fair trade gives consumers a better understanding of how to help those who work in horrible conditions. Going out of our way to buy foods a little higher than usual wouldn't hurt. Personally, after researching fair trade, I would try my best to go to whole food markets to purchase food items a little higher than the usual price..