May 31, 2011
Organic versus Fair Trade
As we delve deeper into the difficult problems presented by child slavery and the various ways we can help to solve them, some of our members have asked this question: what is the difference between buying organic versus fair trade products?
In general, Organic means that the product has been created without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides. Thus, organic foods are good for you since you aren’t eating the harmful chemicals. They are also good for the planet at large because they lessen the harmful chemicals that pollute the Earth, air, and water; and finally, they are good for the farmers who are constantly in contact with these chemicals in a conventional production system. To put this last point into perspective, I knew a woman whose family had raised fruit in Iran, and who had spent years eating and sleeping on fifty-pound bags of pesticides because they didn’t have anywhere else to store them.
There are many different Organic certification methods and requirements, each of which is a little different. In America, the USDA is the largest, but there are many others, both in America and all around the world.
Fair Trade products are focused on the good of the people who produce the product, as well as those that consume it. The best known Fair Trade certification group is Fair Trade International. They ensure that their products are produced by people making a living wage, and are not being produced with harmful or inhumane practices such as the use of child labor.
In addition to this, producers pay the Fair Trade Premium, a sum of money which is used to improve the overall quality of the lives of those producing the product. This can include helping to maximize production, setting up education or healthcare systems, improving farm equipment, etc.
Also, Fair Trade producers are encouraged to gain organic certification, are required to protect their environment and use sustainable production methods, and are prohibited from using genetically modified organisms and certain chemicals.
In the case of both Organic and Fair Trade certification, there are many different certification programs, each of which has slightly different aims and requirements. The values mentioned above are generally held by all programs, but it is a good idea to research the different options. The really good news is that lots of products are certified for both Fair Trade and Organic. In terms of well-being for the planet, the producers, and you, these are just about as good as you can get.
A last note of interest: another term that comes up in the grocery store is “All Natural.” This term is one to be aware of because it is frequently used to make you think that something is the next best thing to organic. In fact, it means absolutely nothing. Unlike the word ‘Organic,’ the word ‘Natural’ has no legal meaning. This means that absolutely anything can be labeled “All Natural” and be perfectly legal in doing so.
Jodi
Permalink
Thanks for clarifying this, Kara! Also, I didn’t know about the “All Natural” labeling, thanks for point that out.
Anna
Permalink
The only thing “All Natural” has behind it is the truth in advertising law- doesn’t mean jack. Unfortunately, it’s hard to stick to either Fair Trade or Organic if you’re on food stamps- the limited money granted is often someone’s only food money, so as important as this all is, it is also important to advocate for greater access through more stores and affordable prices for those who are constrained by this budget.