Intermediary Trading Organizations/Processors

Organizations whose main activity is trade with other organizations or enterprises, and who are committed to fair trade, sustainable agriculture, and social justice. This includes wholesalers, distributors, processors, manufacturers, and marketers. Following are issues within the context of domestic fair trade that this sector aspires to address.

• Address the issue of volume credit. (Volume credit is the idea that fair trade and non-fair trade raw ingredients are mixed together in the manufacturing process and “credit” is given to the end product based on the amount of fair trade raw ingredient purchased, even if it is diluted through processing. This often happens with chocolate.)
• Advise processors about fair trade certification options and membership organizations that may enhance their mission.
• Aspire to communicate directly to consumers.
• Ensure transparency in multi-ingredient products.
• Respond to consumer demand for traceability.
• Educate other sectors on issues facing this group and be receptive to what other sectors of the agriculture system have to offer.