Frequently Asked Questions

What are Fair Trade Certified flowers?
Fair Trade certification on flowers guarantees that growers meet strict social and environmental standards and that workers receive a premium to invest in community development. A portion of each purchase goes directly to a community development fund for workers (called a “joint body”), which collectively decides how to use the funds. Projects include scholarships, housing, health clinics, and micro-enterprises.

Why should I buy Fair Trade Certified flowers?
Buying Fair Trade Certified roses means that a portion of the profit from the sale goes toward creating a better life for the farm communities where the roses are grown. It provides a guarantee that workers will receive fair wages and protection from harmful pesticides.  Fair Trade Certified flowers can brighten your day and change the world!

How do I know if flowers are Fair Trade Certified?
Look for the Fair Trade Certified logo on flower sleeves and/or on individual stems. This is your guarantee that the product came from a farm that meets international Fair Trade standards and that the Fair Trade premium was paid to fund community development. For more information on how TransFair USA certifies products, visit www.fairtradecertified.org 

Are Fair Trade Flowers environmentally-friendly?
Fair Trade certification ensures that farms comply with rigorous environmental standards governing the use of pesticides, conservation of water, treatment of wastewater, protection of ecosystems and more. There is an extensive list of agrochemicals that are completely prohibited on Fair Trade farms, and others that must be phased out over time. Fair Trade flower farms must transition to integrated pest management and make progress towards organic production techniques. At this time, there are no Fair Trade flower farms that also hold an organic certification, but we hope to see some farms make the transition to organic in the future.

“Buying a Fair Trade flower guarantees you a better quality flower. The Fair Trade flowers have no strong chemicals that damage the health of workers and customers who buy the flowers.”
 Luz Chancusig, Post Harvest Representative and Secretary of the Joint Body, Jardines Piaveri Farm

What are the benefits of Fair Trade Certified flowers?

Education
The Fair Trade premium, which is a portion of the retail price, is often used to fund scholarships for continuing education, classroom construction and to purchase school supplies.

“For every Fair Trade Certified flower that we sell, a child is able to study here in Ecuador. There are so many children that cannot afford to go to school. For this reason, it’s very important to buy Fair Trade flowers, because our children are our future.”
Mariana Esquinato, Vice President of the Workers Committee, Hoja Verde Farm

Empowering Women
Discrimination and sexual harassment are prohibited on Fair Trade Certified farms. Leadership positions must equally represent women, giving women unprecedented access to empowerment. New mothers receive 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, and upon return, are given breaks and a quiet place to breastfeed.

“My children learn from my position as a leader at the farm.  I feel proud, because this is a dignified job, one that I do with pride. It allows me to look toward the future and imagine a better life for my family. Here in this farm, there is a big difference in the way we’re treated -- there is no inequality between the workers.  Women here can achieve as much as men.”  
Pila Rocha, Representative of Cultivation Areas & President of the Joint Body, Jardines Piaveri Farm

Economic Development Through Micro-Lending and Small Businesses
Workers on many farms choose to set up a micro-lending program to help workers improve their houses or start a small business. These low interest loans have been shown to be one of the most successful community development tools.

“My dream is to have a home, perhaps a small business.  I want to give my children the best I can.  I don’t want the same things that I experienced growing up to happen to them.   My parents only finished primary school, but I believe my children will live a different life. I want my children to study at the university. I am achieving the dream of giving my daughter a better life.”
Luz Chancusig, Post Harvest Representative and Secretary of the Joint Body, Jardines Piaveri Farm

Health Care
Fair Trade Certified farms must provide on-site doctors and regular check-ups for their workers. They also must pay social security for each of their workers. Also, great care is taken to protect workers whenever agrochemicals must be used. Workers are required to wear complete protective clothing to work near chemicals, and reentry times into the greenhouses are strictly followed.