Members of the Conocado Association, a Fair Trade cooperative in the Dominican Repbulic

What kind of candy do you usually give out to trick-or-treaters on Halloween? Did you know that the chocolate candy you pass around to all those boisterous children in outrageous costumes can be Fair Trade Certified? There are now more than 78 companies licensed to sell Fair Trade Certified chocolate, and the variety available is growing every day.

The best part about having Fair Trade Certified chocolate available (beyond the obvious benefit of being able to get a quick chocolate fix from high-quality cocoa) is that it is helping cocoa farmers better their lives. In 2008, the Fair Trade Certified chocolate purchased in the United States allowed Fair Trade Certified cocoa farmers to receive more than $200,000 in additional income. That’s $200,000 more than these farmers would have received if they sold their cocoa in the regular market. That additional income has made a real difference in the lives of these farmers.  With your continued support for Fair Trade Certified chocolate, we’ll be able to bring even more financial and social benefits to cocoa-producing cooperatives.