TransFair USA is the only organization that certifies food items as fair trade in the United States. It is one of 20 worldwide organizations under an umbrella group called Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International that collectively work to certify fair trade growers and sellers.

The certification process follows the global supply chain of each item, from the grower all the way to U.S. distribution. Certified organizations have to submit quarterly reports about the supply chain and detail the companies buying the products.

Fair trade items are marked with a black-and-white logo on the package, and the appearance of that logo certifies that the farmers and farm workers:

* received an above-market price for their products.

* were free to organize democratically into unions or cooperatives.

* have direct, long-term trade relations with buyers and access to credit.

* use humane farming methods free of slave and child labor and the use of dangerous chemicals.

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