Fair Trade USA™, Partners Reach $100 Million in Funds for Factory Workers

Milestone supports worker-led investment in education, healthcare, safety

OAKLAND, Calif., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fair Trade USA and its partners have generated $100 million in Community Development Funds – a significant milestone that directly benefits factory workers and their communities throughout the world.

Each purchase of a Fair Trade Certified™ product contributes to Community Development Funds, enabling farmers and workers to invest in projects that address their greatest needs. Workers decide democratically how funds are spent, so projects are diverse in scope and impact. Many workers choose to use funds on education, healthcare initiatives, business development, food distribution, or environmental projects. Fair Trade partners also see certification build trust with consumers, who are increasingly looking to support brands with strong commitments to ethics and sustainability.

Since launching its Factory Program in 2010, Fair Trade USA has certified more than 100 factories worldwide, all of which meet rigorous standards. Fair Trade Certified factories ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, increased economic opportunity, and Community Development Funds for workers to invest in building thriving communities.

"This milestone is a testament to what's possible when businesses prioritize people and the planet," said Felipe Arango, CEO of Fair Trade USA.

Fair Trade USA partners consistently raise the bar for what it means to conduct responsible, fair, and sustainable business. Fair Trade USA's factory brand partners who have been instrumental in reaching the $100 million milestone include Arc'teryx, Boll & Branch, Cotopaxi, e.l.f., Eileen Fisher, HAE Now, J Crew, Known Supply, Madewell, Mightly, PACT, Patagonia, Peak Design, Terra Thread, Williams Sonoma, Inc., West Elm and Pottery Barn, and more. 

About Fair Trade USA
Fair Trade USA, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the leading certifier of Fair Trade products in North America. Offering award-winning, rigorous, and globally recognized sustainable sourcing certification programs that improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and build resilient, transparent supply chains, its trusted Fair Trade Certified™ label on a product signifies that it was made according to stringent Fair Trade standards. Fair Trade USA is building an innovative model of responsible business, conscious consumerism, and shared value to eliminate poverty and enable sustainable development for farmers, workers, their families, and communities around the world

Contact:     
Fair Trade USA Public Relations
Pr@fairtradeusa.org       

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SOURCE Fair Trade USA™