FLO International
TransFair Canada is a member of FLO, or Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International. Our co-members are 18 other national Labelling Initiatives and three Producer Networks.* These networks represent Fair Trade Certified producer organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean (CLAC), Africa (AFN) and Asia (NAP). Fairtrade Label South Africa and Comercio Justo México are associate members of FLO.
Together, the members of FLO are responsible for producing or promoting Fair Trade Certified products around the world. We are also responsible for decision making within FLO, for example at the annual General Assembly.
FLO owns FLO-CERT, an independent, ISO 65 accredited certification company that provides certification services in over 70 countries.
FLO is responsible for the international coordination of:
- Setting international Fair Trade standards
- Organizing support for producers around the world
- Developing global Fair Trade strategy
- Promoting trade justice internationally
Setting International Fair Trade Standards
A key part of FLO’s role is to develop and review the Fair Trade standards. These standards apply to all Fair Trade producers. They also apply to the companies who market Fair Trade products, such as importers and exporters. Standards are developed by the Standards Unit under the supervision of a Board appointed committee of producers, national Labelling Initiatives, traders and other experts. The standards are all public and can be viewed on the FLO website.
Organizing Support for Producers around the world
FLO also helps producers to gain Fair Trade certification and develop market opportunities. Locally based Liaison Officers provide training, guidance on certification and facilitate relationships with buyers.
Developing Global Fair Trade Strategy
FLO seeks to continually improve the impact of its work and become more effective in the future, in part by developing strategies to address issues such as climate change, the food crisis and the global recession.
Promoting Trade Justice Internationally
One of FLO’s tasks is to make the case for trade justice in debates on trade and development. FLO works on this in partnership with other international Fair Trade organizations, such as WFTO, NEWS and EFTA.
* While the term "Fairtrade" is frequently used in Europe, in Canada "Fair Trade Certified" refers to this system.