A Fairtrade certified coffee directly supports small farmers in the growing regions. In 2016, 470,000 tons of Fairtrade certified coffee were available on the global market. Coffee, that carries the Fairtrade logo, guarantees:
- Minimum prices and self-determination for workers
- Democratic structures in growing regions
- Project development cash bonus (20 US Cents/lb) coupled to coffee production
Although the certification requires small farmers to comply with environmental minimum standards, the term „minimum standard“ is to be taken literally. A sustainably grown coffee is only guaranteed by the Bio/Organic certification labelling.