Fairtrade Labelling was created in the Netherlands in the late 1980s on coffee sourced from Mexico. Today, there are now 19 organisations including the Fairtrade Foundation, that run the international standard setting and monitoring body Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO).
Producers registered with FLO receive a minimum price that covers the cost of production and an extra premium that is invested in the local community. This international body incorporates various stakeholders including elected producer and commercial representatives. It sets standards and ensures the international regular auditing of producer and commercial partners.
Members of the FLO Board include four producer representatives selected at the bi-annual forum, two commercial partners and six national Fairtrade Initiative representatives. The marketing and promotion of Fairtrade products remain the responsibility of the individual national initiatives.
In September 2004 there are 422 Fairtrade certified producer groups (including many umbrella bodies) in 49 producer countries selling to hundreds of Fairtrade registered importers, licensees and retailers in 19 countries. See www.fairtrade.org.uk
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