What Is Fairtrade, and How Does It Affect Pineapple Trade?

Fairtrade is a partnership between traders based on transparent dialogue and respect. It’s an act intended to create greater equity in international trade. It offers better trading conditions and rights for marginalized producers as well as workers. The key tenets of Fairtrade include no child or forced labor, fair wages, safe working conditions, commitment to non-discrimination and gender equality, and commitment to women’s economic empowerment. The fairtrade act applies to pineapples like any other produce. The pineapple market has seen significant growth in demand but workers, by and large, have not been rewarded for their contributions to feeding such demand. Many working on the plantations continue to live in poverty, have no guarantee of job security, and are constantly exposed to pesticides and other hazardous chemicals. When pineapple prices fall, workers are disproportionately affected by wage cuts and deteriorated working conditions (which were very poor, to begin with). Fairtrade certification helps ensure good working conditions in the form of shorter shifts, paid breaks, improved health/safety practices, and payment of living wages. The certification is also meant to improve buying practices so that costs and risks are shared fairly among the supply chain.