Fairtrade International Unveils New Standards Framework

After an 18 month development process, Fairtrade International has introduced the New Standards Framework (NSF) that makes the fair-trade standards easier to understand, more adaptable to local producer situations, and gives producers more freedom of development. Other key improvements in the standards include: clearer and simpler requirements, improved structure, and revised environmental requirements that “put people first.” The NSF will go into effect on 1 July 2011. Fairtrade International has launched a training program that includes three regional workshops for Fairtrade staff and liaison officers.