TransFair USA, is the only third-party certifier of Fair Trade Certified products in the United States, will begin certifying cotton clothing, bed and bath products for Fair Trade Certification in 2010.
In conjunction with the new product offering, the organization has drafted new factory standard for company's wishing to be fair trade compliant in this industry. The draft standard is viewable on the TransFair USA website and the public may comment on it for 45 days starting November 16th. The standard builds on the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention to workers in factories and sewing cooperatives.
In a new fair-trade move, workers on both ends of the supply chain will benefit from the fair-trade premium. Cotton farmers will receive a minimum farm-gate price, as well as a premium to invest in community needs such as schools, hospitals and infrastructure. Garment workers will receive a premium from the purchasers of the finished goods and can democratically decide how the funds are spent.
Paul Rice, president and CEO of TransFair USA, said: "Consumers have become increasingly aware of humanitarian issues in the garment industry. They want to make ethical choices but are faced with very few options. This new draft standard will give consumers the opportunity to use their purchasing power to guarantee fair prices to farmers and social justice for workers who sew their clothes. By wearing Fair Trade Certified garments, consumers will now have a voice in ensuring better factory working conditions and higher earnings for cotton farmers in countries like Mali, India and Peru."
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via sustainable media life
