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The Verdict is Out; FLO Releases its Results
In December, the Board of Directors at FLO met to vote on a series of revisions in their Fair Trade standards. The revisions were the product of nearly two years of consultation, discussion, and review. As the world of Fair Trade expands, it’s only natural that certifying bodies review the standard norms and seek to improve them where necessary. Now, the verdict is out and although we might have hoped for see steps towards more radical change towards greater producer empowerment in the basic framework, we are pleased to see - at the very least - that FLO recognizes the need for intentional review.
The differences between the old version of the Generic Fairtrade Standards for Small Producers and the new are subtle. FLO has more or less stuck to the essentials that were established years ago when certification officially came to be. As they explained in the proposal preceding the vote, the review would, in part, serve to “revalidate our beliefs” so understandably, a total revamping of the system was not in order. The new Standard clarifies several clauses and explicitly explains points that were previously implicit. In the “Social Development” section of the document, FLO has put forth a more specific system for monitoring social projects. The organizations must undergo an internal “needs assessment” within the first year of certification in which they determine how their community will benefit from Fair Trade. Following that, the organization must create a “development plan” that charts out the practical steps towards meeting the needs. If FLO manages to leave the decision-making in the hands of the organization’s administration and members, this potentially could become an excellent opportunity for producer empowerment. FLO also reemphasizes the importance of having a defined administrative structure, complete with annual assemblies and comprehensive by-laws. Once again, this could be a step towards decentralization of responsibilities in which producers groups have a voice in the practical implementation of Fair Trade principles.
As we read the new document, we must remember that change comes slowly and the bigger the organization, the slower the process. It’s not easy for a large, international, and influential organism like FLO to interrupt administrative inertia and challenge it own modus operandus of the last several years. We can only hope that FLO will continually strive to adjust its standards and regulations according to changing contexts and producer needs – all for the sake of creating a more robust and sustainable system to promote Fair Trade. While there are as many opinions on how to better benefit producers as there are grains of coffee on the proverbial drying patio… we should remind ourselves that only through direct communication, thoughtful consideration, and an earnest desire to understand the producer’s perspective can we approach fulfilling Fair Trade’s potential and purpose.
FLO's Public Announcement of Revisions (in English y Espanol)
Generic Fairtrade Standards for Small Producers' Organizations : English -- Spanish
