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Exploring the implications of the Fair Trade USA certification for farmworker health and well-being at the first certified farm in the U.S. [CHANGED title!]

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  • Bilfield, Alissa
  • Hernandez, Edmundo

Abstract

Decades of interdisciplinary research suggest that fair trade certification may have significant implica­tions for the development of more equitable and sustainable agricultural practices. The certification was originally established to support smallholder farming cooperatives in developing countries. However, a recent organizational division separat­ing Fairtrade International from Fair Trade USA has created a bifurcation in certification standards.[1] Under the new Fair Trade USA program, the first domestic certification standard for U.S.-based farms is now being implemented. The aim of this study is to understand the impact of the new certi­fication on farm operations and farmworker well­-being at the first U.S. fair trade-certified farm, from the perspectives of farmworkers, farm man­agement, and supply chain representatives. The initial findings from this limited exploratory study indicate that the certification can be used as a tool to improve farmworker empowerment while also providing mate­rial benefits and resources. More research is needed to determine the long-term impact and feasibility of more widespread impelementation. 1 For the purpose of this paper, fair trade is used to refer generally to the concept, whereas in the case of specific organizations and/or their certifications, other spelling is used. For example, Fair Trade USA and Fair Trade Certification, versus Fairtrade International and Fairtrade Certification.

Suggested Citation

  • Bilfield, Alissa & Hernandez, Edmundo, 2023. "Exploring the implications of the Fair Trade USA certification for farmworker health and well-being at the first certified farm in the U.S. [CHANGED title!]," Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Center for Transformative Action, Cornell University, vol. 13(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:joafsc:362846
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maira A. Areguin & Abigail J. Stewart, 2022. "Latina farmworkers' experiences: Maintaining dignity in an oppressive workplace," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(4), pages 988-1007, July.
    2. Sen, Amartya, 1999. "Commodities and Capabilities," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780195650389.
    3. Laura T. Raynolds & Douglas Murray & Peter Leigh Taylor, 2004. "Fair trade coffee: building producer capacity via global networks," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 16(8), pages 1109-1121.
    4. Lorgelly, Paula K. & Lorimer, Karen & Fenwick, Elisabeth A.L. & Briggs, Andrew H. & Anand, Paul, 2015. "Operationalising the capability approach as an outcome measure in public health: The development of the OCAP-18," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 68-81.
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