The “free market” system favors big businesses over workers and small, family farmers. (NAFTA has had devastating effects on Mexican farmers, for example, given huge farm subsidies in the US.)

In the “free market,” producers are especially vulnerable to commodity price fluctuations.

The “free trade” model can have devastating environmental effects. (Free trade agreements do not require adoption of internationally recognized environmental standards.)

Paying a fair wage in the local context Offering employees opportunities for

advancement Providing equal employment

opportunities for all people Engaging in environmentally

sustainable practices Being open to public accountability Building long-term trade relationships Providing healthy and safe work

conditions within the local context Providing financial and technical

assistance to producers whenever possible

Ensuring there is no abuse of child labor

Farmers are encouraged to use environmentally friendly practices to preserve the health of the soil, air, water, and workers in the field

Certification ensures that farmers obey all internally monitored environmental standards

Financial incentives encourage organic conversion, reforestation, water conservation, and environmental education.

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