Global strategy with local relevance

The three key tenets of our global 2021-2025 strategy are:

1. Shifting the balance of power to farmers and workers

We will secure decent and sustainable livelihoods, build resilience to climate change, and support women and youth as leaders of the future.

2. Growth and innovation

We will strengthen existing relationships, develop Fairtrade markets in new directions, and offer supply chain services that benefit producers and businesses – fairly and sustainably.

3. Advocacy and citizen engagement

We will champion change that addresses human rights risks, climate change, inequality, and power imbalances in supply chains.

4. Digitalization for fairer supply chains

We will unlock the power of fair supply chains through data, transparency and traceability.

How we’ll get there: Launchpad for the future

The Fairtrade system is made up of more than 25 organizations, 860 staff and 1.9 million farmers and workers around the globe. Bringing us all together to drive greater impact and make fairness the norm is part of what makes Fairtrade unique – but it’s no small feat. Our fifth strategic priority focuses on increasing innovation, partnerships and efficiency as a system.

For example, we have set up new ways of collaborating and tapping into expertise across the Fairtrade system, including centres of excellence in climate change, advocacy, and human rights and environmental due diligence. In 2021, we strengthened collaboration to develop data solutions for producers, commercial partners, and internal analysis. Fourteen Board members and 107 staff members from the three regional Fairtrade producer networks gained new skills in good governance, agile methodologies, financial management, value chain development and many other areas, so they can increase the impact of Fairtrade programmes and services. Financial support from the European Union has made possible many activities to strengthen our system and build support for fair trade globally through partnerships and advocacy (see pages 19-20).