Fairtrade Standards ensure that farm workers on a Fairtrade certified farm are guaranteed relevant labour rights according to national law and to the International Labour Organisation conventions (see our Fairtrade Standards page to learn more). In addition, upon the sale of Fairtrade products, farm workers receive a Fairtrade Development Premium. The Fairtrade Development Premium is a sum of money paid by traders on top of the produce price. It allows farm workers to invest in projects they consider necessary for their communities.
Research shows that, in 2012, South African farm workers used the Fairtrade Development Premium mainly for education and infrastructure improvements; for example: improving their housing or funding educational programmes for them and their children.
> > > Download our report on the Use of Fairtrade Premiums in SA in 2012
> > > Visit our Facts & Figure page to download the reports from previous years
Here some personal stories on how Fairtrade has contributed to change the future of farm workers, their families and communities:
Ryno Andrews
Farm: Bergendal
Location: Citrusdal, Western Cape, South Africa
Fairtrade certified for: wine grapes, rooibos tea, oranges, and soft citrus
Fairtrade products: Six Hats Fairtrade Wines
The Citrusdal community agreed to invest in their children. “That’s the most beautiful thing to me,” Ryno’s mom says. “The kids who want to work hard now have the opportunity"...read more
Shineen October
Farm: Lilienfontein Estate (Bosman Family Vineyards), Wellington, South Africa
Fairtrade certified for: wine grapes
Fairtrade products: Bosman Family Vineyards
Shineen October is 16 years old and is the daughter of Dennis October, farm worker at the Lilienfontein Estate. The farm became Fairtrade accredited in 2009...read more
Chocky Ndlovu
Farm: Southampton (Dinaledi Farming Enterprises), Limpopo, South Africa
Fairtrade certified for: oranges, lemons, grapefruit
“Since we got Fairtrade, things started to change,” Chocky reports...read more
Charl Wenn and Alvercia Juries
Farm: Nietbegin, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Fairtrade certified for: wine grapes
Fairtrade products: Thandi Wines and Place in the Sun Wines
In 2001 ownership of the 26 hectares of fertile land was transferred to a joint venture today known as Nietbegin, which means ‘a new beginning’...read more
Dawid Kiewiets
Farm: Florence farm, Rawsonville, South Africa
Fairtrade certified for: wine grapes
Fairtrade products: Fairhills Wines
The Fairtrade Premium has played a pivotal part in the transformation of the Kiewiets household and continues to fund projects that are making a great impact on the entire community...read more
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