FairTSA announces the launch of our brand new Producer and Products Database.

This easily searchable webpage lists all producers and products certified as part of our innovative Fair Trade program. Featuring producer contact information and certification status as well as product descriptions and country of origin, the Producer and Products Database is a simple and efficient way to locate suppliers, ingredients, and materials that are right for your needs. Whether you are a licensee, trader, or consumer, it has never been easier to locate any of our FairTSA products worldwide.

After introducing the new standard version 4.0, we received qualified feedback regarding a few points that were not sufficiently covered. Therefore, we decided to publish an updated standard by July 15, 2021.

* The requirements under the Nagoya Protocol with regard to:

-The undisputed ownership of the land used for agricultural production.

-The proper benefit-sharing for indigenous genetic resources including the knowledge

associated with the use and production of such genetic resources.

* A written Occupational Health & Safety Policy is now required at the first inspection.

* The labeling requirements for bulk products from original producers now include the

mandatory listing of the certification agency responsible for FairTSA inspection and

certification.

In light of this new standard 4.1, we have extended the transition period until January 1, 2022, allowing enough time for producers to implement the changes. As usual, we will work with all affected operations to support this.

Founded in 1946, Peter Paul Philippines Corporation is a producer of coconut products based in Sorsogon, Philippines. They source coconuts from 1,500 farmers working 10,000 hectares of land throughout the southern tip of Luzon, the Philippines’ main island. Since 2016 they have been collaborating with FairTSA on yearly community development and infrastructure projects. For the year 2020 they continued their community trainings, as well as supplied direct aid in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The trainings began in 2019 to include leadership, management, and financial literacy skills. These training sessions improve efficiency, productivity, and quality performance in their line of growing and production. This is to strengthen the internal controls for project management, communication, and collaboration. These increased professional skills are also valuable for their personal and family life. Food and transportation are provided for the seminar days. In 2020 the community seminars expanded to include lectures on birth control, healthcare practices, parenting guidance, and marriage counseling, with hygiene kits to support the subjects covered.

Due to the pandemic the meetings in 2020 were all done virtually. Additionally, funds from this year were used as direct payments along with food aid delivery, shown by these photos of thankful recipients.

During normal circumstances there is a calamity fund set aside for unexpected events such as typhoons, earthquakes, and landslides. This area of the world can have catastrophic weather which greatly impedes the farmers ability to grow food and provide a livelihood for themselves. The deliveries to farmer families in lockdown included sundries and sanitary supplies, rice, canned fish and beef, coffee, and sugar. Peter Paul is planning some exciting initiatives for 2021 including community infrastructure investments for clean water, healthcare, and retail and buying stations for food and local goods. Keep a lookout on the FairTSA website and social media pages for updates on all our 2021 projects.