Walmart Adds Fair Trade USA to List of Accepted Third-Party Audits for Responsible Sourcing Program
Retailer Streamlines Audit Process for Certified Producers, Enabling Increased Fair Trade Sourcing and Sales
OAKLAND, Calif., June 26, 2020 /3BL Media/ – Fair Trade USA®, the leading certifier of fair trade products in North America, is proud to announce that it has been added to Walmart’s list of acceptable third-party social audit programs for supplier compliance. Fair Trade Certified™ sites will now be included in Walmart’s responsible sourcing program without the need for additional audits.
Walmart’s Global Supplier Compliance Team reviewed how the Fair Trade USA program covers a variety of issues, including worker compensation, worker health and safety, and forced and child labor. The organizations collaborated closely to make enhancements and share best practices across the programs for the benefit of the global supply chain.
According to its website, Walmart’s goal is to lead throughout its supply chain in responsible sourcing practices, using its size and scale for positive change around the world. This goal can be accomplished only by actively partnering with suppliers to raise sourcing standards and to positively impact global supply chain practices.
Fair Trade USA’s Agricultural Production Standard (APS) sets the requirements for Fair Trade USA Certified™ agricultural production systems globally – covering diverse groups and sizes of farms and associated processing facilities under one Standard. Farms and facilities are audited against criteria applicable to their farm and facility size (Small, Mid, or Large). APS compliance requirements are grouped thematically into six modules on:
- Empowerment
- Fundamental Rights at Work
- Wages, Working Conditions and Access to Services
- Biodiversity, Ecosystem Function, and Sustainable Production
- Traceability and Transparency
- Internal Management System
“Walmart is in a unique position to drive positive change across entire supply chains and industries,” said Paul Rice, Founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA. “We are optimistic that being added to their list of accepted audits will open doors for so many of our existing partners and lead to much greater visibility and growth of Fair Trade Certified products in Walmart stores.”
About Fair Trade USA
Fair Trade USA® is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the leading certifier of fair trade products in North America. Its trusted Fair Trade Certified™ seal on a product signifies that it was made according to rigorous fair trade standards that promote sustainable livelihoods and safe working conditions, protection of the environment, and strong, transparent supply chains. Rather than creating dependency on aid, Fair Trade USA’s model empowers farmers, workers, and fishermen to fight poverty and earn additional money to improve their communities. Winner of Fast Company’s Social Enterprise of the Year Award and recognized as a leading social venture by the Clinton Global Initiative, the Skoll Foundation, and Ashoka, Fair Trade USA also helps brands and retailers tell their stories of impact and educates consumers about the power of their purchase.
