Fair Trade USA, the leading certifier of Fair Trade products in the U.S., and Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), a global certification company, announced details of their new strategic partnership Tuesday. As part of this new initiative, Fair Trade USA plans to introduce new standards that will extend the benefits of Fair Trade to millions more farmers and workers. The plan also includes providing U.S. businesses with more sustainable supply options, while empowering consumers to make socially conscious purchases with greater selection and availability of Fair Trade Certified™ products. With the new Fair Trade certification, the nonprofit hopes to double the impact of Fair Trade by 2015. SCS is supporting this goal by conducting audits and certifying new producer groups that will be able to join the Fair Trade movement.

“Fair Trade USA is partnering with SCS because of its demonstrated expertise and appetite for innovation in the certification world,” said Paul Rice, president and CEO of Fair Trade USA. Together, the companies will extend certification to more producer partners, implement new standards for a wider range of products and offer cost-effective certification services. (via @SFGate)

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