FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED

OUR FAIR TRADE COMMITMENT TO WORKERS.

We are passionate about empowering people to live healthy lives. This isn’t just reflected through the food we grow, but in how we care for our employees and the communities where we grow. This is why we are Fair Trade Certified. Fair trade uplifts communities and helps build sustainable livelihoods. Being Fair Trade Certified means we promote fair wages and working conditions, environmental protection and community development for a healthy, empowered and supported workforce.

Over $5.8 Million in Impact!

Since 2013, our farming communities have invested over $5.8 million of Fair Trade Community Development Funds in many impactful projects that improve access to food, housing, health and education services. Here are a few examples of these projects:

A dental clinic for free dental examinations
A fully equipped community center with Internet access
Scholarships for all levels of education
·School buses for student transportation to school
A mini-market with low cost goods
Laundry facilities with an attendant
Accredited adult education courses
Zero-interest home loans
A family park and soccer field for sports and recreation
A nutrition program for preschool – elementary school students
Health-care and grocery vouchers

To find out more about Fair Trade USA and its mission, visit fairtradeusa.org

Student doing home work at Wholesum Farms Pacific community center

A nonprofit tortilla factory and grocery store were built using raised premiums.

Premiums paid for school improvements for the community's children.

A soccer field was built and is enjoyed by the entire community.

This school bus truly demonstrates why every purchase matters.

Dental clinic at Wholesum Farms Pacific

100% of Fair Trade premiums benefit our employees.

SUPPORT FAIR FOOD SOURCING

We pay the fees, provide staff to support the Fair Trade program and help the committee however we can. That is our responsibility in the fair sourcing food chain. The Fair Trade premium is how we ask that you also source fairly.

For People’s Wellbeing

For People’s Wellbeing

Fair Trade USA® standards promote sustainable incomes for farmworkers as well as safe and healthy working conditions. Through Community Development Funds generated from sales of Fair Trade Certified produce, they also have the capacity to invest in their futures through impactful projects.

Making an Impact

Making an Impact

Wholesum first obtained Fair Trade Certification in 2012. Since its inception, over 5.8 million dollars have gone back to farmworkers to invest in projects that support their wellbeing and that of their communities through improved access to food, housing, and health services.

Pioneers in Produce

Pioneers in Produce

In 2016, Wholesum Farms Arizona became the first Fair Trade Certified farm in the USA! Here, workers have invested their Community Development Funds in programs such as low-cost healthcare, home improvement and transportation.

Healthy is Happy

Healthy is Happy

At the dental clinic at Wholesum Farms Pacific, workers and their families benefit from free dental appointments, specialized dental work, and education about dental hygiene. This is one of many projects voted on by Wholesum’s workforce that help support family health and wellbeing.

Stronger Communities

Stronger Communities

Fresh tortillas are a daily staple for community members at Wholesum Farms Sonora. Now, they can enjoy freshly-made tortillas at a low cost from the community Tortilla Factory. Built in 2015, the factory saves community members time and money and has become an important community anchor.

For Brighter Futures

For Brighter Futures

Education is one of the most promising solutions to uplift and empower communities. That is why farmworkers have invested a large portion of their funds in projects that improve access to education such as school buses, scholarships, community centers, extracurricular activities, and adult education programs.

Making Life Easier

Making Life Easier

We greatly value and encourage family and recreational time. The staffed laundry facilities at Wholesum Farms Pacific help free up time for just that! Workers can drop off clothing in the morning and pick it up washed and dry in the evening at no cost.

For the Environment

For the Environment

Fair Trade USA® standards support environmental stewardship for more resilient ecosystems. Our organic and sustainable growing methods align with these standards, helping us protect and restore the earth's natural resources for future generations.

Building Homes

Building Homes

Home ownership is an important goal many workers look towards. At Wholesum Farms Sonora, zero interest loans make this goal evermore attainable. As a result of this project, many families have now built their homes and established themselves in the farming community of Los Janos.

From the Ground Up

From the Ground Up

Our customers have also become a part of our Fair Trade story! Many have generously volunteered their time to experience ethical sourcing at its origin. In 2019, our customers helped us build a kitchen for the local kindergarten where students now enjoy nutritious meals daily at no cost.

A Safety Net

A Safety Net

Fair Trade Community Development Funds have also helped our farms respond to COVID-19. In March of 2020, the low cost transportation program at Wholesum Farms Arizona was extended with additional shuttles, pickup times, and safety precautions to allow workers to socially distance during their commute.

Grown for Good

Grown for Good

All of Wholesum’s offerings are available Fair Trade Certified and each purchase helps contribute funds to these impactful projects. Just seek the seal and know that you are sourcing responsibly while creating brighter futures for farming communities!