Episode 322: Paul Rice and Rodolfo Spielmann

By Lori Taylor

Oct 02, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Summary:

In this episode of the Produce Moms podcast, Lori Taylor interviews Paul Rice, the Founder of Fair Trade USA, and Rodolfo Spielmann, the President and CEO of NatureSweet. They discuss the importance of fair trade and its impact on farmers and workers in the agricultural industry. Fairtrade certification promotes sustainable livelihoods, protects the environment, and builds transparent supply chains. The Fair Trade Premium allows farmers and workers to invest in projects that improve their communities. NatureSweet is committed to transforming the lives of agricultural workers and has implemented programs for education, healthcare, and personal development. The partnership between Fair Trade USA and NatureSweet has helped advance their shared mission. The conversation explores the Fairtrade premium and its impact on agricultural workers and communities at NatureSweet. The premiums are democratically decided by the workers themselves and are used to fulfill their identified needs, such as dental care and eye care. The Fairtrade certification separates itself from other certifications by giving workers full control over the premium funds. The top-down approach of international development agencies is contrasted with the bottom-up approach of Fairtrade, where the workers themselves know what they need most. NatureSweet’s commitment to Fairtrade and the market response to their 100% Fairtrade certified snacking tomatoes are highlighted. The conversation concludes with the importance of consumer choices and the power of every purchase to make a difference.

Takeaways:

  • Fairtrade certification promotes sustainable livelihoods and protects the environment in the agricultural industry.
  • The Fair Trade Premium allows farmers and workers to invest in projects that improve their communities.
  • NatureSweet is committed to transforming the lives of agricultural workers through education, healthcare, and personal development programs.
  • The partnership between Fair Trade USA and NatureSweet has helped advance their shared mission. The Fairtrade premium is democratically decided by agricultural workers and is used to fulfill their identified needs.
  • The Fairtrade certification gives workers full control over the premium funds, separating it from other certifications.
  • The bottom-up approach of Fairtrade, where workers themselves identify their needs, is more effective than the top-down approach of international development agencies.
  • NatureSweet’s commitment to Fairtrade and their 100% Fairtrade certified snacking tomatoes have received positive market response.
  • Consumer choices have the power to make a difference and support initiatives like Fairtrade.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Celebrating Fair Trade Month

06:55 Understanding Fairtrade and its Origins

16:33 NatureSweet’s Commitment to Transforming Lives

23:08 The Power of Partnership between Fair Trade USA and NatureSweet

23:11 The Fairtrade Premium and its Democratic Process

25:14 Contrasting Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches

28:54 NatureSweet’s Commitment to Fairtrade

31:39 Market Response to Fairtrade Milestone

41:07 Affordability and Consumer Choices

Resources:

Website: Fairtrade America | Creating a More Equitable World | Fair Trade

Facebook: Fair Trade USA

Instagram: Fairtrade America (@fairtrademarkus) • Instagram photos and videos

Categorized as:

About Lori

Lori Taylor is the Founder & CEO of The Produce Moms. For ten years she sold fresh produce to over 300 grocery stores throughout the United States, and today she is fully focused on working with the produce supply chain, media, and government to increase fresh produce access & consumption in the US and around the globe. Connect with Lori on LinkedIn.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *