Below is a chart comparing some of the major differences between Fair Trade Certification and Rainforest Alliance Certification. The basic primary difference is Fair Trade is based more on the economics of the farmer whereas Rainforest Alliance is based primarily on the sustainability. However, even given that I just said that, the Fair Trade certified producers are much more rigorously inspected than Rainforest Alliance ones, so even the lesser important aspects of fair trade producers may very well be at a higher standard than Rainforest Alliance producers.
| Point | Fair Trade Certification | Rainforest Alliance Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Guarantees above market prices | yes | no |
| Pays premiums for community and social development | yes | no |
| Pre-financing for farmers | yes | no |
| Size of farms certified | less than 5 hectacre | any size |
| Requires democracy and transparency at all levels | yes | no |
| Min % of product required to be certified | 100% | 30% |
