Max Havelaar-Stiftung (Schweiz)

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Max Havelaar-Stiftung (Schweiz)

The Max Havelaar-Stiftung (Schweiz) is a non-profit organization based in Switzerland that promotes fair trade practices. The foundation is named after the fictional character Max Havelaar from the novel by Multatuli, which criticizes the exploitation of coffee plantation workers in the Dutch East Indies.

History

The Max Havelaar-Stiftung (Schweiz) was established in 1992 as part of the global Fairtrade movement. The foundation was created to ensure that producers in developing countries receive fair prices for their products, thereby improving their living and working conditions. The foundation is part of the Fairtrade International network, which sets international standards for fair trade.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Max Havelaar-Stiftung (Schweiz) include:

• Ensuring fair prices for producers
• Promoting sustainable farming practices
• Improving social conditions for workers
• Encouraging environmentally friendly production methods

Certification

The foundation provides the Fairtrade certification to products that meet its standards. This certification is recognized by the Fairtrade Mark, which appears on products that comply with the criteria set by Fairtrade International. The certification process involves rigorous auditing and monitoring to ensure compliance with fair trade standards.

Products

The Max Havelaar-Stiftung (Schweiz) certifies a wide range of products, including:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Cocoa
• Sugar
• Bananas
• Flowers
• Cotton

Impact

The foundation has had a significant impact on the lives of producers in developing countries. By providing fair prices and promoting sustainable practices, the Max Havelaar-Stiftung (Schweiz) has helped improve the economic stability and quality of life for many small-scale farmers and workers.

See Also

• Fair trade
• Fairtrade International
• Max Havelaar
• Sustainable agriculture
• Ethical consumerism