When we talk about fair trade coffee we are referring to an arrangement between coffee buyers and the actual producers that results in an equitable and fair trade relationship where the producers are getting paid fairly for their labor. Included in this arrangement is a guarantee for good working conditions that are empowering rather than exploitative. This also covers the sustainability of the coffee growing process as well as its carbon footprint from source to store. Coffee companies that are fair trade are verified and market with the fair trade symbol on their packaging.