SEBASTOPOL, Calif.–Traditional Medicinals is the first United States-based manufacturer to obtain the new FairWild certification. This sustainability standard, established in 2006, sets international social, ecological and quality standards for wild-collected plant species, with a fair deal for all those involved throughout the supply chain.
Of the 3,000 total plant species traded globally, only about 900 species – less than one-third – are farmed, with the rest being wild-collected. These wild-collected species are not included under the existing Fair Trade standards. Until now, there has been no framework for measuring Fair Trade practices on these wild collected herbs.
FairWild certifies products including medicines, teas, spices and cosmetics. FairWild certification offers a universal set requirements for verification of sustainable wild collection including respecting customary rights, fair prices and fair trade premium, preventing negative environmental impacts, maintaining wild resources, and applying good management and business practices.
Traditional Medicinals “Just for Kids” Organic Cold Care and Organic Nighty Night® are the first herbal tea products to have the FairWild labeling. FairWild certified Organic Throat Coat®, Organic Licorice and Organic Nettle will be introduced in 2010.