The term ‘fair trade’ is an open principle often associated with the label of the World Fair Trade Organization. The organization sets standards for cultivation, operations, and price floors. As such, the Fairtrade label has a positive influence. However, fair trade should be more than just meeting a minimum standard and paying a minimal price. A fair economic system must consider and include the entire value chain. We are initially starting without labels or certifications, as the costs for these are relatively high, and in this early phase of the TEIKEI project, the funds are especially needed to support the individual farms.
Our economy is based on the community. Therefore, the relationship is not primarily commercial but rooted in friendly partnerships between the people involved. Through this trust and responsible relationship, we ensure in regular exchanges that the shared goal of a community-supported economy remains the focus. Financing the agriculture of individual farms is the top priority, which is ensured through the payment of fair wages to all involved. The community-supported economy is the result of a holistic commitment to quality. Alongside the social perspective, economic, cultural, and ecological dimensions, as well as equality and justice, play a central role in our way of doing business.
Another advantage of the TEIKEI system is that through close collaboration with producers and our pre-order and subscription model, we are independent of the usual market fluctuations. Unlike many other suppliers where prices can rise sharply, our prices remain stable. Thanks to the planning security provided for our producers and the direct financing of the harvest, we can ensure that producers receive fair prices, regardless of market conditions.
It doesn’t always make sense to compare our prices with market prices, as they are often subject to external factors such as wars, resource shortages, or other global events, which can cause significant price fluctuations. In a year when the global economy drives olive oil prices up due to such events, our prices might actually be lower than the market level – but this does not reflect the true, average price. In other years, when market prices are particularly low, we may be priced higher than the market. However, our focus is not on comparing these fluctuations, but on building a truly sustainable economic model that promotes good agricultural practices and produces high-quality food. What is important to us is that our supply chain is sustainable and future-proof, ensuring it works for future generations.