FairTSA Newsletter: November 2025

A Word of Welcome

In This Issue

Impact of changes to EU rules for organic grower groups

Producer Highlight: Finca Terrerito

Welcome Theo Chocolate!

Welcome ESCO Kivu of the Democratic Republic of Kongo!

New Certifier Partner - Organizacion Internacional Agropecuria - OIA

All New Certified Producers

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Greetings!

I have returned to my position at FairTSA this October following a six month leave to hike the Appalachian Trail. I walked over 2200 miles (3540 km), through 14 States, from Georgia to Maine, USA. It was an adventure of a lifetime- a very rewarding challenge. What a privilege it was to be constantly surrounded by nature and live among the mountains and people of Appalachia. While I am still settling into new routines off the trail living in Virginia, I am grateful to rejoin the FairTSA team and be able to reflect on the progress that has been made in the organization since this past April. This includes the addition of 18 new producers since April!

In this edition of the newsletter, we will discuss how the changes to European Union rules for organic grower groups impact our company. We will highlight one of our producers, Finca Terrerito, a 5^th generation coffee farm in Copan, Honduras. We welcome our newest Licensee and producer working as their trading partner, Theo Chocolate and ESCO Kivu of the Democatic Republic of Kongo.

On behalf of FairTSA, we are very grateful for the support of our mission and the growing global commitment to fair trade principles in the food system. Please reach out directly if you have any questions about our program- or would like to update us on the positive impacts FairTSA has had on your community!

Sam Meier

Outreach & Engagement

Impact of Changes to EU Rules for Organic Grower Groups

As EU organic operators are well aware, on January 1, 2025, the EU introduced significant changes to the certification requirements for grower groups. The new term is “Group of Operators”. Just like the changes to the US National Organic Program (NOP) 2024, it is part of an effort to strengthen integrity, traceability, and accountability in organic production systems.

A key change that affects many of the FairTSA certified operations is that groups are now limited to a maximum of 2,000 members. Larger groups must restructure and split into smaller entities. Each group of operators must be registered as a single legal entity with a defined structure and defined responsibilities.

The FairTSA standard is laid out as an add-on to organic certification and does not include a specific grower group size, or type of legal entity is required. If an operation is only certified to the EU standard, that certification provides the framework for FairTSA group requirements. If an operation is only NOP certified, then the NOP certification provides the framework for FairTSA certification.

Still, we have high expectations in terms of functionality of the grower groups. In our inspector trainings, a good part is dedicated to distinguishing between group and ICS functions within the Internal Control System (ICS). If member noncompliances are noticed, does the ICS use them to identify weaknesses within their internal control system? For us it is important that we cultivate an attitude of continuous improvement in the certification work and within the ICS. How many members they have and if post-harvest processing must be identified as a separate entity, is not our concern if operators follow the specific organic and FairTSA standard.

Producer Highlight: Finca Terrerito

Finca Terrerito is a 5th generation specialty coffee farm located in Copan, Honduras. They take coffee farming to the absolute highest level of quality. Terrerito follows a purposeful and honorable code. “Improving lives, Sustainable Practices and Production of Extraordinary Coffee - In that order”.

Terrerito’s actions match their words, seeing the good they have done for their community. They have built a school and a medical clinic to serve their team and neighboring communities. This creates a ripple effect, by giving the children of the community a great education, building a bright future for the future of Copan. Their community care does not stop there. In 2024, Finca Terrerito built a well that draws up clean water from 600 ft below the ground for their team and community, and kept it completely free. In 2025 with the Matiak Foundation, they started an incredible project: a 25,000-gallon clean water tank that will deliver fresh drinking water directly to every home in their neighboring community.

For sustainable practices, they grow the beans with no chemicals and only organic compost they make themselves, which enriches the soil with living microorganisms that feed the soil. Also, using regenerative farming methods. Finca Terrerito has also received the certification of the farm being “Bird Friendly” from the Smithsonian.

Part of the reason the coffee is of such high quality is that they manage the entire supply chain from planting, harvesting, milling, drying, dry milling, and exporting. This allows them full control to deliver an incredible product.

We are incredibly honored to work with Finca Terrerito and help to continue the legacy they are creating.

Welcome Theo Chocolate!

Theo is our newest licensing partner. As a company rooted in cocoa, their mission is to create a more beautiful, compassionate, and enduring world by responsibly making delicious and inspiring products for everyone. Since their founding in 2005, Theo Chocolate has adhered to fair trade principles in an exemplary way.

Welcome ESCO Kivu of the Democratic Republic of Kongo!

ESCO Kivu is a producer and trading partner of Theo Chocolate and works closely with small farmers and supports their community projects, while also providing training with an emphasis on agroforestry, such as shade-grown cocoa and crop diversity.

Welcome, ESCO Kivu!

New Certifier Partner - OIA

A warm welcome to our new certifier partner Organización Internacional Agropecuaria (OIA)! They are an Argentinian leader in certification services, highly renowned for their professional history both nationally and internationally. By partnering with OIA we are closing a gap in our services in South America, and we are looking forward to a fruitful collaboration with the folks at OIA.

Welcome to our Newest FairTSA Certified Companies!

The FairTSA team would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest FairTSA certified producers since March! Please contact us if you are interested in their Fair Trade FairTSA certified products.

Akasya Tarim Ürünleri Gida San. Ve Tic. A.Ş., Turkey

Cotton

Altındal Tarım Ürün Toptan Alış Satış Pazarlama Tic, Turkey

Cotton

ESCO Kivu SARL, Democratic Republic of Kongo

Cacao

Golden Future Flavors & Fragrances Co., Ltd., China

Eucalyptus ; Eucalyptus Oil

Guinter Netzlaff, Bolivia

Black Chia Seeds

Hainan Growing Agricultural Development Co. Ltd, China

Cotton