ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the convergence of Fair Trade and organic initiatives through these five case studies sheds light on various dimensions of the two initiatives as they have been applied within Asian agriculture. In the case of the Philippines as well no contradiction was evident in the area of certification-supported agriculture, either between the Fair Trade and organic initiatives or between a movement and certification. Whereas small farmers, when applying for a Fair trade certification, are required to choose a specific cash crop, when they apply for organic certification they are required to keep their entire production units organic. A contradiction emerges when Fairtrade certification is applied to the plantation sector. Activities for and under organic certification generally exert a positive influence on the acquisition and maintenance of a Fair Trade certification. The chapter focuses on a pending discussion topic, namely, the interpretation of Fair Trade—organic double certification from the perspective of rural development policies.
