The Thriving Farmer Podcast

How can global trade empower farmers and create a more just food system? Today on the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Paul Rice, Founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA. After spending more than a decade working with coffee farmers in Nicaragua, Paul returned to the U.S. to launch the Fair Trade Certified™ label—transforming the way we think about sourcing coffee, cocoa, produce, apparel, and more. Since 1998, Paul has partnered with over 1,400 companies, from Whole Foods to Patagonia, helping channel billions of dollars into the hands of farmers and workers worldwide. In this episode, he shares the early days of the movement, what’s changed for farmers globally, and how transparency, sustainability, and equity are shaping the future of food and farming. Tune in to hear how Paul’s on-the-ground experience shaped a global movement, why Fair Trade still matters today, and what’s next for ethical sourcing and sustainable farming.   In This Episode, You’ll Hear:  Origins Abroad: What took Paul to Nicarag