How Paul Rice Took Fair Trade USA from Idea to Global Movement

For Paul Rice, ethical business isn’t just an ideal—it’s a movement that reshapes industries, empowers farmers, and transforms global supply chains. As the founder of Fair Trade USA, he has spent decades championing conscious consumerism, proving that profit and purpose can go hand in hand.

In this episode, Paul takes us on a journey through the origins of Fair Trade USA, sharing his firsthand experiences in Nicaragua that shaped his vision. He explores the philosophy and certification process behind Fair Trade, the complexities of working with major corporations like Starbucks, and the crucial role of consumer awareness in driving sustainable change.

The conversation highlights the importance of long-term thinking in responsible business, the challenges of scaling ethical sourcing, and how conscious capitalism can help businesses align with values-driven consumers. Paul’s insights offer a compelling case for why standards and certifications matter—and how they can create lasting impact in the world economy.

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For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.com

This show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.

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- Timothy & Raj

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Conscious Capitalism
00:32 Meet the Hosts and Special Guest
02:21 Understanding Fair Trade
04:18 The Rise of Conscious Consumerism
18:58 Paul Rice's Journey and Fair Trade Impact
31:01 Starbucks and Fair Trade: A Missed Opportunity
32:44 The Evolution of Fair Trade USA
35:04 Corporate America's Shift in Supply Chain Mentality
37:57 Challenges and Solutions in Certification
52:02 Personal Stories and the Impact of Fair Trade