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A better world is blooming as producers in Ecuador and Colombia move to Fair Trade Certified flowers. Women represent the majority of flower workers around the world, and most of them work on large plantations in rough conditions and little or no environmental protection. With Fair Trade certification, flower workers are guaranteed fair wages and basic employee benefits, such as paid maternity leave and childcare. In addition, a portion of each purchase goes directly to a community pool for workers to fund collectively-chosen development projects. The cooperatives support sound environmental policy in addition to positive social impact, as Fair Trade Certified growers are careful stewards of the land, increasing the use of natural pest controls and reducing water and energy use.