Fairtrade and Fair Trade USA split over trade mark differences

FLO and Fair Trade USA (formerly Trans Fair) are to split amidst discontent from grass roots supporters that Fairtrade is a movement and should not be a Registered Trademark. A joint announcement by both parties on the 15th of September stated:

While Fairtrade International and Fair Trade USA continue to share a belief in producer empowerment and improving life for farmers and workers through better terms of trade, “we recognize that we have different perspectives on how best to achieve this common mission.”  This recognition led to FTUSA’s decision to resign its membership as of 31 December 2011.¹