The sixth and final impact level refers to the relations with
the marketand supply chain networks. The pressures and
opportunities created by global markets have a decisive effect
on whether certification results in livelihood benefits (Weber,
2011; Rueda & Lambin, 2012). Mendezet al.(2010) demonstrate that Fairtrade-certified farmers receive better prices
and higher coffee revenues, but sales to certified markets were
far too limited for reaching sustainable livelihood effects. This
is confirmed by De Janvry, McIntosh, and Sadoulet (2012)
showing that in Central America—due to overcertification—less than a quarter of the certified coffee can
be sold under premium conditions. Whereas farmers incur
substantial costs for obtaining certification it becomes increasingly important to guarantee access to premium outlets
(Neilson, 2008).
4
Certification has brought, however, little
changes into agency relations throughout the value chain
and the nature of contracts (i.e., distribution of value added shares) has not been substantially modified