Paul Rice

Paul Rice is the founder and former CEO of Fair Trade USA, the leading certifier of Fair Trade products in North America. A lifelong advocate for social and economic justice, he began his career working with coffee farmers in Nicaragua, where he spent more than a decade helping small-scale producers build sustainable livelihoods. His firsthand experience witnessing the challenges of global trade inspired him to launch Fair Trade USA in 1998 with a vision to create a market-based model that empowers farmers, workers, and consumers alike. He served as the organization's CEO until 2024, moving to the Advisory Council.

Under Rice’s leadership, Fair Trade USA has grown from a startup nonprofit into a globally recognized organization that partners with thousands of businesses and certifies products across numerous industries—from coffee, tea, and cocoa to apparel and seafood. His innovative approach to ethical sourcing has helped direct hundreds of millions of dollars in additional income to producers in over 70 countries, while raising awareness among consumers about the power of responsible purchasing.

A graduate of Yale University and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Rice has been recognized for his pioneering work in social enterprise and sustainable business. He continues to be a leading voice in the global movement for conscious capitalism, proving that market solutions can drive lasting social impact. Through his vision and leadership, Fair Trade USA has become a powerful force for fairness, transparency, and opportunity in global trade.