Paul Rice

Fair Trade USA Founder, Responsible Sourcing Expert, Award-Winning Speaker, Best-Selling Author

request availability

Award-Winning Speaker

Paul Rice has spent his life proving that responsible business can scale — and win.

A pioneering voice in ethical trade, conscious capitalism, and sustainable sourcing, Paul built one of the most influential certification and impact models in the world. Before founding Fair Trade USA, he spent 11 years working directly with smallholder farmers in Nicaragua — experience that continues to fuel his conviction that every purchase can uplift lives.

Paul is a sought-after speaker for global development forums, corporate leadership events, ESG conferences, sustainable retail gatherings, and mission-driven investor networks. His talks blend on-the-ground stories with practical frameworks that help leaders turn purpose into performance.

request availability

Speaking Topics

Conscious Capitalism

Environmental Stewardship

Responsible Sourcing

TESTIMONIALS

“Paul Rice has been working for decades to make supply chains fair and sustainable—a more critical issue now than ever before. He’s got much to teach the world. Every Purchase Matters is full of insight and inspiration.”

Jacqueline Novogratz author of The Blue Sweater praise for Every Purchase Matters by Paul Rice

Jacqueline Novogratz
Founder and CEO, Acumen and New York Times–bestselling author of The Blue Sweater

A Globally Recognized Leader

Giving the commencement address at Berkeley Haas School of Business

Stories from the field: the powerful impact of Fair Trade

On stage at TEDx talking about how universities are driving global change

On stage at talking about harnessing technology & AI for good

Paul Rice with Fair Trade farmer Roberto Serna

Author Paul Rice with Roberto Serna, a coffee farmer in from Manizales, Colombia. Learn more about Paul.

Contact us to inquire about inviting Paul to speak at your next event and give your audience a front-row seat to one of the most compelling voices in ethical trade and conscious capitalism.

Paul brings decades of real-world experience working with farmers, businesses, and consumers to build more equitable and transparent supply chains. His keynotes blend personal stories from the field, lessons from Fair Trade USA’s global impact, and practical guidance for leaders looking to align profit with purpose.

Paul accepts only a select number of speaking engagements each year. If your organization is ready to spark meaningful change — and challenge assumptions about what responsible business can look like — reach out today to explore bringing Paul to your stage.

Invite Paul to Speak

request availability