This paper presents the first cross-country empirical evidence on the determinants of participation in Fairtrade and the impact of the export of Fairtrade certified products on agricultural growth in low- and middle-income countries. Using the number of certified producer organizations per country in 2006-2010 as a proxy for Fairtrade exports, estimation results indicate a small but significantly positive effect on the growth rate of per capita value added in agriculture that is largest in upper middle income countries. Given the particularly poverty-reducing effect of agricultural growth, we find empirical evidence that Fairtrade certification is indeed able to deliver its core values, but misses to target the very poor. (author's abstract) / Series: Department of Economics Working Paper Series