Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, disadvantaged producers and workers . (FINE, 1998)
In Fair Trade, artisans are being paid a fair price for their goods and receive up to 50 percent in cash advance when an order is placed and the balance when the order is shipped. A long-term relationship and continuity of orders is maintained so that the artisans can plan for the future.
Fair Trade ensures that the products offered are produced ethically and that quality and consistency meet the buyer's expectations. Fair Trade products keep cultures and traditional production techniques and materials alive by adjusting to modern and current trends.
Who started the Fair Trade Movement ?
Fair Trade traces its roots to 1946 when Edna Ruth Byler, a volunteer for Mennonite Central Committee visited a sewing class in Puerto Rico. She discovered the talent the women had for creating beautiful lace and the extraordinary poverty in which they lived despite their hard work. She began carrying these pieces back to the United states to sell and returning the money back to these groups directly.
The first US based Fair Trade shop opened in Pennsylvania in 1958 and in the late 1970s, US-and Canadian-based entrepreneurs who defined their businesses with the producers at heart began to meet regularly, exchange ideas, and network. This informal group would evolve into the Fair Trade Federation and formally incorporate in 1994.
In 1989, the World Fair Trade Organization was founded as a global network of committed fair trade organizations, aiming to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged people through trade and to provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas.
Since 2000, fair trade sales and consumer awareness have increased tremendously, as the range of fair trade products has also expanded.
Get Involved
Thank you for supporting Fair Trade!
In Fair Trade, artisans are being paid a fair price for their goods and receive up to 50 percent in cash advance when an order is placed and the balance when the order is shipped. A long-term relationship and continuity of orders is maintained so that the artisans can plan for the future.
Fair Trade ensures that the products offered are produced ethically and that quality and consistency meet the buyer's expectations. Fair Trade products keep cultures and traditional production techniques and materials alive by adjusting to modern and current trends.
Who started the Fair Trade Movement ?
Fair Trade traces its roots to 1946 when Edna Ruth Byler, a volunteer for Mennonite Central Committee visited a sewing class in Puerto Rico. She discovered the talent the women had for creating beautiful lace and the extraordinary poverty in which they lived despite their hard work. She began carrying these pieces back to the United states to sell and returning the money back to these groups directly.
The first US based Fair Trade shop opened in Pennsylvania in 1958 and in the late 1970s, US-and Canadian-based entrepreneurs who defined their businesses with the producers at heart began to meet regularly, exchange ideas, and network. This informal group would evolve into the Fair Trade Federation and formally incorporate in 1994.
In 1989, the World Fair Trade Organization was founded as a global network of committed fair trade organizations, aiming to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged people through trade and to provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas.
Since 2000, fair trade sales and consumer awareness have increased tremendously, as the range of fair trade products has also expanded.
Get Involved
- Entrepreneurs, citizens, students, educators, community leaders, and many others remain the backbone of the fair trade movement (following tips and links are from the Fair Trade Federation website).
- You can easily incorporate fair trade products into your home-life.
- At all levels, teachers and students are encouraged to bring fair trade into their school.
- Whether it's a conference for 800 or a small team-building workshop, you can bring Fair Trade to your meetings.
- Whether you are looking for great corporate gifts or promotional products, a number of fair trade alternatives exist.
- The Fair Trade Federation offers a variety of opportunities to meet and interact with fair trade producers while enjoying a unique vacation experience.
Thank you for supporting Fair Trade!
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