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.
Fair Trade in Practise Such Trading Partnerships are active within a net-work of producers, importers, wholesalers, certifiers, labelers, retailers, and consumers who are challenging the status quo, and trying to right the injustices of international trade.
Farmers, artisans and workers in over 80 countries make scores of Fair Trade product types. The most common kinds of goods ex-changed include coffee, sugar, cocoa, chocolate, bananas, tea, jewelry, clothing, and housewares. Others include cut flowers, toys, furniture, art, sports balls, wine, olive oil, rice, spices, herbs & more.
For individuals and communities of producers, participating in Fair Trade has directly led to dignity, respect and improved lives. Participants often credit Fair Trade for helping them eat adequately, access health care, send kids to school, clean their water, care for orphans or disabled people, and manage sustainable businesses. Fair trade empowers low-income producers in Africa, Asia and Latin America, and promotes understanding between them and people of developed regions. The various models of Fair Trade use critical tools such as favorable financing, long-term relationships, minimum prices, community investment, capacity building, and sustainable environmental standard to enable marginalized people to help themselves.
Fair Trade Principles
- Creating Opportunities for economically and socially marginalized producers.
- Developing transparent and accountabel relationships.
- Building Capacity.
- Promoting Fair Trade.
- Paying promptly and fairly.
- Supporting safe and empowering working conditions.
- Ensuring the rights of children.
- Cultivating environmental stewardship.
- Respecting cultural identity.
