What is Fair Trade?According to the Fair Trade Federation, fair trade is a system of exchange that seeks to create greater equity and partnership in the international trading system by
- Providing fair wages in the local context,
- Supporting safe, healthy, and participatory workplaces,
- Supplying financial and technical support to build capacity,
- Ensuring environmental sustainability,
- Respecting cultural identity,
- Offering public accountability and transparency,
- Building direct and long-term relationships, and
- Educating consumers.
Fair trade is not about charity. It is a holistic approach to trade and development that aims to alter the ways in which commerce is conducted, so that trade can empower the poorest of the poor. Fair trade organizations seek to create sustainable and positive change in developing and developed countries.
Fair trade fosters an equitable and fair partnership between businesses and organizations in the developed world and producers in the developing world. Moreover, Fair Trade businesses cultivate long-term and direct relationships with producers, because they know these connections are a highly effective way to help producers help themselves.
For more information about fair trade, please visit the Fair Trade Federation website.
Sara and Philip are available and happy to make presentations for groups about Fair Trade. Go to the Contact Us site and ask.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fair Trade