Fair trade's strategic intent is to join forces with marginalized producers and workers around the world in order to help them improve their quality of life and attain security and economic self-sufficiency. In addition to providing dignified, stable employment, Fair Trade empowers these producers to become stakeholders in their own organizations and achieve greater equity in international trade.
Fair trade means much more than just paying a higher price for goods. Fair Trade organizations maintain long-term relationships based on solidarity, trust and mutual respect. Whenever possible, producers are assisted with access to pre-harvest or pre-production advance payment. Other Fair Trade fundamentals include:
- Paying a fair wage in the local context
- Advancement opportunities for employees
- Providing equal employment opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged
- Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices
- Being transparent and open to public accountability
- Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local context
- Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT FAIR TRADE?
IFAT (The International Fair Trade Association): www.ifat.org
FTF (Fair Trade Federation): www.fairtradefederation.org
Oxfam International - Make Trade Fair: www.maketradefair.com
The One Campaign - Trade Justice: http://www.one.org/trade_justice