What We Do: Fairtrade
What Is Fair Trade?*
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, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South.
Fair Trade organizations have a clear commitment to Fair Trade as the principal core of their mission. They, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.
Fair Trade is more than just trading: it proves that greater justice in world trade is possible. It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional trade and shows how a successful business can also put people first.
*(definition agreed by members of FINE which is an acronym for the main Fair Trade organisations including Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO), The International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), Network of European World Shops (NEWS) and European Fair Trade Association (EFTA))
Fair Trade also means:
- Providing feedback and assistance to producers for improvements in design, production and business skills
- Providing opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers
- Purchasing products as directly as possible from the producers
- Creating a long-term partnership between buyer and supplier
- Providing payment advances for the purchase of raw materials and paying fairer prices
- Promoting safe and healthy working conditions
- Protecting human rights, especially of women and children
- Ensuring sustainable use of natural resources
Fair Trade Facts and Figures
- Fair Trade sales in Europe have been growing at an average 20% per year since 2000
- The annual net retail value of Fair Trade products sold in Europe now exceeds €660 million, and an estimated €2 billion worldwide
- Fair Trade products can now be found in 55,000 supermarkets all over Europe
- Fair Trade products benefit more than five million producers and their families in developing countries
Links
Fair Trade Resources and Sites:
- Fairtrade Mark Ireland
- IFAT (International Fair Trade Association)
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