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.
Fair Trade organisations 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 the main Fair Trade organizations including Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO), The World Fair Trade Association (WFTO) and The European Fair Trade Association (EFTA))
Fair Trade also means:
- Providing feedback and assistance to producers for improvements in design, production and business skills
- Offering opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers
- Purchasing products as directly as possible from the producers
- Creating a long-term partnership between buyer and supplier
- Making payment advances for the purchase of raw materials
- 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 of over 20% annually since 2000.
- The annual net retail value of Fair Trade products sold in Europe now exceeds €1.5 billion, and an estimated €2.3 billion worldwide .
- Sales of Fairtrade Certified products in Ireland in 2007 were €23 million; sales in the UK in 2007 topped €704 million. This makes the consumption of Fairtrade Certified products €5.40 for everyone in Ireland - higher than the European average of €4.06 per person.
- Fair Trade products can now be found in over 3,000 independent Fair Trade shops and over 67,000 supermarkets all over Europe.
- Fair Trade products benefit more than 5 million producers and their families in 58 developing countries.
- Oxfam affiliates retail and/or wholesale Fair Trade products in Ireland, UK, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong.
Links
Fair Trade Resources and Sites:
Fairtrade Foundation ( UK labelling initiative)
WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization)
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