More on Fair Trade
Fair Trade - Definition from Wikipedia
Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based model of international trade which promotes the payment of a fair price as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods. The movement focuses in particular on exports from developing countries to developed countries, most notably handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit, and so on.
Fair trade's strategic intent is to deliberately work with marginalised producers and workers in order to help them move from a position of vulnerability to security and economic self-sufficiency. It also aims at empowering them to become stakeholders in their own organizations and actively play a wider role in the global arena to achieve greater equity in international trade.
More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_trade
Though we are not members yet, we have used the federations guidelines to manage our business. We hope to become proud members as our business grows.
Fair Trade Definition from http://www.shopequita.com/fair_trade.htm
We ran into this when we were doing some research. It's a GREAT definition of FAIR TRADE. One of the best we have seen:
Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. Fair Trade Organizations trade with concern for the social, economic and environmental well being of marginalized small producers and do not maximize profit at their expense. 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
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