WHAT IS "FAIR TRADE" ?

Fair trade is all about putting the people first. Its aim is poverty alleviation. This internationally – recognized approach to trading aims to ensure that producers in poor countries get a fair price for goods and services. According to the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) “Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equality 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”

The Principles of Fair Trade Are:

Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers

Transparency, accountability and dealing fairly with trading partners

Developing the skills of producers and creating opportunities for trading their products

Promoting fair trade and telling as many people as possible about Fair Trade and informing customers where products come from

Payment of a fair price and ensuring that producers receive a fair price for their products

Gender Equity; providing equal pay and opportunities for women and men

Ensuring that producers are working in a safe and healthy environment

Ensuring that the UN Convention on the rights of the Child is respected

Ensuring that the materials used in production and packaging do not damage the environment

“I pity the man who wants a coat so cheap that the man or woman who produces the cloth will starve in the process”

Benjamin Harrison