What is Fair Trade

I remember when my knowledge of fair trade products available was pretty much chocolate and coffee. Since then, I've learned about the many fair trade products on the market. Fruits, vegetables, spices, beauty products, clothing, home décor, gifts, and yes, lots of delicious coffee and chocolate, to name a few. So what's the difference between conventionally produced products and fair trade, and why should we care?

Well, the difference is quite simple; when you support fair trade, you're supporting a movement that stands up for the producers/artisans. The movement protects their right to receive fair pay for their work so they may send their children to school and support their families. The fair trade movement seeks to combat the injustices experienced by the most vulnerable populations in the world, such as poverty and exploitation.

Studies have shown that women represent over 70% of the lives impacted by fair trade. Many workers are mothers caring for young children and need the ability to work from home. A woman producer empowered by fair trade will be making a contribution to uplift her community, become a leader, and inspire others to do the same. 

"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 are committed 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." —World Fair Trade

Below, we've outlined the ten fair trade principles. The WFTO prescribes 10 Principles that Fair Trade Organizations must follow in their day-to-day work and carries out monitoring to ensure these principles are upheld:

 Create opportunities for marginalized and economically disadvantaged producers so they may move from poverty and income insecurity to economic self-sufficiency.

 Ensure that the organization is transparent in its management and commercial relations. Involve employees, members, and producers in decision-making processes.

The organization trades with concern for the social, economic, and environmental well-being of marginalized small producers and does not maximize profit at their expense.

Fair payment will be mutually negotiated and agreed upon as it pertains to fair prices, a fair local living wage, and equal pay for equal work by men and women.

Ensures no child labor and no forced labor as the organization adheres to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and national/local law on the employment of children.