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What is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade is an economic partnership based on dialogue, transparency, and respect.
This system of exchange seeks to create greater equity and partnership in the international trading system by:
FTF members foster partnerships with producers, because they know these connections are a highly effective way to help producers help themselves.
Fair trade is not about charity. It is a holistic approach to trade and development that aims to alter the ways in which commerce is conducted, so that trade can empower the poorest of the poor. Fair Trade Organizations seek to create sustainable and positive change in developing and developed countries.
The movement advocates the payment of a higher price to producers as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods.. Fair trade's strategic intent is to work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move towards economic self-sufficiency and stability. It also aims to allow them to become greater stakeholders in their own organizations as well as play a wider role in international trade.
In 2008, Fair Trade certified sales amounted to approximately $4.08 (U.S.) billion worldwide, a 22% year-to-year increase
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