The Principles of Fair Trade

 

 

The World Fair Trade Organisations defines fair trade as:

 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 …

http://wfto.com/fair-trade/definition-fair-trade

 

 

 

 

At Tradewinds we exist to build transparent and respectful partnerships and to champion for the rights of marginalised producers in our partner countries. It’s been our core purpose since 1977, and though the world’s changed a lot since then and fair trade hit the big time, Tradewinds has stayed true to our simple goal of putting people before profits so that trade can be fairer and lives can be improved. Whether a product has the fairtrade label or not, we are committed to the ten principles of fair frade outlined by the WFTO:

  1. Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
  2. Transparency and Accountability
  3. Fair Trading Practices
  4. Payment of a Fair Price
  5. Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labor
  6. Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Freedom of Association
  7. Ensuring Good Working Conditions
  8. Providing Capacity Building
  9. Promoting Fair Trade
  10. Respect for the Environment

As the World Fair Trade organisation says ...

Fair Trade organizations 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.
  • It is a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty, climate change and economic crisis.”

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