Who Practices Fair Trade Principles?
Fair Trade is theoretically a pretty straightforward concept. We all need to trade in order to get our needs and wants met. HOW we trade can get complicated in a complex and diverse marketplace.
The 
Fair Trade Federation (the association for North American organizations who are fully committed to Fair Trade) has established nine principles upon which Fair Trade is based. Thanks to the support of the CRS Fair Trade Fund, a new website has been launched, FairTradePrinciples.org, that provides a collection of case studies to explain the Fair Trade business model.
With the creation of the site, the Federation seeks to highlight the ways in which Fair Trade offers a different approach to trade and to explain how Fair Trade businesses operate. Exploring the nine case studies, visitors to the site can explore the specific ways in which Fair Trade retailers and cooperatives adhere to the nine principles of Fair Trade:
- Create Opportunities for Marginalized Producers
- Develop Transparent Relationships
- Build Capacity
- Promote Fair Trade
- Pay Promptly and Fairly
- Support Empowering Working Conditions
- Ensure Children’s Rights
- Cultivate Environmental Stewardship
- Respect Cultural Identity
The various case studies are designed to inspire others to adopt fair trading practices and include some of CRS’ Fair Trade partners such as Cooperative Coffees, SERRV, Just Coffee and Larry’s Beans. Check the site out and let us know if you agree with these principles. If you think something is missing or if you have other examples of Fair Traders!
Tags: Cooperative Coffees, Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade Fund, just coffee, Larry's Beans, SERRV
This whole topic of “fair trade” is so important. At the very least, fair trade offers real hope for helping to alleviate poverty for so many people around the globe.
A great way to learn more about fair trade is by participating in The Fair Trade Futures Conference being held September 10 to 12 in Quincy, MA. Not only is this the largest fair trade conference in the U.S., I am told it will be the largest Fair Trade event in North American history.
There’s a lot of information at the conference web site, http://fairtradeconference.ning.com/
I plan to attend to find out more about how to advance the fair trade cause right in my hometown. There will be lots of workshops, and something like 50 different fair trade vendors exhibiting.
Does something like this make sense to you?
Hi Walt,
Glad to see you so interested in the Futures conference. CRS Fair Trade is on the leadership group and you can read more about our involvement at:
http://www.crsfairtrade.org/creating-a-fair-trade-future/
See you there,
Jackie