Why Fair Trade?

Fair trade is a market-based system that uses informed consumer support to influence international trade practices toward greater social and environmental sustainability. As a response to conventional trade systems, which have contributed to poverty and poor working conditions within developing countries, fair trade aims to build an alternative approach based on mutually beneficial relationships between producers and consumers.

Fair trade is a powerful tool that goes beyond charity and other aid programs. At its core, fair trade aims to empower marginalized producers in improving their own living conditions. With the proper resources, capacity, and key relationships, disadvantaged producers are able to earn their own means to a better life for themselves and their communities.

Principles of fair trade

Fair trade aims to empower producer communities by providing them with the means to improve their communities and their livelihoods by

• building stronger relationships between producers, consumers, and business
• ensuring farmers and producers are paid a fair price that accounts for a number of factors including cost of production and adequate living standards
• streamlining supply chains to reduce inefficiencies and create more direct trading relationships
• supporting producer organizations to improve their access to markets, tools, resources, and industry knowledge
• supporting communities by creating the means to invest in infrastructures such as health and education
• ensuring proper standards for working conditions, environmental sustainability, and respect for culture identity