Why Fair Trade?

So what is this fair trade thing all about? We have a short answer, and we have some long answers.

The Short Answer

Fair Trade represents an alternative approach to conventional international trade. It is a trading partnership which supports sustainable development for excluded and disadvantaged producers from developing nations.  

FTM defines fair trade as an alternative approach to trading that:

• Promotes global economic justice, dignity and environmental sustainability through equitable trading relationships between northern importers and southern producers.
• Is based on fair trade principles as adopted by the Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International (FLO-International) and adapted by FTM. These include:
  • direct trade
  • fair price
  • long-term commitment
  • access to credit
  • democratic management
  • public information
  • environmental sustainability
  • community development
• Recognizes that adherence to the principles of fair trade can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable system of production and trade that benefits people and communities around the world.

FTM recognizes products displaying the Fair Trade Certified label (associated with FLO-International), as well as those products sold by Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs) which are recognized members of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), as having been produced under fair trade conditions. FTM believes that both international organizations contribute toward accountable and transparent verification practices of fair trade products.
 

FTM also recognizes the fair trade status of goods that have been produced as part of long term partnerships between southern communities and the local Manitoba non-profit organizations which are playing leadership roles in international development efforts in the province.

FTM does not assess the fair trade status of other products. These include products imported by corporations that may have developed internal corporate certification labels and/or products sold by small, local shops which may have direct relationships with southern producers. FTM strongly encourages consumers to collect the information necessary about such products to ensure that fair trade claims are legitimate.