What is fair trade

These partnerships enable producer groups to build long-term business relationships and strong, sustainable organizations. Ultimately, that benefits entire local communities and brings us closer to our vision. Why Fair Trade Every purchase matters in the lives of others. What is fair trade? Our impact We measure progress in the tangible difference we're making in lives and communities around the world.

See how Fairtrade can benefit you and how to get started. Learn more about being a Fairtrade producer. Fairtrade helps businesses of all sizes meet their sustainability and supply chain needs. As for the farmers and workers, the standards include the likes of product quality and environmentally friendly farming practices.

Fair trade, written as two words, means that something has been fairly traded, often above and beyond the minimum standards which Fairtrade sets. The Fairtrade Mark ensures that these minimum standards have been observed, which is of course a great start. Companies like Traidcraft, however, have a more nuanced view which focuses not on a set of minimum standards, but on a holistic approach to food.

We deliberately only buy food from smallholders farmers who own their own land and not from plantations which are often owned by mega-corporations. We focus on organic produce wherever possible and on good food quality. Our philosophy extends to how we treat our own staff, the rights of non-discrimination, self-organisation, for opportunities to train ourselves and for the pay gap between top and bottom to be no more than a factor of 2.

This is all embedded in what fair trade written as two words always set out to achieve. For producers, farmers, growers and artisans, fair trade offers many advantages:. Fair trade has grown enormously since its origins. Traidcraft is a member of two larger membership organisations:. We are very mindful of our heritage here at Traidcraft and being co-founders of the world fair trade movement could either mean a weight on our shoulders to uphold the original vision in all its glory, or a liberating sense of freedom to carry on breaking the normal rules of trade, whenever and wherever we can.

We prefer the latter; guarding the flames, not tending the ashes. There are many exciting ways to support the fair trade movement and get involved with Traidcraft, so why not start today? Firstly, you may be looking to buy fair trade products for your school, church, workplace, shop or stall, or you may be hoping to participate in fundraising. Alternatively, you can support fair trade by getting involved in many events throughout the year, including Fairtrade Fortnight , and you require fair trade resources.

If you have a question about anything regarding fair trade, such as:. Home What is Fair Trade. What is Fair Trade? Fairtrade Africa Follow. Fairtrade strengthens the position of farmers and workers in the value chain by securing better deals, contributing to greater sustainable development in Africa. What is needed for successful climate negotiations in Glasgow? This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible.

Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Toggle navigation. Who We Are. Who Are Producers?

What Makes Fairtrade Different? What Fairtrade Does. What Does the Fairtrade Mark Mean?