Fairtrade Explained
Photo by jakeliefer
Fairtrade is essentially an organized system to ensure that producers, artisans and businesses worldwide are treated fairly. That means fair pricing and practices. Fairtrade also works to ensure environmental sustainability, fair labor conditions, and the reinvestment of resources into local communities. Essentially, Fairtrade is for the betterment of all.
So who regulates Fairtrade and who determines if a product or business can be labeled Fairtrade? Internationally, there is the Fairtrade Labeling Organization, or FLO, which co-ordinates Fairtrade labeling at an international level. Their offices are located in Bonn, Germany and they are responsible for the following:
- Setting international Fairtrade standards
- Organizing support for producers around the world
- Developing global Fairtrade strategy
- Promoting trade justice internationally
Nationally, there is the Fair Trade Federation. The FTF was established to strengthen and promote North American organizations fully committed to fair trade. The Federation is part of the global Fairtrade movement, building equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and creating opportunities to alleviate poverty.
Likewise, there is also a European Fair Trade Association. EFTA’s goal is to promote fair trade and to make fair trade importing more efficient and effective.
Fairtrade Action Network was established to connect volunteers who are interested in promoting fair trade. Their goal is to create an internet community to share ideas and experiences on fair trade campaigning.
As you can see, Fairtrade is a global initiative. According to FLO, in 2008, Fairtrade certified sales amounted to approximately $4.08 billion worldwide, a 22% year-to-year increase. As per December 2008, 746 producer organizations in 58 developing countries were Fairtrade certified.
Buying Fairtrade products helps to ensure people around the world are essentially treated fairly. It brings global commerce to a whole new level. The Fairtrade label gives you the confidence the people who made your product are living a better life. It’s a great movement – one you can be proud to participate in.
