Fair Trade Defined

Fair Trade is not:

Instead, Fair Trade is a system of exchange to empower and improve the livelihood of marginalized people around the world.  It is centered around the exchange of goods based on principles of economic and social justice.

Fair Trade operates on a comprehensive set of principles, as defined by the Fair Trade Federation:

1. Paying promptly and fairly in the local context and ensuring equal pay for equal work between men and women.

2. Developing transparent relationships and practices that are open to public accountability.

3. Building long-term relationships between producers and businesses through which producers receive assistance to improve their skills and access to markets, thus increasing their income.

4. Protecting the rights of children for security, education, and play. 

6. Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local context.

7. Using environmentally sustainable practices.

8. Offering employees opportunities for advancement.

9. Providing equal employment opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged.

10. Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible.

Video courtesty of OxFam International.