A few weeks back I did an article on the importance of organic clothing, I should have mentioned the importance
"fair trade" plays in the garment industry. Many of the organic lines coincide with free trade but i never really understood what it was or it's importance until I started researching for my own boutique.
Fair Trade guarantees a minimum price for producers so they can earn a decent, living wage and break the cycle of exploitation and poverty. It has been defined by the four Fair Trade Organizations as "a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers, especially in the South. Fair Trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising, and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade."
~make trade fair
The four organizations involved are known by their initials as FINE:
Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO) whose main responsibility is to collect data and ensure the audit of all Fairtrade-labelled products from the producer to the sales floor.
International Federation for Alternative Trade (IFAT) is a global network of Fair Trade organizations that work to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of the poor people in developing countries, and to change the unfair structures of international trade.
Network of European World shops (NEWS!) NEWS co-ordinates the co-operation between World Shops all over Western Europe.
and finally
European Fair Trade Association (EFTA) was established in 1987, and is an association of 12 Fair Trade importers in 9 European countries, they facilitate co-operation and co-ordination between their members in the areas of trading with suppliers in the south, advocacy and campaigns work, monitoring of fair trade and marketing fair trade products.
Now that I have covered the technicalities , I would love to tell you in plain speak why fair trade is important to all of us:
Fair price: farmers group receive a minimum price and an additional premium for certified organic products.
Fair labor conditions: workers enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited!
Direct trade: importers purchase from Fair Trade groups as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to develop the business capacity necessary to compete in the global marketplace.
Democratic and transparent organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to invest revenues.
Community development: Fair Trade farmers and workers invest earnings in social and business development projects like scholarships, quality improvement trainings, and organic certification.
Environmental sustainability: harmful chemicals and GMOs are strictly prohibited in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers’ health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations
Check out the Fair Trade Association for some great information and check out Make Trade Fair and sign the petition that "represents the voices of millions of people around the world who are calling for decision makers to make trade fair."
Have a fabulous week!!!
