What is Fair Trade?

‘Fair Trade is 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'.

The Fair Trade movement refers to the collection of civil society groups, producer organisations, certification bodies and consumers that work on or participate in Fair Trade initiatives involving agricultural products and also non-food items including handicrafts. Many Fair Trade organisations are members of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO). Fairtrade (one word) relates specifically to products that have been certified to use the FAIRTRADE Mark. In the UK the Fairtrade Foundation is the certifying body and a member of Fairtrade International.