Introduction To Fair Trade and the

Fair Trade Federation

Fair Trade Federationwww.FairTradeFederation.org

202-636-3547info@FairTradeFederation.org

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What is Fair Trade?

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.

-FINE Network (Fairtrade Labelling Organizations, International Fair Trade Association, Network of European Shops, European Fair Trade Association), 1998

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How?

Fair Trade Federation Principles1. Creating Opportunities for Economically and Socially

Marginalized Producers2. Developing Transparent and Accountable

Relationships3. Building Capacity4. Promoting Fair Trade5. Paying Promptly and Fairly6. Supporting Safe and Empowering Working Conditions7. Ensuring the Rights of Children8. Cultivating Environmental Stewardship9. Respecting Cultural Identity

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Who is involved?

Business Screening Product Certification

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What is available?

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Why Choose Fair Trade?

• Hands on for High-Quality• Cultivated Creativity• Trend Balanced with Authenticity• Support the poorest of the poor• Create Spillover Effects in Health, Education• Great Story

Empowerment - Not Charity• A Smart Business Decision

Growth of 102%+ from 2004-2007

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Levels of Commitment?

Conventional Companies

• Maximize Profit for Shareholders

• Range from 0% - 50% Fair Trade sourcing

• Rarely Discuss Sourcing• Frequently Change

Suppliers • Race to the Bottom of

Standards and Expectations• Unsustainable Practices for

other Products

Federation Members

• Maximize Impact for Marginalized Communities• Dedicated to Fair Trade•Tell Artisans’ and Farmers’ Stories• Cultivate Long-term Relationships • Aim for the Highest Standards• Holistic Approach to Business and Development

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Similar Marketing, Different Impact

Conventional

"Gemadro workers and their families enjoy access to clean water, health care, housing and schools, all in keeping with the estate's commitment to maintain the highest standards of social and environmental stewardship.”

Source: Starbucks.com

Fully Committed

“Equal Exchange works with more than 32

small farmer organizations in 18

developing countries. Our trading partners

are small farmer cooperatives -

businesses owned and governed

democratically by the farmers themselves.”

Source: EqualExchange.coop

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What can the Fair Trade Federation do for you?

• Rigorous Evaluation of Companies• Searchable Member Directory

www.FairTradeFederation.org/members

• Educational Tools and Resources• Trade and Gift Show Locators• Specialized Recommendations• Email Lists for Buyers, the Public

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What can you do?

• Choose Fair Trade online and ask for it in your favorite stores

• Volunteer / Work in the US and abroad• Fundraise for your Student Group,

Faith Community, or Local Organization

• Celebrate Fair Trade Day in May and Fair Trade Month in October!

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More Information

• Fair Trade Federation Phone: 202-636-3547 Fax: 202-636-3549 Address: 1718 M Street, NW, #381,

Washington DC 20036 www.FairTradeFederation.org Info@fairtradefederation.org Facebook; Twitter: @FTFederation