Fair Trade
Fair trade is an approach to business and to development based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system.
Fair trade supports farmers and craftspeople in developing countries who are socially and economically marginalized. These producers lack economic opportunity and often face steep hurdles in finding markets and customers for their goods.
Fair trade is much more than just trade. At the core of the fair trade model is a direct, cooperative, and in-depth relationship between buyers and sellers that keeps all of the principles of fair trade at the forefront.
What Does that Really Mean?Fair Trade is about making a tremendous impact on artisan and farmer communities while offering great products to the public.
Fairly traded clothing, coffee, food, furniture, home decor, housewares, jewelry, tea, toys, personal accessories, and many other products are available from Fair Trade Organizations. Communities are improved; nutritional needs met; health care costs are covered; the poor, especially women, are empowered; the environmental impact of production, sourcing, and transport is mitigated to the fullest extent possible. Such an impact is created because Fair Trade approaches development as a holistic process.
What is the Fair Trade Federation?Fair Trade Federation (FTF) members are fully committed to Fair Trade. They have dedicated their businesses to creating positive change for the poorest of the poor. This means that fair trade is at the core of every business decision they make. By selling their products in North America, Fair Trade Federation members are improving the lives of artisans and farmers around the globe. |
This is my 20th year in business after leaving the corporate world! I am an adventure traveler choosing to work directly with producer groups, which are often extended families with generations of experience with musical crafts. Our goal is to sustain long-term trading relationships to create economic stability. With your help, we provide critical support to these low-income families through fair wages, in the local context, and other valuable assistance. Most that I have met convey a love for their work and a gentle approach to life. It is a big reasons I do what I do. I gain critical perspective on my own culture by visiting theirs.