Fair Trade Organizations and Certifying Agencies - Fair Trade Wholesale - Handmade Expressions. There are many organizations dedicated to the promotion of fair trade and its values around the world. In North America, the leading organizations are the Fair Trade Federation (FTF), TransFair USA, and the Fair Trade Resource Network, among others. Internationally, the World Fair Trade Organization (formerly known as IFAT) and FLO International are widely known. The following list has a description of the different organizations and what they specialize in. Some specialize in educating the public or providing materials so individuals can promote fair trade, while others are trade associations that bring different businesses together.
While organizations can display the logos of organizations like FTF or WFTO, these logos don’t mean that each product that they carry are certified fair trade. On the other hand, there are only 2 certifying agencies in this list: TransFair USA in the United States, and FLO-CERT in Europe. Certification is an interesting topic. Benefits of Certification. Fair Trade: What is Fair Trade? What is Fair Trade? Fair Trade is a system of exchange that honors producers, communities, consumers, and the environment. It is a model for the global economy rooted in people-to-people connections, justice, and sustainability. When you make Fair Trade purchases you are supporting: A Fair Price for Products For Fair Trade Certified™ products, a base price for the commodity is set by the international Fair Trade Labeling Organization. The price attempts to cover the cost of production and a living wage to cover the basics of food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical care. Investment in People and Communities Many Fair Trade producer cooperatives and artisan collectives reinvest their revenues into strengthening their businesses and their communities.
Environmental Sustainability Fair Trade farmers and artisans respect the natural habitat and are encouraged to engage in sustainable production methods. Direct Trade Learn about Fair Trade products and the farmers that produce them » Fair Trade Certified Coffee. What is fair trade certification? Much like organic certification, fair trade certification lets you know about the origin of a product. Fair trade certified products come from all over the world, but share a common history. Farmers who grow fair trade products receive a fair price, and their communities and the environment benefit as well. Fair trade certified coffee directly supports a better life for farming families in the developing world through fair prices, community development and environmental stewardship.
Fair trade farmers market their own harvests through direct, long-term contracts with international buyers, learning how to manage their businesses and compete in the global marketplace. The Fair for Life label guarantees: Fair price: Family farmers receive fair prices for their harvest, and premiums specifically earmarked for community development projects; even higher premiums are given for certified organic products. Examples of community projects include: Fairtrade International (FLO) Fairtrade certification. In 2009, Fairtrade certified sales amounted to approximately €3.4 billion (US $4.9 billion) worldwide, a 15% increase from 2008.[2] Sales are further expected to grow significantly in the coming years: according to the 2005 Just-Food Global Market Review, Fairtrade sales should reach US$ 9 billion in 2012 and US$ 20-25 billion by 2020.[3] The Fairtrade industry does not reveal how much of this is extra profit to retailers and distributors in rich countries, how much is spent on Fairtrade’s own costs or how much reaches the farmer.
As of 2011, 827 producer organizations in 58 developing countries were Fairtrade certified.[2] How it works[edit] With Fairtrade coffee, and for instance, packers in developed countries pay a fee to The Fairtrade Foundation for the right to use the brand and logo, and nearly all the fee goes on marketing. Packers and retailers can charge as much as they want for the coffee. Fairtrade Standards[edit] A T-shirt made from Fairtrade certified cotton. History[edit] Fair Trade USA | Every Purchase Matters.
Fair Trade Clothing | Organic and Eco Friendly Clothing | Fair Indigo. Fair Trade Handmade Gifts & Crafts from International Artisans - Ten Thousand Villages.