Fair trade, fundamentally, is a response to the failure of conventional trade to deliver sustainable livelihoods and development opportunities to people in the poorest countries of the world; this is evidenced by the two billion of our fellow citizens who, despite working extremely hard, survive on less than $2 per day. Poverty and hardship limit people’s choices while market forces tend to further marginalise and exclude them. This makes them vulnerable to exploitation, whether as farmers and artisans in family-based production units (hereafter “producers”) or as hired workers (hereafter “workers”) within larger businesses.
While this raison d'être underlies all Fair Trade initiatives, it is expressed in a diverse range of practical activities and programmes in order to better respond to the particular needs and circumstances of the people targeted by each initiative. Clearly one mode of operation cannot address all the problems experienced in different product sectors (from coffee to crafts), geographic locations (from Mali to Mexico) or stages of production (from farmer to factory worker).
Fair Trade therefore aims to be consistent at the level of principles and values but flexible at the level of implementation and this presents challenges in defining the concept in practical and concrete processes that can be applied universally. However, understanding of the underlying principles of Fair Trade is crucial, as adoption of processes in isolation from those principles, risks losing an important element of the overall philosophy that has been developed through experience and dialogue by Fair Trade Organizations over many years. This is analogous to trends in the field of wider corporate social responsibility, where there is increasing acceptance that effective compliance requires genuine commitment. In Fair Trade, it is unquestionable that effectiveness is enhanced not just through what an organisation does, but also why and how they do it.
This statement aims to provide a single international reference point for Fair Trade through a concise explanation of Fair Trade principles and the two main routes by which they are implemented. It is also intended to set the foundations for future dialogue and co-operation among Fair Trade Organizations, and between those organizations and other actors, in order that Fair Trade fully develops its potential to secure greater equity in international trade. (Click HERE to download a copy of the charter.)
Common Vision
The Fair Trade movement shares a vision of a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices so that everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood and develop their full human potential.
The Fair Trade movement believes that trade can be a fundamental driver of poverty reduction and greater sustainable development, but only if it is managed for that purpose, with greater equity and transparency than is currently the norm. We believe that the marginalised and disadvantaged can develop the capacity to take more control over their work and their lives if they are better organised, resourced and supported, and can secure access to mainstream markets under fair trading conditions.
We also believe that people and institutions in the developed world are supportive of trading in this way when they are informed of the needs of producers and the opportunities that Fair Trade offers to change and improve their situation. Fair Trade is driven by informed consumer choices, which provides crucial support for wider campaigning to reform international trade rules and create a fairer economic system. Fair Trade connects the aims of those in the developed world who seek greater sustainability and justice with the needs of those in the South who most need those changes. It enables citizens to make a difference to producers through their actions and choices as consumers. Demand for Fair Trade products enables Fair Trade Organizations and others who adopt Fair Trade practices to extend the reach and impacts of their work, as well as visibly demonstrating and articulating public support for changes in international trade rules to governments and policy makers.
Fair Trade Definition
The currently accepted definition of Fair Trade is as follows:
“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.”
Fair Trade products are produced and traded in accordance with these principles - wherever possible verified by credible, independent assurance systems.
Core Principles
The principles of Fair Trade are based on the practical and shared experience of Fair Trade Organization over many years and reflect the diversity of Fair Trade relationships. The most important of these are unique to Fair Trade and are integral to its developmental objectives. These include:
Fair Trade therefore seeks to address the underlying causes of poverty through new forms of trading relationships rather than merely tackling the symptoms by checking compliance with standards within individual operators and supply chains. Furthermore, while compliance with legal requirements and respect for basic human rights are of course important and non-negotiable, they are insufficient in themselves to achieve the transformation towards long-term development that is needed. These changes require deeper engagement by actors in the trading chain, and recognition of the wider social and political context of their economic relationships and transactions.
Therefore, even in those principles of Fair Trade that are nominally shared with those outside the movement, there is an additional Fair Trade dimension, as indicated below.
Fair Trade is Unique
Fair Trade has led the way in encouraging and enabling consumers to take regard of the social, economic and environmental consequences of their purchasing. While other ethical purchasing initiatives are being developed to respond to the growing interest, the unique approach of Fair Trade continues to be most successful in terms of producer and consumer support. The Fair Trade movement is conscious of the trust placed in it by the public and is committed to developing and promoting the highest possible standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in order to maintain and protect that trust.
While this raison d'être underlies all Fair Trade initiatives, it is expressed in a diverse range of practical activities and programmes in order to better respond to the particular needs and circumstances of the people targeted by each initiative. Clearly one mode of operation cannot address all the problems experienced in different product sectors (from coffee to crafts), geographic locations (from Mali to Mexico) or stages of production (from farmer to factory worker).
Fair Trade therefore aims to be consistent at the level of principles and values but flexible at the level of implementation and this presents challenges in defining the concept in practical and concrete processes that can be applied universally. However, understanding of the underlying principles of Fair Trade is crucial, as adoption of processes in isolation from those principles, risks losing an important element of the overall philosophy that has been developed through experience and dialogue by Fair Trade Organizations over many years. This is analogous to trends in the field of wider corporate social responsibility, where there is increasing acceptance that effective compliance requires genuine commitment. In Fair Trade, it is unquestionable that effectiveness is enhanced not just through what an organisation does, but also why and how they do it.
This statement aims to provide a single international reference point for Fair Trade through a concise explanation of Fair Trade principles and the two main routes by which they are implemented. It is also intended to set the foundations for future dialogue and co-operation among Fair Trade Organizations, and between those organizations and other actors, in order that Fair Trade fully develops its potential to secure greater equity in international trade. (Click HERE to download a copy of the charter.)
Common Vision
The Fair Trade movement shares a vision of a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices so that everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood and develop their full human potential.
The Fair Trade movement believes that trade can be a fundamental driver of poverty reduction and greater sustainable development, but only if it is managed for that purpose, with greater equity and transparency than is currently the norm. We believe that the marginalised and disadvantaged can develop the capacity to take more control over their work and their lives if they are better organised, resourced and supported, and can secure access to mainstream markets under fair trading conditions.
We also believe that people and institutions in the developed world are supportive of trading in this way when they are informed of the needs of producers and the opportunities that Fair Trade offers to change and improve their situation. Fair Trade is driven by informed consumer choices, which provides crucial support for wider campaigning to reform international trade rules and create a fairer economic system. Fair Trade connects the aims of those in the developed world who seek greater sustainability and justice with the needs of those in the South who most need those changes. It enables citizens to make a difference to producers through their actions and choices as consumers. Demand for Fair Trade products enables Fair Trade Organizations and others who adopt Fair Trade practices to extend the reach and impacts of their work, as well as visibly demonstrating and articulating public support for changes in international trade rules to governments and policy makers.
Fair Trade Definition
The currently accepted definition of Fair Trade is as follows:
“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.”
Fair Trade products are produced and traded in accordance with these principles - wherever possible verified by credible, independent assurance systems.
Core Principles
The principles of Fair Trade are based on the practical and shared experience of Fair Trade Organization over many years and reflect the diversity of Fair Trade relationships. The most important of these are unique to Fair Trade and are integral to its developmental objectives. These include:
- Market access for marginalised producers Many producers are excluded from mainstream and added-value markets, or only access them via lengthy and inefficient trading chains. Fair Trade helps producers realise the social benefits to their communities of traditional forms of production. By promoting these values (that are not generally recognized in conventional markets) it enables buyers to trade with producers who would otherwise be excluded from these markets. It also helps shorten trade chains so that producers receive more from the final selling price of their goods than is the norm in conventional trade via multiple intermediaries.
- Sustainable and equitable trading relationships The economic basis of transactions within Fair Trade relationships takes account of all costs of production, both direct and indirect, including the safeguarding of natural resources and meeting future investment needs. Trading terms offered by Fair Trade buyers enable producers and workers to maintain a sustainable livelihood; that is one that not only meets day-to-day needs for economic, social and environmental well-being but that also enables improved conditions in the future. Prices are payment terms (including prepayment where required) are determined by assessment of these factors rather than just reference to current market conditions. There is a commitment to a long-term trading partnership that enables both sides to co-operate through information sharing and planning, and the importance of these factors in ensuring decent working conditions is recognized.
- Capacity building & empowerment Fair Trade relationships assist producer organisations to understand more about market conditions and trends and to develop knowledge, skills and resources to exert more control and influence over their lives.
- Consumer awareness raising & advocacy Fair Trade relationships provide the basis for connecting producers with consumers and for informing consumers of the need for social justice and the opportunities for change. Consumer support enables Fair Trade Organizations to be advocates and campaigners for wider reform of international trading rules, to achieve the ultimate goal of a just and equitable global trading system.
- Fair Trade as a “social contract” Application of these core principles depends on a commitment to a long-term trading partnership with producers based on dialogue, transparency and respect. Fair Trade transactions exist within an implicit “social contract” in which buyers (including final consumers) agree to do more than is expected by the conventional market, such as paying fair prices, providing pre-finance and offering support for capacity building. In return for this, producers use the benefits of Fair Trade to improve their social and economic conditions, especially among the most disadvantaged members of their organization. In this way, Fair Trade is not charity but a partnership for change and development through trade.
- An additional Fair Trade dimension to labour rights Fair Trade also adheres to standards (such as ILO conventions) that have been widely – but by no means universally – adopted in national legal systems as well as through voluntary codes of conduct by companies. However, breaches of these principles are commonplace in the developing world, and even in most developed countries, ensuring compliance remains a major challenge. The Fair Trade approach to this problem is based on its developmental objectives and recognizes that exploitation is a symptom of poverty and inequality rather than the cause.
Fair Trade therefore seeks to address the underlying causes of poverty through new forms of trading relationships rather than merely tackling the symptoms by checking compliance with standards within individual operators and supply chains. Furthermore, while compliance with legal requirements and respect for basic human rights are of course important and non-negotiable, they are insufficient in themselves to achieve the transformation towards long-term development that is needed. These changes require deeper engagement by actors in the trading chain, and recognition of the wider social and political context of their economic relationships and transactions.
Therefore, even in those principles of Fair Trade that are nominally shared with those outside the movement, there is an additional Fair Trade dimension, as indicated below.
Fair Trade is Unique
Fair Trade has led the way in encouraging and enabling consumers to take regard of the social, economic and environmental consequences of their purchasing. While other ethical purchasing initiatives are being developed to respond to the growing interest, the unique approach of Fair Trade continues to be most successful in terms of producer and consumer support. The Fair Trade movement is conscious of the trust placed in it by the public and is committed to developing and promoting the highest possible standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in order to maintain and protect that trust.