What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is…

an international movement that puts people before profits and seeks to use trade as a force for positive change. It is an alternative way of doing business, one that builds equitable, long-term partnerships between western consumers and producers in developing regions of the world.

Fair Trade businesses commit to:

• Paying a fair price and a fair wage.

• Offering employees opportunities for advancement.

• Providing equal opportunities for men and women.

• Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices.

• Being open to public accountability.

• Building long-term trade relationships.

• Providing healthy and safe working conditions.

• Providing financial and technical assistance to producers.

We believe that fair trade is one way to help alleviate world poverty. Many people today have no access to clean water, adequate food supplies, or basic education. According to Oxfam America, 70% of the world’s population lives on less the $2 per day and two-thirds of third world farmers live in absolute poverty.

Fair trade, although not the only answer, is a step in the right direction. Buying fair trade products enables us to make a real difference to the lives of the world’s disadvantaged poor.