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How does Fair Trade work?
Fair Trade is responsible commerce that takes into consideration the value of all people, from the producer to the consumer. This unique business model brings together producers and buyers with the common goal of creating sustainable livelihoods.
Buyers and producers work directly with each other to develop commercial relationships, trust and mutual support. Both the buyers and the producers adhere to a set of Fair Trade criteria established by the International Fair Trade Association for handicrafts, or the Fair Trade Labeling Organization for agricultural commodities such as grapes, used in producing wine.
The buyer agrees to pay producers a Fair Price for their crafts, and guarantees a minimum stable price for food products. Each price point must provide a living wage. Buyers must also work toward developing long term business for the producers so they are capable of future development and investment in their farms.
The producer group agrees to provide good working conditions, safety procedures and adequate health standards for all workers. In addition, democratic working processes must be available for groups receiving a Fair Trade premium. The use of this money is decided upon by the democratically elected workers committee. Producers also agree to use environmentally sound production methods.
Both the buyer and the producer group agree to promote human rights, especially those of women, children and people with disabilities. As buyers and producers meet milestones, they are expected to continuously improve upon these standards.
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What is the history of Fair Trade?
Fair Trade has been around for decades. Organizations have been working overseas and within their own countries to help develop better lives for people in need. Over the years thousands of people have been given opportunities to improve their lives by selling Fair Trade products.
The term "Fair Trade", however, is more recent. Fair Trade is a response to some of the effects globalization has had on third-world producers. Depreciation of wages, increased subsidies used by developed nations, and instability in prices for primary commodities have resulted in an increase in world poverty.
Many western Fair Trade companies see these same problems in their own countries. In response to this, Fair Trade organizations and companies like Etica are working hard to develop more markets for producers in the United States. We feel that many Americans face the same problems that our third-world producers do and we will therefore not limit our outreach.
Fair Trade has now become a common phrase in Europe as 50% of UK residents can identify the Fair Trade mark. This wave of educated consumerism is starting to make its mark in the US. Global Fair Trade sales are expected to reach $1 billion in 2007.
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Where can I buy Fair Trade products?
You can purchase Fair Trade products on this site and at a number of stores throughout the Untied States.
Check out our Fair Trade Links page to learn about more Fair Trade retailers in your area.
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How do I know the product I am purchasing is 100% Fair Trade?
Etica goes to great lengths to ensure that each and every product we sell is 100% Fair Trade. We work with US and international Fair Trade organizations to research producers and audit them, while developing direct and open relationships. Our business relationships are based on mutual respect, an understanding of each other's needs, and a will to reach common goals.
We work with the following organizations to research producer groups and promote Fair Trade:
- Green America
- Fair Trade Federation (FTF)
- Fair Trade Labeling Organization (FLO)
- International Fair Trade Association (IFAT)
Etica is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Chicago Fair Trade, Green America and is a founding member of the Minnesota Fair Trade Association.
Please visit our Fair Trade Links page to learn more about the various Fair Trade organizations that we work with.
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Why are there no Fair Trade certified logos on crafts?
At the moment there are no labels or logos developed for Fair Trade handicrafts. There are however, two organizations that are responsible for auditing Fair Trade producers and companies that sell them. These are the Fair Trade Federation and the International Fair Trade Association.
Members of these organizations can display the logos in their stores, on
their websites and in their marketing materials.
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How does Fair Trade tie into local, domestic agricultural issues?
Fair Trade is a way of life. Consumers can support local farms and promote global Fair Trade. The goal of Fair Trade is to develop sustainable lifestyles around the world. Buying local organic foods from small farmers is a huge benefit to our community. Etica supports local farmers and encourages people to shop at co-ops, farmers markets, while supporting community agriculture groups. Buying locally defends food sovereignty, saves fuel and energy, while providing the freshest food available.
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Where can I find more information about Fair Trade?
The Fair Trade Links page will send you to all the right places to learn more about Fair Trade. Click here to reach the Links.
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