ABOUT
FAIR TRADE
Fair Trade is an internationally recognised approach to changing lives through trade. It is a vision of business and trade that put people and planet before profit. Fair Trade fights poverty, climate change, gender inequality and injustice.
The Fair Trade movement is defined by the
10 Principles of Fair Trade
developed by the World Fair Trade Organisation.
In our region Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (www.fta.org.au) is the peak body comprising businesses and individiuals supporting the Fair Trade Movement.
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Fair Trade Organisations can be recognised by the WFTO Mark.
Products such as tea, coffee, chocolate and cotton are Fairtrade certified through Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand and carry a label.
WHAT IS
FAIR TRADE?
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.
THE TEN PRINCIPLES
OF FAIR TRADE
1. OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISADVANTAGED PRODUCERS
Poverty reduction through trade must form a key part of the organisation's aims. The organisation or business must assist vulnerable producers to move from income insecurity and poverty to economic self-sufficiency and ownership.
2. TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY
The organisation must be transparent in its management and commercial relations. The organisation finds appropriate, participatory ways to involve employees, members and producers in its decision-making processes.
3. FAIR TRADE PRACTICES
The organisation must have concern for the social, economic and environmental well-being of marginalised producers. It is responsible and professional in meeting its commitments in a timely manner. Suppliers respect contracts and deliver products on time and to the desired quality.
4. FAIR PAYMENT
A fair price is one that has been mutually agreed by all through dialogue and participation which provides fair pay to the producers and can also be sustained by the market, taking into account equal pay for men and women and a Local Living Wage.
5. NO CHILD LABOUR. NO FORCED LABOUR
The organisation must adhere to the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child, and local law on the employment of children. Any involvement of children in the production of products is disclosed and monitored and does not adversely affect the child's well-being.
6. NO DISCRIMINATION.
GENDER EQUALITY. FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION
The organisation does not discriminate in hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement. The organisation has a clear policy and plan to promote gender equality and respects the right of all employees to form and join trade unions of their choice and to bargain collectively.
7. GOOD WORKING CONDITIONS
The organisation provides a safe and healthy working environment for employees and / or members. It complies, at a minimum, with national and local laws and International Labor Organisation's conventions on health and safety. Fair Trade organisations are aware of the health and safety conditions of their producer groups.
8. CAPACITY BUILDING
The organisation seeks to increase positive developmental impacts for producers through Fair Trade. Organisations working directly with small producers develop specific activities to help these producers improve their management skills, production capabilities. and access to markets.
9. PROMOTE FAIR TRADE
The organisation raises awareness of the aim of Fair Trade and of the need for greater justice in world trade through Fair Trade. It advocates for the objectives and activities of Fair Trade according to the scope of the organisation.
10. RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Organisations which produce Fair Trade products maximise the use of raw materials from sustainably managed sources in their ranges, buying locally when possible. They use production technologies that seek to reduce energy consumption and where possible use renewable energy technologies that minimise greenhouse gas emissions.
THE INTERNATIONAL FAIR TRADE CHARTER
Rising inequality, entrenched poverty and a deepening ecological crisis have mobilised the global community to seek new models of business and trade that drive fair and sustainable economies. Over many decades, the Fair Trade movement has developed and implemented a range of models that serve as an experiment in transforming the broader global economy.
The new International Fair Trade Charter enshrines the common vision and fundamental values of the Fair Trade movement to put us on the path to realising the Sustainable Development Goals. Rising inequality, entrenched poverty and a deepening ecological crisis have led the global community to seek new models of business and trade that drive fair and sustainable economies.
The Charter offers a general explanation of the shared vision and values of the Global Fair Trade movement.
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Credits: World Fair Trade Organization & Fair Trade Advocacy Office