When I was doing some research on Fair Trade I asked LTSH (Long Term Suffering Husband) what he thought it was. His response: “Trading fairly” was the perfect definition! It’s times like these I know I married a genius!!!
And there is a little more to the concept:
Fair Trade is about paying a fair price for product and services, not just based on current market conditions, but with an eye on the future environmental, social and economic wellbeing of the producer. Fair Trade advocates the world as one – sustainability and humanitarian practices through trade on a global scale. Basically it’s not about making a few extra bucks by ripping people off just because they are in a developing country and perhaps lack the financial backing and legal know-how of the leading economic nations.
Fair Trade practice supports producers of developing countries, helping them into the trade market, which due to their scale and low economic ‘pull’ would otherwise never have the opportunity to be a part of. This allows small scale farmers to earn sufficient income to support themselves, their families, and their towns and villages. It enables crops to be re-sewn and fields to be worked – contributing to sustainability in their community. Thus Fair Trade enables the ‘small-scale farmer’ to make money and continue production, and contributes to a sense of pride in the farmer’s work and efforts. It helps the economy as more money is circulated within their community, and makes the global statement that people are more important than profits. And sustainable practices are more important than greed.
Trading terms offered by Fair Trade buyers enable producers and workers to maintain a sustainable livelihood; one that not only meets day-to-day needs for economic, social and environmental wellbeing but also enables improved conditions in the future.
Presently Fair Trade has made an impact on exports such as bananas, chocolate, cocoa, coffee, cotton, honey, sugar, tea, and wine. The practice has growing support from large corporations, franchises, religious organizations, and most importantly, the ‘little people ‘ – us, the consumers.
If you want to support Fair Trade practice, look at the products you purchase. Look at the companies you deal with. Support business that supports sustainable practices – the ones who treat others with respect. Look for how they treat their staff and suppliers. Look at where they source their products. Research Fair Trade initiatives in your country, and see what you as an individual can do. Get the facts, for and against Fair Trade, and make informed decisions – because the decisions you make today not only affect the future, they affect people all round the world. We are, afterall, one big global family… what happens in one nation affects another – we are all connected, we’re not just humans – we’re earthlings!