FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT FAIR TRADE

What is FAIR TRADE?
Fair Trade is a lot of things: a social justice movement, an alternative business model, a system of global commerce, a tool for international development, a faith-based activity. It means different things to different people. Fair Trade’s definitions always center around the exchange of goods based on principles of economic and social justice.

What is the main goal of FAIR TRADE?
To empower marginalized people and improve the quality of their lives.

Who does FAIR TRADE primarily benefit?
Artisans and workers in undeveloped and developing countries.

What do FAIR TRADE critics say?
Interferes with free market, inefficient, too small scale for impact.

What are the major actions of FAIR TRADE?
Businesses offer producers favorable financing, long-term relationships, minimal prices and higher labor and environmental standards.

What is FAIR TRADE producer compensation determined by?
Living wage and community improvement costs.

What is the FAIR TRADE supply chain?
Includes fewer parties, more direct trade.

What are the key FAIR TRADE advocate organizations?
Fairtrade International and the World Fair Trade Organization. In the U.S., Fair Trade USA and the Fair Trade Federation.

TOP 10 REASONS TO BUY FAIR TRADE

1. Fair Trade means fair pay and working conditions for farmers and producers. By choosing Fair Trade, consumers support safe and healthy working conditions for farmers and artisans and create just economic opportunities for marginalized producers.

2. Fair Trade encourages environmental sustainability. By using eco-friendly farming practices and raw materials, Fair Trade supports sustainable practices that minimize our environmental footprint.

3. Fair Trade protects children. Local managers uphold children’s rights to security, education, and play. Businesses respect and support local laws and social norms, and disclose the involvement of children in production.

4. Fair Trade empowers marginalized workers. Farmers and artisans gain access to low-cost, advanced capital, as well as opportunities for building their technical and business skills.

5. Fair Trade is safe. Fair Trade actively promotes integrated farm management systems that improve soil fertility and preserve valuable eco-systems and limit the use of harmful agrochemicals that present dangers to farmers’ health.

6. Fair Trade supports communities. By working through cooperative structures, Fair Trade artisans and small farmers are able to invest Fair Trade earnings in their communities, improving housing, healthcare and schools.

7. Fair Trade is trade farmers & artisans can count on. Fair Trade is committed to strengthening direct, long-term partnerships between buyers and producers. These partnerships provide an avenue for buyers to purchase quality products from people they trust.

8. Fair Trade connects you with other cultures. Fair Trade products are unique to the places they come from and the people who make them. Farmers and artisans are involved in the entire process, and Fair Trade products reflect the people and cultures they come from.

9. Fair Trade means sustainable local economies. By choosing Fair Trade products, you are not only accessing high quality products, you are making a difference in the lives of the people who grow and craft the products.

10. Fair Trade means what you buy matters. Fair Trade gives farmers and artisans control of their own future. They can build their own businesses, rather than work for a middleman, and the profits stay in their communities and go back into their businesses.