By Rakan Kasim

Background

Fair trade is a global economic and social movement that seeks to address the inequalities and injustices inherent in conventional trade practices. Born in the later 20th century, it aims to help workers from marginalized communities in developing countries. Fair trade gives better trading conditions to these workers and allows them to work and gain profit from their goods. Fair trade products, such as coffee, cocoa, handicrafts, and textiles, are typically certified by organizations like Fair Trade International to guarantee that they meet established ethical and environmental standards. 

Fair Trade Standards

Fair trade sets a standard for their products and their practices in order to ensure the best outcomes for producers, sellers, and consumers. The standards allow a trust to be formed between the consumers and the producers. Notable standards and rules set by Fairtrade international are as follows:

• Fair Prices: Fair trade ensures that producers receive a fair and stable price for their products, which covers the cost of production and provides a living wage.
• Fair Labor Practices: Workers are paid fair wages and entitled to have safe working conditions.
• Transparency: Fair trade organizations prioritize transparency and traceability in the supply chain, allowing consumers to understand the origins of their products.
• Anti-Child or Forced Labor: Fair trade standards prohibit the use of child labor as well as forcing people to work, with no choice.
• Payment of Fair Trade Premiums: Producers receive an additional sum known as a “fair trade premium,” which is used for community development projects or to improve product quality.

To ensure that a product is fair trade certified, the product must have a fair trade label. These are given and assigned by Fairtrade International to make certain that the product was traded and produced following the standards listed above. 

Fair Trade Benefiting You and Others 

Fair trade has given many opportunities to talented and hardworking farmers and artisans. Workers are able to control their open practices, allowing them to have more comfortable and feasible lives. Producers that participate in fair trade come from developing countries, and typically do not have the resources to get their products to the world. Fairtrade allows them to globalize their products, causing them to earn better profit from around the world. They are given fair trade premiums, acting as a guarantee for profit. This allows them to be comfortable within the work and avoid having to worry about having a steady income. With that they are able to invest back into their production, guaranteeing the best quality of product they can make.

Fair trade products are seen as high quality, causing many people to look for a fair trade certified item. Many products are hand grown and handmade when labeled as fairtrade. The quality can be attested by their attention to detail and the rigorous process of approval. With fair trade products, consumers are able to have a sense of gratitude to be given the opportunity to contribute to smaller producers and artisans. Purchasing fair trade products permits one to follow their beliefs against serious and ethical issues such as child and forced labor.