Definition of Fair Trade
From the Network of European Worldshops
Fair Trade is a partnership between producers, traders and consumers who are working to remove the disadvantages suffered by producers, to increase producers' access to markets and promote the sustainable development process.
Fair Trade works to create means and opportunities for producers, especially disadvantaged, small-scale producers, to improve their living and working conditions.
Its mission is to promote social equity, environmental protection and economic security through trade, awareness-raising and campaigning.
Key Principles embraced by all partners in Fair Trade and practised to the best of their abilities, are:
Respect and concern, for people and the environment, putting people before profit.
Paying a fair price for the products, enabling the producers to have good working conditions. A fair price takes into account the costs for a reasonable income, environmental protection and economic security.
Openness and transparency about the structures of their organisations and all aspects of their activities; mutual feedback among partners in the fair trade chain, on their products and marketing methods.
Involvement of producers, volunteers and employees in decision making affecting them.
Protection and promotion of human rights in particular of women's, children's and indigenous people.
Awareness of the situation of women and men as producers and traders, and promotion of equal opportunities for women.
Concern for the environment and sustainable development as part of all activities.
Promotion of sustainable development by striving towards long-term and stable trade.
Provision of information, education and campaigning.
Favouring products for which as many steps as possible of the production process have been completed in the country of origin.
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