What is Fair Trade?

“Fair Trade is a different way of doing business. It’s about making principles of fairness and decency mean something in the marketplace”, says Fairtrade Canada. Fair Trade certification systems run by Fairtrade International (FLO) and its members ensure that producers meet standards set out for a range of areas including sustainable farming, labour standards, governance and democratic participation. Companies that buy from these producers then have their own set of standards to adhere to, such as terms of trade which state minimum prices that can be paid to producers and expectations for contract terms. Strict auditing procedures are put in place. As Fairtrade Canada says “Fair Trade is a way for all of us to identify products that meet our values so we can make choices that have a positive impact on the world.”

Source: Fairtrade Canada