FAIR TRADE

What is that?

Fair trade is a movement born in the Netherlands at the "beginning of the 60s, to favor the" balance of trade between rich and poor countries. Little by little, this new concept of trade has spread to all European and North American countries, becoming a global method. The main objective of fair trade is to help small producers to make a living from their work, ensuring them working conditions and decent incomes and, at the same time, protecting them from the harsh laws of the world economy. All while respecting the environment.

Definition

Summarizing its principles in a few lines is not easy, because it is a very vast area. Thus, in 2001 the four most important international fair trade organizations (FLO, IFAT, NEWS, EFAT) worked hard to find a unique definition:
'Fair trade is a business partnership based on dialogue, transparency and respect, the aim of which is to achieve greater equity in world trade. It contributes to sustainable development by allowing better commercial conditions and by guaranteeing respect for the rights of producers and workers in the poorest countries. Fair trade organizations (supported by consumers) are actively committed to supporting producers, raising public awareness and campaigning for a possible change in the rules of conventional trade.'

The 10 main rules

- Create business opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers
- Apply transparency and credibility to trade
- Make sure to develop the individual capacity and autonomy of workers
- Ensure promotion and raise awareness among consumers
- To undertake to fix the right prices in agreement with the producers
- Respect equality between the sexes in companies
- Respect the rules on working conditions
- Respect the United Nations Convention on the Work of Children
- Encourage eco-responsible practices
- Make sure that commercial relations respect the rules of common morality.