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What is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.
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International Fair Trade Networks
There are 2 main
international Fair Trade bodies:
International Fair Trade Association (IFAT)
IFAT is the International Fair Trade Association, the global network of Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs). Over 270 FTOs in 60 countries form the basis of our network and membership is growing steadily. Approximately 65% of our members are based in the South (that is: Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America) with the rest coming from North America & the Pacific Rim and Europe. We are truly international!
Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO)
FLO is the worldwide Fairtrade Standard setting and Certification organisation. It permits more than 800,000 producers, workers and their dependants in 50 countries to benefit from labelled Fairtrade.
FLO guarantees that products sold anywhere in the world with a Fairtrade label marketed by a National Initiative conforms to Fairtrade Standards and contributes to the development of disadvantaged producers and workers. |
Regional Fair Trade Networks
European Fair Trade Association (EFTA) - Europe
The European Fair Trade Association is a network of 11 Fair Trade organisations in nine European countries which import Fair Trade products from over 400 economically disadvantaged producer groups in Africa, Asia and Latin America. EFTA's members are based in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. EFTA publishes a variety of materials on Fair Trade issuses in general such as 'The yearbook'; 'Facts and Figures on the Fair Trade sector in 18 European Countries'; EFTA Advocacy Newsletter and a variety of product specific newsletters, studies and positions.
Fair Trade Federation (FTF) - North America
The mission of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is to foster an equitable and sustainable global system of production and trade.
As a trade organization, FTF supports an economically just and socially responsible model of partnership between producers and marketers, assuring living wages and safe, healthy working conditions.
FTF builds market preference for fairly traded goods, empowering low-income artisans and farmers worldwide to better their lives.
The Fair Trade Federation is an association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide. FTF directly links low-income producers with consumer markets and educates consumers about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products which support living wages and safe and healthy conditions for workers in the developing world. FTF also acts as a clearinghouse for information on fair trade and provides resources and networking opportunities for its members. Some of the products that FTF members provide include: accessories, baskets, clothing, coffee, crafts as art, food products, housewares, jewelry, kitchenware, musical instruments, paper products, pottery, textiles, toys, traditional crafts and folk art from all over the world.
NEWS - the Network of European Worldshops
NEWS is the umbrella network of 15 national Worldshop associations in 13 different countries all over Europe. Through them we represent the Worldshops - shops that offer fairly traded products and campaign for a fairer world trade system.
Through its members - National Associations - NEWS represents approximately 2,500 Worldshops and 100,000 volunteers working in these shops. |
Other Campaigns and Organizations
on Trade Justice Issues
Global Week of Action
The Global Week of Action on trade will see individuals, organisations and trade campaigns across the world unite between April 10-16th 2005 to be part of one of the biggest mobilisations against poverty ever.
MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
MAKE POVERTY HISTORY brings together a wide cross section of over 300 charities, campaigns, trade unions, faith groups and celebrities who are united by a common belief that 2005 offers a unprecedented opportunity for global change.
OneWorld
The OneWorld network and portal brings you the latest news, action, campaigns and organisations in human righs and global issues across five continents and in 11 different languages, published across its international site, regional editions, and thematic channels.
Many of these are produced from the South to widen the participation of the world's poorest and marginalised peoples in the global debate.
Oxfam International
Oxfam International is a confederation of 12 organizations working together with over 3000 partners in more than 100 countries to find lasting solutions to poverty, suffering and injustice.
With many of the causes of poverty global in nature, the 12 affiliate members of Oxfam International believe they can achieve greater impact through their collective efforts.
Oxfam International seeks increased worldwide public understanding that economic and social justice are crucial to sustainable development. We strive to be a global campaigning force promoting the awareness and motivation that comes with global citizenship whilst seeking to shift public opinion in order to make equity the same priority as economic growth.
Third World Network (TWN)
The Third World Network is an independent non-profit international network of organizations and individuals involved in issues relating to development, the Third World and North- South issues.
Its objectives are to conduct research on economic, social and environmental issues pertaining to the South; to publish books and magazines; to organize and participate in seminars; and to provide a platform representing broadly Southern interests and perspectives at international fora such as the UN conferences and processes.
Trade Justice Movement (TJM)
The Trade Justice Movement is a fast growing group of organisations including trade unions, aid agencies, environment and human rights campaigns, fairtrade organisations, faith and consumer groups.
The movement is supported by more than 60 member organisations that have over 9 million members, and new organisations are joining every month.
Together, we are campaigning for trade justice - not free trade - with the rules weighted to benefit poor people and the environment.
We believe that everyone has the right to feed their families, make a decent living and protect their environment. But the rich and powerful are pursuing trade policies that put profits before the needs of people and the planet. To end poverty and protect the environment we need Trade Justice not free trade.
World Fair Trade Day
World Fair Trade Day is a celebration of Fair Trade internationally, with events organised worldwide. On and around May 14th, IFAT member organisations based in 60 countries, along with Fair Trade shops and networks, will host events with campaigning and lobbying - all with the aim of promoting fairer trade with marginalised and small scale producers in the majority world. Fair Trade products, from coffee and tea, through clothes, jewelry, and beautiful handicrafts will be in the spotlight on this day, and throughout the month of May. |
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 Grocery Store Wars | Join the Organic Rebellion
Store Wars is a hilarious five minute mini-movie about a small band of organic vegetable puppets -- Cuke Skywalker, Ham Solo, Chewbroccoli and wise old Obi Wan Cannoli -- battling against Darth Tader, evil lord of the Dark Side of The Farm. Can these Organic Rebels rescue Princess Lettuce and destroy the Death Melon in time? Or will Cuke be seduced by the Dark Side of the Farm... an empire of pollution and pesticides that has taken over the market with its arsenal of genetic engineering, irradiation and toxic chemicals? Turn on your speakers and find out at StoreWars.org |
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