Fair trade preserved traditions, builds
communities
The fair trade movement has grown significantly in North
America in the past five years. In 2002, total sales of
fair trade products in North America were approximately
$180 million. By 2005, that number had increased by 53%
to approximately $359 million. Globally, fair trade sales
exceeded $2.6 billion in 2006.
The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is the association of fully
committed retailers and importers in North America. More
than 250 members strive to sell 100% fairly traded product
from marginalized producers in the developing world in all
categories, including clothing, coffee, gifts, home décor,
housewares, jewelry, rice, sports equipment, toys, wine,
and much more. FTF provides resources and networking opportunities
for its members and acts as a clearinghouse for information
on fair trade.
Unlike an anonymous item purchased from a big box store,
fair trade items are known to make a positive impact on
communities, because FTF’s retailers, wholesalers,
and producers are fully committed to
• Paying fair wages in local context
• Supporting participatory, safe, and healthy workplaces;
• Supplying financial and technical support;
• Ensuring environmental sustainability;
• Respecting cultural identity;
• Offering public accountability;
• Building direct and long-term relationships; and
• Providing consumer education.
Members believe that trade can alleviate global poverty
if the relationship is based on these principles.
Creating Positive Change
Around the world, fair trade businesses partner with cooperative
enterprises to provide beautiful, handicrafts to the public
and to invest in communities. For MacroSun International
(www.macrosun.com), fair trade offers a way to directly
bridge the cultures of the Himalayas and South Asia with
consumers in the United States. Their retail store, 1310
Washington Avenue in St. Louis, offers gifts, jewelry, home
décor, and other items from craftspeople, refugee
camps, and hospitals throughout India, Indonesia, Nepal,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. In the same
way, Partners for Just Trade (www.fairtradeperu.com) works
with artisans to create sustainable alternatives that address
human development in Peru and provide unique products to
the St. Louis area. Conscious Coffees of Breckenridge, CO
(www.consciouscoffees.com/) uses their business as a force
for positive change when they bring fresh, organic coffees
from small farmers in Colombia, East Timor, Ethiopia, Mexico,
Sumatra, and numerous other countries to cafes around Colorado.
By approaching development as a whole process (rather than
just a fair price), these and other FTF members cultivate
long term relationships with their suppliers and contribute
to the sustainability and true development of the communities
with whom they partner.
What can you do?
• Support fully committed businesses! In September
2007, FTF re-launched its website, FairTradeFederation.org,
with information on where to find your favorite fair trade
items and how to join.
• Refer a great business! If you know a great fair trade
business that’s not already involved, let them know
about FTF. Application materials are available at
FairTradeFederation.org.
