RECOGNISING FAIR TRADE

WHY FAIR TRADE?

Fair Trade promotes trade justice and reduces inequality.

From producer through to consumer, Fair Trade ensures the shopping choices we make to enrich our lives also have a positive impact on the lives of others and the environment.

Fair Trade fights poverty and empowers communities.

- Disadvantaged artisans, workers and farmers living in developing countries have more direct access to markets through Fair Trade wholesalers and retailers;

- Producers create their own sustainable livelihoods through employment and regular income;

- Skilled workers learn to improve working conditions for themselves and others they employ in order to create a sustainable future for themselves and their community.

In an age of globalised markets and unsubstantiated ‘fair washing’, it is increasingly vital for Fair Trade claims to be independently verified.

Here is your guide to 3 trustworthy systems:

Fair Traders of Australia Endorsement

The Fair Traders of Australia (FToA) endorsement from the Fair Trade Association enables small businesses, with Fair Trade at the core of their mission, to strengthen and validate their commitment to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade in their business practices. To find out more, visit fta.org.au/fair-traders.

Fairtrade Mark

The Fairtrade Mark is a product certification label. Businesses can use the Fairtrade Mark on products that meet the international Fairtrade standards. Common Fairtrade certified products include chocolate, coffee, tea and cotton. To find out more, visit fairtrade.com.au

World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) Guarantee

The WFTO focuses on both social enterprise and Fair Trade. The WFTO Guarantee System is the only international verification model focused on social enterprises that put the interests of workers, farmers and artisans first. To find out more, visit wfto.com.