What is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade is used very loosely in our industry. There are even "Fair Trade" organizations that a company can join. Our definition of fair trade is simple "Pay a fair price that enables a person to support their family and live with dignity". We insure this by paying our artisans (or their organizations) directly. If at all possible, we avoid the "middle man". This helps us standardize what the artisans are making and avoids mark-ups incurred through third-parties. We can than pass the savings onto our U.S. customers and provide better wages for the artisans. Green Giraffe is affecting the lives of nearly 2000 individuals and is growing strong. Current projects include: Working with 100+ women in rural South Africa to create safety pin bracelets; aiding 80+ Ndebele women by allowing them to create beaded dolls from their homes in order for them to also care for their children; Coordinating numerous Zulu women in creating stunning glass beaded jewelry; In addition to managing 125-150 master wire crafters that create some incredible beaded Sculptures. And that's only the beginning.
The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is the association of fair trade businesses in North America who are committed to providing fair wages and employment opportunities to low-income artisans and farmers worldwide. By providing networking opportunities, information exchange, media exposure, and member promotion, FTF builds market preference for a larger, global network.
The fair trade movement has grown significantly in North America in the past six years. Total sales in 2002 were approximately $180 million. By 2005, that number had increased by 53% to $358.91 million. These trends are expected to continue, thanks to the work of FTF, its members, and its partners.
FTF Wholesalers, Retailers, and Producers are Committed to:
Paying fair wages in local context;
Ensuring environmental sustainability;
Supporting cooperative workplaces;
Providing consumer education;
Supplying financial and technical support;
Respecting cultural identity; and
Offering public accountability.
Benefits:
Through its programs and publications, FTF supports the work of its members by networking, training, and sharing best practices among member companies; promoting members' work on their websites, at trade shows, and other events, directly linking producers with markets; and educating consumers about the importance of purchasing fairly-traded products.
History
The Fair Trade Federation traces its roots to the early 1980's when individual Alternative Trade Organizations began holding yearly conferences for the groups working in fair trade. In 1994, the group incorporated as the North American Alternative Trade Organization (NAATO). The following year, NAATO changed its name to the Fair Trade Federation. Since then, FTF has focused supporting fair trade businesses and raising consumer awareness about the importance of purchasing fairly-traded products in order to expand markets for low-income producers around the world
What can you do?
Support FTF Members! For a list of current members and information on where you can shop fair trade, please see the FTF website:
www.fairtradefederation.org
Join Us! Businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to get involved. For more information, please contact the FTF at
info@fairtradefederation.org