What is fair trade?

Fair Trade is a global movement to help producers and workers in developing nations find meaningful opportunities to develop economic self-sufficiency and stable income. By offering people an opportunity to earn a fair wage, helping them create a market for their products, and promoting sustainable production and commerce, fair trade enables artisans and workers to earn a fair wage and build a better quality of life.

Fair trade promotes balanced, sustainable relationships between consumers and the producers of the goods they purchase. These relationships are based on the fundamental principals that companies should:

For more information about Fair Trade, please visit:

The Fair Trade Federation

The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is the trade association that strengthens and promotes organizations in North America that are committed to fair trade. As part of the global fair trade movement, FTF builds equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and helps create opportunities to alleviate poverty.

World Fair Trade Organization

The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) represents over 350 organizations around the world that are committed to 100% Fair Trade. The WFTO operates in 70 countries to create market access through policy, advocacy, campaigning, marketing and monitoring. It is the only global network whose members represent the Fair Trade chain from production to sale.

TransFair USA

TransFair USA licenses companies to display the Fair Trade Certified label on products that meet international Fair Trade standards. The Fair Trade Certified™ Label assures consumers that the production of an agricultural product (such as coffee, tea and herbs, cocoa and chocolate, fresh fruit, flowers, sugar, rice, or vanilla) met the rigorous standards for fair trade.