About Us

Click here to read FTF's 2008-2013 Strategic Plan: Toward New Horizons.

Download a one-page Introduction to Fair Trade and the Federation.

Mission

The Fair Trade Federation is the trade association that strengthens and promotes North American organizations fully committed to fair trade. The Federation is part of the global fair trade movement, building equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and creating opportunities to alleviate poverty.

Long-Term Vision

The Federation envisions a just and sustainable global economic system in which purchasing and production choices are made with concern for the well-being of people and the environment, creating a world where all people have viable economic options to meet their own needs.  We seek to alleviate poverty by continually and significantly expanding the practice of trade that values the labor and dignity of all people.

The Fair Trade Federation traces its roots to the late 1970s when individual alternative trade organizations began holding yearly conferences for groups working in fair trade. In 1994, the group incorporated formally as the North American Alternative Trade Organization (NAATO); and, the following year, changed its named to the Fair Trade Federation. Since then, FTF has focused on supporting fully committed businesses in order to expand markets for artisans and farmers around the world. The Federation has been an active members of the World Fair Trade Organization (formerly IFAT) for many years.