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Key Information About the Application Process:

The Membership and Engagement Manager is the applicant’s main point of contact. The identities of all applicant organizations and their submitted materials are strictly confidential. Once an application is submitted in full (including any follow up questions completed), it is then reviewed by the Screening Committee for a decision on acceptance; meetings occur once every two months.

The Screening Committee is composed of five people from within the FTF Board of Directors, which is directly elected by FTF Members. Individual screening committee members are selected by FTF staff in order to be fully representative of the different business models within our membership and provide the greatest diversity of perspectives. The identities of Screening Committee members are kept anonymous due to the level of confidentiality necessary for the process.

Review the FTF Principles and Code of Practice

Before filling out the FTF membership application, familiarize yourself with the following:

FTF’s screening process is designed to evaluate organizations with established fair trade systems and strong fair trade business practices. In many cases, it may be beneficial to wait longer than the minimum required one year in operation before applying for FTF membership.

Reference Forms

Every applicant must submit at least three references. For all applicants working directly with producers (artisans or farmers), two general references and one producer reference completed by an artisan or farmer are required.  Applicants who do not work directly with producers do not need a producer reference. 

Who should serve as a general reference? A general reference may be anyone who is not directly associated with your organization but is familiar with your trading practices and your commitment to fair trade. References should not be employees or immediate family. References from FTF members and others who are knowledgeable about fair trade are especially helpful.

Who should serve as a producer reference? A producer reference should be from a producer who grows/makes products your business sells. Producer reference forms are available in English, Spanish, and French. If the producers with whom you work are illiterate or speak a language other than the translations available, it is acceptable for a translator or transcriber to assist the producer in completing the reference form.  Please consult with the Membership and Engagement Manager.

Application Forms

We have updated our application process, and the new – and easier to use – forms are available via the links below! Please note the application form for the café network is coming soon. If you are unsure of which category your business falls into, reach out to us BEFORE you get started at screening@fairtradefederation.org.

If needed, you can view a pdf of the questions for your category here: Handmade Products, Food & Farm Products, Retailer, and Cafe Network. PLEASE NOTE: These versions are for reference ONLY; all applicants must submit through the online application form for their category linked in the bullet points above.

Required Supporting Materials

In addition to the reference forms and questions, applicants must also submit the following items.

  • Financial Statement: This should show your last completed fiscal year and should be a complete breakdown of sales and expenses. A profit & loss sheet is preferred; the financial statement does not need to be an audited report. This information is confidential. Upload it here.
  • Producers and/or Suppliers List: For all applicants working directly with producers, this should be a list of farmer/artisan groups that directly produce the products you sell, as well as any suppliers you source from. For retailers and cafes that do not purchase or import products directly from producers, this should be a list of all the wholesale vendors from which you purchase. If you do both, include both. List AT LEAST the name of the producer/group, what they make or supply for your enterprise, contact information for at least one representative (not you/your own staff), WFTO or FTF membership, and if possible how many workers employed there. This information is confidential. Upload it here.
  • Additional Materials: Submit your required non-discrimination policy here. If you utilize purchase orders, submit a copy here along with any brochures, news articles, hang tags, reports, sample products, and any other items you want to supplement your application. This information is confidential. Upload them here.
  • $85 Screening Fee: Payable by check or credit card. Click here to pay with a credit card. Checks can be made out to Fair Trade Federation and mailed to 342 North Queen St, Rear Lancaster, PA 17603.

Contact the Membership and Engagement Manager for more info at screening@fairtradefederation.org

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