Photo credit: Likha
The Nine Principles of Fair Trade
The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) Fair Trade Principles are a collective commitment to creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.
FTF Verified Brands commit to the following principles as a part of their business practices.
Principle One
Fair Trade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development through trading partnerships. FTF Brands collaborate with marginalized communities to nurture equitable social and economic opportunities by growing market access.
Principle Two
Fair Trade involves relationships that are open, fair, consistent, respectful, and value an equitable distribution of power. FTF Brands are transparent with customers and producers about their supply chains by sharing information about the entire trading chain through honest and proactive communication.
Principle Three
Fair Trade is a means to support producers’ self-sustainability and access to markets. FTF Brands collaborate with producers to build capacity through proactive communication, knowledge exchange, financial and technical assistance, market information, and dialogue.
Principle Four
FTF Brands actively raise awareness about fair trade and the possibility of greater justice in the global economic system. They encourage customers and producers to ask questions about conventional and alternative supply chains and to make informed choices.
Principle Five
Fair Trade Brands use pricing frameworks based on the true cost of labor, time, materials, skill level, training, sustainable growth, and related factors. Brands seek to ensure that income is distributed equitably at all times, particularly equal pay forequal work by all.
Principle Six
Fair Trade means a safe and healthy working environment free of forced, exploitative, or underpaid labor. Throughout the trading chain, Members cultivate inclusive workplaces thatencourage individualsto participate in the decisions that affect them.
Principle Seven
Fair trade means that all children have the right to security, education, and play. Throughout the trading chain, FTF Brands respect and support the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as local laws and social norms.
Principle Eight
Fair trade seeks to offer current generations the ability to meet their needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Members actively consider the implications of their decisions on the environment and promote the responsible stewardship of resources.
Principle Nine
Fair trade celebrates the cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity of communities. Members work collaboratively with individuals to integrate traditional techniques and elements to support community-led cultural preservation initiatives.