DEFINITION OF FAIR TRADE
Fair Trade is an alternative approach to conventional international trade. It is a trading partnership which aims at sustainable development for excluded and disadvantaged producers. It seeks to do this by providing better trading conditions, by awareness raising and by campaigning.
The goals of Fair Trade are:
- To improve the livelihoods and well-being of producers by improving market access, strengthening producer organisations, paying a better price and providing continuity in the trading relationship.
- To promote development opportunities for disadvantaged producers, especially women and indigenous people, and to protect children from exploitation in the production process.
- To raise awareness among consumers of the negative effects on producers of international trade so that they exercise their purchasing power positively.
- To set an example of partnership in trade through dialogue, transparency and respect.
- To campaign for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.
- To protect human rights by promoting social justice, sound environmental practices and economic security.
(Definition from FINE, a network of organisations promoting fair trade in Europe)
The owners of Birchwood are committed to the goals of Fair Trade. They run a Fair Trade Shop in North Berwick (Earth Matters) who are sponsoring the provision of fairtrade packs for all guests. See EarthMatters for further information.
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