Fair Trade is a global movement made up of a diverse network of producers, companies, shoppers, advocates, and organisations that focus on social compliance, health and safety while putting human capital, community, and sustainability first.
Fair Trade USA (FTUSA) believes that everyone wants to do what is right – for their families, fellow global citizens and the planet. That is why they are committed to promoting good social practice throughout the value chains. Based on the simple idea that the products they buy and sell are connected to the livelihoods of others, Fair Trade is a way to make a conscious choice for a better world and to build positive relationships.
A choice for Fair Trade Certified™ goods is a choice to support responsible companies, beat poverty, empower farm workers and fishermen, and protect the environment while thriving to live fair. In other words, it is a world-changing way of doing business.
FTUSA aims to build a global model around the concept that economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods are the basis for a market that works for everyone. They champion gender equality, and focus on social policy and upholding social standards through needs assessments and social certification.
Today's global market enables - often encourages - compromise at the expense of the workforce, especially migrant workers. For every guaranteed fair trade product sold, the buyer pays a premium on top of the Fair Trade Price. The premium amount goes into an account managed by a Fair Trade Committee, which decides how to invest these funds to bring real social benefits to the community.
