What is fair trade?
Fair trade is a movement and a business approach that seeks to promote equity and social and economic justice in global supply chains. It focuses on establishing fairer trade relationships between producers, workers and consumers, especially in developing countries.
Fair trade principles:
* Fair prices: Producers are paid a guaranteed minimum price that covers their production costs and allows them to invest in their communities.
* Safe and healthy working conditions: Working conditions that meet safety and health standards are promoted, and child labor and discrimination are prohibited.
* Community development: The development of producing communities is supported through social and economic projects.
* Environmental sustainability: Sustainable production and respect for the environment are encouraged.
* Transparency and traceability: Transparency is sought in supply chains so that consumers can know the origin of the products and the conditions under which they were produced.
How does fair trade work?
* Producers: Producers organize themselves into cooperatives or associations to have more bargaining power and access international markets.
* Fair trade organizations: These organizations set standards and certify producers who comply with fair trade criteria.
* Importers and distributors: They import and distribute fair trade products, ensuring that principles and standards are followed.
* Consumers: They buy fair trade products, thus supporting producers and contributing to fairer and more sustainable trade.