What is Fair Trade?

Global Goods Partners—Committed to Fair Trade with its Global South Partners

What does “fair trade” really mean?

As defined by the Fair Trade Federation, “fair trade” means that trading partnerships are based on reciprocal benefits and mutual respect; that prices paid to producers reflect the work they do; that workers have the right to organize; that national health, safety, and wage laws are enforced; and that products are environmentally sustainable and conserve natural resources. (See <http://www.fairtradefederation.org/faq.html>)

At GGP, we put fair trade into practice by:

• Working directly with community based organizations and collectives of craftswomen and men, thereby reducing the number of intermediaries and minimizing overhead costs;

• Ensuring a living wage and social benefits for craftspeople and raising money for nonprofit organizations that sell their products in the United States;

• Charging consumers a reasonable and competitive price for the products we sell.

• Working with CBOs that are committed to economic and social justice

• Ensuring that working conditions are safe and dignified and that producers have a say in how their products are created and sold. Profits are reinvested back into the artisans’ communities

• Providing technical assistance to producer groups, feedback on their products, and training in financial management and product development

• Expanding markets, thereby increasing consumer support for social and economic justice through their purchases.

Items purchased through GGP have the advantage of delivering a triple impact while promoting the essential right of fair trade.

• They support craftspeople and their communities all over the world.

• They support local nonprofit organizations in your community

• They educate the public about critical global issues