IS FAIRTRADE FAIR ?

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It can be stated that “Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.”[1]

 

The objectives of Fair trade are poverty alleviation as well as encouraging sustainable development, in order to create opportunities in trading system and social improvement to producers.[2] Fair Trade provides a fair wages for worker, cooperative workplaces by bring benefits to worker and their communities, they also distribute knowledge to consumer about important in product of Fair Trade, and making producers participate in environmental sustainability by using resources sustainably.[3]

The impact of Fair Trade on producers is to increase wages of small farmers. Fair Trade producers will receive a stable price for their products, which is achieved by payment of a guaranteed.[4] Moreover, for consumer aspect, many buyers appear to have more concern about Fair Trade products. “Fairtrade is a grassroots consumer choice movement that empowers consumers to take responsibility for the role they play when they buy products from developing countries.”[5]

As illustrated above, Fair Trade seems to have more positive impact on people by supporting small producers in the third world in order to receive a fair wages, and it also make buyers have more conscience about their consumption.

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[1] World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), 'What is Fair Trade?' < http://www.wfto.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=11> accessed 20 October 2010

[2] Fair Trade Federation (FTF), 'Principles for the Fair Trade Federation Members' < http://www.fairtradefederation.org/ht/d/sp/i/8447/pid/8447> accessed 20 October 2010

[3]Cooperative Coffees, 'Facts about Fair Trade' < http://www.cooperativecoffees.com/resources/papers/facts.html> accessed 20 October 2010

[4] Fairtrade Foundation, ' The FAIRTRADE Mark: Core standards and practice behind Fairtrade Labelling' < http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/includes/documents/cm_docs/2008/F/1_Five%20Key%20Fairtrade%20Benefits.pdf> accessed 20 October 2010

[5] Fairtrade Foundation (n 4)