Thursday, April 4, 2013

Fair Trade Principles and International Trade


It’s not uncommon to find accessories and apparel being sold under the “Fair Trade” label, and in case you are not familiar with such products, I invite you to have a look at the Fair Trade Federation’s website here.
 
Fair Trade Federation's Annual Conference, May 1 – 3rd in Raleigh, NC

Fair trade is a movement that takes international trade beyond the mere buying and selling of goods across countries, and incorporates important principles into each transaction. 

This is a concept I have been very much in support of since learning about it 20 years ago while a student studying Peace & Conflict Studies at UC Berkeley. 

I encourage those of you who participate in international trade to consider how such principles can be incorporated into your business.

 Fair trade principles include:
 
- Respecting cultural identity
- Creating opportunities for economically and socially marginalized producers
- Developing transparent and accountable relationships
- Supporting safe and empowering working conditions
- Paying promptly and fairly
- Ensuring the rights of children
- Cultivating environmental stewardship
- Capacity building
- Promoting fair trade
To learn more about fair trade products, building a fair trade business or to purchase fair trade products, check out the Fair Trade Federation’s website or attend their upcoming conference in May.

Questions/Comments?  Post below or email me at fashioncompliance@gmail.com
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3 comments:

  1. This is a great post, Deanna. Fair Trade really does begin at home. People need to become educated in human relations. Education starts in the home where a role model is created. As it goes, "Do unto others as you would want done to you"

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  2. Fair Trade is a practice that is also applied in the Coffee trade and should be considered and followed in all international trade relations. This will bring together origins with our market bringing improvement in work and employee conditions just as enforced here in the States.

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  3. Thanks for your comment Miriam!

    ReplyDelete