What is fair trade or fair practice and what are the criteria followed for it? Is sustainable production part of fair trade?

Alfonso Llanes, Master Degree in International Development

Answered just now

In a paraphrase of its posting the Fair Trade Organizations (WFTO) prescribes 10 Principles:

One: Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers

Poverty reduction through trade forms a key part of the organization’s aims. The organization supports small producers, whether these are independent family businesses, or grouped in associations or co-operatives.

Two: Transparency and Accountability

The organization is accountable to all its stakeholders and respects the sensitivity and confidentiality of commercial information supplied.

Three: Fair Trading Practices

The organization insures that suppliers respect contracts and deliver products on time and to the desired quality and specifications.

Four: Fair Payment

A fair payment is one that has been mutually negotiated and agreed by all by on-going dialogue and participation, considering principle of equal pay for equal work by women and men.

Five: Ensuring that no Child Labor or Forced Labor is Used

The organization follows the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and national / local law on the employment of children. The organization ensures that there is no forced labor in its workforce and / or members or homeworkers.

Six: Commitment to Non Discrimination and Gender Equality

The organization does not discriminate in hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, HIV/AIDS status or age.

Seven: Ensure Safe Working Conditions

The organization provides a safe and healthy working environment for employees and / or members. It complies, at a minimum, with national and local laws and ILO conventions on health and safety.

Eight: Providing Capacity Building

The organization develops the skills and capabilities of its own employees or members to develop specific activities to help these producers improve their management skills, production capabilities and access to markets - local / regional / international / Fair Trade and mainstream as appropriate.

Nine: Promoting Fair Trade

The organization aims for Fair Trade and for the need of greater justice in world trade through Fair Trade. It advocates for the objectives and activities of Fair Trade according to the scope of the organization.

Ten: Protections for the Environment

The organization’s produce Fair Trade products to maximize the use of raw materials from sustainable managed sources in their ranges, buying locally when possible. They use production technologies that seek to reduce energy consumption and where possible use renewable energy technologies that minimize greenhouse gas emissions.