Basic principles of fair trade

To create opportunities for producers who are economically disadvantaged.

The fair trade is a strategy for poverty reduction and sustainable development. The aim is to create opportunities for producers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalized by the conventional trading system.

Transparency and accountability

The fair trade involves transparent administration, which through its trade relations to deal fairly and with respect to trading partners.

Capacity building

The fair trade is a means to develop the independence of producers. Relations through fair trade provide continuity, during which producers and promotion agencies can improve their managerial skills and access to new markets.

Pay a fair price

A fair price to national or local context is what has been agreed through dialogue and participation. It covers not only production costs, but allows a production which is socially just and environmentally sound. It provides fair pay to the producers and takes into account the principle of equal pay for equal work by women and men. Fair traders ensure prompt payment to collaborators and whenever possible, help producers access to financial aid before the harvest or production.

Gender equality

Fair trade means that women's work is assessed and rewarded appropriately. Women are always paid for their contribution to the production process and are empowered in their organizations.

Working conditions

Fair trade means a safe and healthy environment for producers. The participation of children (if any) does not adversely affect the welfare, safety, educational needs and their need for play and is consistent with the Congress of the United Nations children's rights and the laws and standards of each local contexts.

Environment

The fair trade actively encourages better environmental practices and implementation of responsible production methods.

Production

The property of fair trade must be produced under certain environmental standards, health and safety:

For cooperatives of small farmers:

• Democratic structure that allows all members to participate in decision-making cooperative.
  

Plantations and factories:

• Decent wages, at least the lower according to law.

• Adequate housing.

• The minimum health and safety.

• The right to participate in trade unions.
  

For the production of all kinds:

• No child or forced labor.

• Programs for environmental stability.

Trade

• The trading conditions of fair trade should include:

• Price to cover production costs

• Social Security to improve living and working

• Partial payment in advance to prevent the bankruptcy of small manufacturing organizations

• Contracts that allow long-term planning of production.

Ensure the principles of fair trade

The principles of fair trade organization supported by the rebranding of FLO. This is an independent, global protection organization established to ensure a fairer international trade at prevailing commercial markets.
Criteria for fair trade down for coffee, tea, cocoa, honey, bananas, orange juice and sugar.