What is the FAIRTRADE Mark?
The FAIRTRADE Mark is an independent consumer label which appears on UK products as a guarantee that they have been certified against internationally agreed Fairtrade standards.
The Fairtrade standards comprise both minimum social, economic and environmental requirements, which producers must meet to be certified, plus progress requirements that encourage continuous improvement to develop farmers' organisations or the situation of estate workers.
The Fairtrade Foundation is a member of Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO) and licenses the FAIRTRADE Mark in the UK.
Sales of Fairtrade certified products in the UK is doubling in value every 2 years, and in 2007 reached an estimated retail value of �493 million (source: Fairtrade Foundation 2008). The UK is one of the world's leading Fairtrade markets, with more products and more awareness of Fairtrade than anywhere else. Around 20% of roast and ground coffee, and 20% of bananas sold in the UK are now Fairtrade.
What is the difference between Fairtrade? certified products and 'Fair Trade' products that are not certified?
The FAIRTRADE Mark and certification is currently available in some categories but not others, For example it includes cotton and many food & drink categories but excludes handicrafts. Fairtrade Certification and its system of minimum pricing were designed initially for commodity products. It is technically difficult to adapt this model of standardized minimum pricing to crafts and other products made by small-scale artisans, which are each unique, made of varied materials and have highly varied production processes and costs. However, FLO is currently working with the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) to explore whether we could work towards a certification programme for these products in the future.
The term Fair Trade is used to refer to the Fair Trade movement as a whole and can be used to describe both the products and the work of Alternative Trade Organizations (ATOs) and, the Fair Trade networks BAFTS (British Association of Fair Trade Shops) and IFAT (International Fair Trade Association). The term fair trade is a broader term is defined by IFAT as "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."
At Fairgift, what this means is:
- Transparency of information about Fairgift & what we do and that each item is accompanied with the story & voice of the producer;
- Fair & sustainable prices to the producers that cover costs of production including product development transport and environmental protection;
- Fair wages & working conditions that are safe & healthy for individual workers including no discrimination. The participation of children (if any) does not adversely affect their well-being security educational requirements and need for play and conforms to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as the law & norms in the local context;
- Positive social impact: the trading relationship benefits the wider community of the producer including enabling marginalised members of the community to have access to world markets;
- Encouraging sound environmental policies using recycled or sustainable materials in products & packaging and responsible methods of production;
- Long-term & active relationships with producers whereby the producer is given guidance and advice on product quality & development sales & marketing skills & organisational development to build their capacity for long-term growth & independence;
- Campaign towards greater justice & equity in global trading relationship