Fair Trade organizations most commonly refer to a definition jointly developed by four international fair trade networks (Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, World Fair Trade Organization, Network of European Worldshops and European Fair Trade Association):

"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."

Fair Trade organizations have a clear commitment to Fair Trade as the principal core of their mission. They, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional trade. They can be recognised by the WFTO Mark.

Fair Trade proves that greater justice in world trade is possible. It highlights the need for change in the rules and practice of conventional trade and shows how a successful business can also put people first.
 
  How do we work in Fair Trade?
   
Fair Trade... ensures a fair price is paid to artisans
Fair Trade... supports disadvantaged producers
Fair Trade... has a concern for people & the environment
Fair Trade... provides new market access to producer groups
Fair Trade... strengthens artisans' capacity to market their products
Fair Trade... is transparent with producers and customers
   
     
  Fair Trade Strategy
   
create Opportunity
Deliberately to work with marginalized producers and workers in order to help them move from a position of vulnerability to
security and economic self-sufficiency
enable Empowerment
Empower producers and workers as stakeholders in their own organisations
promote Influence
Actively to play a wider role in the global arena to achieve greater equity in international trade.
   
     
  International and Regional Fair Trade Organisations:
   

WFTO - World Fair Trade Organization (Formerly known as IFAT)
In 2009: over 350 members organisations in 70 countries across 5 regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North American & Pacific Rim (incl. Japan, NZ & Aust.)

WFTO-Asia (formerly known as AFTF-Asia Fair Trade Forum)
In 2009: over 50 organisations in all Asia
   
     
  ThaiCraft is a member of both organizations.
   

Purpose of WFTO and WFTO-Asia
To improve the livelihoods and well-being of disadvantaged producers by linking and promoting Fair Trading Organisations,
and speaking out for greater justice in world trade.
   
     
  Fair Trade Consumer Awareness
    From modest beginnings in the 1950s, Fair Trade has expanded into a worldwide movement:
   
Benefiting more than five million producers and their families in developing countries.
Over 2,800 Worldshops within Europe,
Stocking almost exclusively Fair Trade products imported by 200 Fair Trade organisations
The movement counts on the contribution of about 100,000 volunteers all over Europe
But this is no longer enough. World shops alone cannot satisfy the growing capacity of Fair Trade products. Producers in the South must also sell their products to the mainstream.
Fair Trade coffee, tea, bananas, rice, and even wine, are now available in leading supermarkets, thus greatly increasing sales potential.  (Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury, Starbucks, MacDonalds, Nestle, Nike etc.)
   
     
  New Research Reveals Success of Fair Trade in Europe
    A recent survey, carried out in 25 European countries, shows that:
   
Fair Trade sales in Europe have been growing at an average 20% per year since 2000.
The annual net retail value of Fair Trade products sold in Europe now exceeds € 660 million. This is more than double
the figure five years ago.
Fair Trade has thus become one of the fastest growing markets in the world.
The market share of Fair Trade products has become significant in some countries:
Switzerland: 47% of all bananas, 28% of the flowers and 9% of the sugar.
  UK (a market with 8 x the population of Switzerland): 5% of tea, 5.5% of bananas and a 20% of ground coffee.
Fair Trade products can now be found in 55,000 supermarkets all over Europe
   
     
  5 Reasons for Fair Trade
    1) Altruistically,
because we all share this world and, for most of us, happiness and fulfilment is not achieved if we take advantage
of others and they consequentially suffer.
2) Realistically,
because security in the world depends on fair access to and the sharing of resources for all and mutual respect for
all people and peoples.
3) Ecologically,
because, as the world’s resources become depleted, so the access and sharing of those resources becomes more difficult
and the respect for people and other creatures is forgotten.
4) Educationally,
because if we can all be part of a process of improvement, we can maximise our potential to find ways to solve most
the world’s troubles
5) Economically,
because the two billion people earning less than two dollars a day should not be a problem but a huge opportunity. If they
could earn a decent wage to support themselves, then they will become consumers, positively contributing to the economies
of our world. Trade that depends on the exploitation of the most marginalized is not sustainable.
   
"Please support Fair Trade for You and Your Children "