Why Fair Trade?
Our consumer spending choices affect people's lives around the world. The products we enjoy are often made in conditions that harm workers, communities and the environment. But increasingly consumers are demanding more humane, more environmentally sensitive products.

In today's world economy, where profits rule and small-scale producers are left out of the bargaining process, farmers, craft producers, and other workers are often left without resources or hope for their future. Fair Trade helps exploited producers escape from this cycle and gives them a way to maintain their traditional lifestyles with dignity.

What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade means an equitable and fair partnership between marketers in North America and producers in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other parts of the world. A fair trade partnership works to provide low-income artisans and farmers with a living wage for their work.

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Fair Trade is important because:

• Fair Trade pays fair, livable wages benefiting over one million workers in 58 developing countries.
• Fair Trade promotes healthy and safe working conditions.
• Fair Trade returns are often invested into the communities such as health care, education, job training and childcare.
• Fair Trade strictly prohibits child labor.
• Fair Trade honors women artisans, their traditions and their craft allowing them access to foreign markets and the chance to earn an income for their families in countries where women often have few economic opportunities.
• Fair Trade empowers women, their families and their community economically and socially.