Per the World Fair Trade Organization, “Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, which 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. 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 international trade.”
To be Fair Trade certified, a product must be produced by a farmer, cooperative, or workers that meets certain standards set by a Fair Trade certifying body. These standards vary by organization but typically require that:
-
- Workers receive a Fair Trade minimum wage
- Environmental sustainability is upheld
- Safe working conditions are provided
- There is no forced or child labor
- Premiums are given to producers based on the product they create
- These premiums go to a communal fund to be used for development projects
- The supply chain is transparent to consumers
In brief, Fair Trade is a global movement of consumers, producers, businesses, and certifiers who consider people and the planet first. They work together to make sure that they are focusing on treating resources as limited and creating products that benefit the producers who make them and the land that grows them.
St. Dominic Parish supports Fair Trade and encourages its parishioners, friends and vendors to do the same. Through our Fair Trade Initiative (FTI), we provide information and opportunities for education on Fair Trade and its impact on lives, communities and the environment. We also make available Fair Trade products sourced through Equal Exchange, a worker owned cooperative committed to commerce based on Fair Trade principles, as well as periodically facilitating the sale and/or exchange of local and regionally sourced produce.
Watch this space for announcements regarding our Fair Trade Store and forthcoming community activities.
