What does Fair Trade mean?
2. A Transfair USA certified product, whether it be coffee, fruit, or any other good comes with the guarantee that all parties involved in the trade of that good are treated fairly. Transfair USA states “Fair Trade empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace. By guaranteeing minimum floor prices and social premiums, Fair Trade enables producers to invest in their farms and communities and protect the environment.” A wealth of information can be found on their website: www.transfairusa.
fair trade isn’t just paying a fair price, but giving sustainable business to those companies too the idea is that western businesses are making (way) too much money off the back of the developing world, so companies are using fair trade as a way to help those countries, while gaining good pr for doing good deeds (nothing is done for free). have a look at the bodyshop website, they’ve got a lot on fair trade.
Fair Trade is certainly a term that is being liberally used today by companies who understand that consumers have concerns about how products are produced. Ultimately, fair trade means adherence to principles such as a fair wage, as well as social and environmental standards. Fair trade companies must have transparency in how the business operates. Many modern countries have a government agency that monitors and regulates trade so companies all play by the same rules and adhere to appropriate wage and safety laws. In the United State, the Federal Trade Commission is that agency. In South Korea, that agency is the Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC). RuMe partnered with a factory in South Korea that is a member of the KFTC. This agency monitors and regulates activities to prevent unfair methods of competition in business. There are many for-profit organizations that will “certify” a company as “fair trade” for an examination fee. However, RuMe believes these for-profit outfits are unrel
Fair Trade certification identifies teas and herbs produced by gardens and cooperatives in tea production. Fair Trade standards include: guarantee fair wages and decent working conditions, promotes the use of sustainable farming methods, absence of forced or child labor, freedom of association and organization, and safe working conditions. Drink the Leaf wholeheartedly supports these standards, and seeks to work with fair trade suppliers.
