Presenting New Opportunities in Fairtrade

Fairtrade is a certification program aimed at companies that create and export products and food items from poorer developing countries. The Fairtrade organization offers a certification mark for use on items that qualify for Fairtrade status. Everybody Benefits From Fairtrade Fairtrade offers great benefits to all involved allowing consumers a choice to influence the production and welfare of poorer areas of the world. The Fairtrade organization also educates and improves what were isolated producers in competing globally with their more sustainable exports. FLO-CERT International To qualify for Fairtrade status, producers must adhere to a variety of standards incorporating environmental and labor as dictated by the certifying body of Fairtrade known as FLO-CERT International. Upon qualification these producers are then entitled to label their products as Fairtrade and to offer them as such in the lucrative market places of the developed world. Bringing About Positive Change Without intervention these producers would continue to operate in a historical way and be unable to tap into the new markets that Fairtrade offers. International Trade Opportunities Some third world producers may be aware of eco marketing trends and opportunities but are unable to adapt them to their own use. Without the intervention of Fairtrade it would be very difficult for these producers to compete on a level playing field and develop a sustainable, growing business. Encouraging Growth Fairtrade encourages business practices that are ethically and ecologically motivated and allows its members to compete with producers who resist operating within these guidelines. Currently the worldwide market is estimated at almost $4 billion, with growth of nearly 50%, leading to projected sales of $9 billion by 2012 and $25 by 2020. The Fairtrade market shows huge potential and has a lot to offer. International Relations As we become more globalised, companies have an increased awareness of poverty and poor labor practices and feel more of a duty not to work with suppliers like this. Fairtrade keeps the links in place to offer sustainability to more vulnerable countries and producers allowing them to engage in the worldwide marketplace. Customer Power In the end, the consumer makes the choice about the products it buys and more and more are becoming attracted to buying ethically and that money effects the part of the economic chain where it matters the most. Fairtrade is proving itself to be a growing way of facilitating positive change.

About the Author

Jeff J endorses Chris Tyrrell writes for Just Trade, who work closely with third world manufacturers in order to achieve fairtrade status. Visit the website for more details.