What is Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is an organized social movement and export market approach the helps producers and craftsmen in developing and 3rd world countries to make better economic conditions and promote sustainability. While no single definition of Fair Trade exists, the general consensus defines fair trade as a partnership based on transparency, and respect meant to provide greater equality in international trade. With particular emphasis on products such as handicrafts, coffee , cocoa, sugar, teas, fruit, and other produce.

The modern idea of Fair Trade has existed since the 1940s. Originally propagated by religious and humanitarian organizations to benefit developing cultures.  These groups and those that followed them have become known as alternative trading organizations, they are primarily non governmental companies with a defining characteristic of fair partnership and respect.