Fairtrade – A Definition
Fairtrade, concisely defined, occurs when producers in developing countries receive fair payment price exchanges for produced goods, from companies in developed countries.
Fairtrade occurs when prices that consumers pay for goods cover costs, with surplus gains for producers of goods, enabling them to afford basic necessities of living– inclusive of Food, Education, Healthcare.
Fairtrade was initiated to provide novel ways to conduct trade.
Fairtrade operates through the forging of partnerships, demonstrating officially that protecting the interests of workers or farmers are as important, as fundamental as other profit, business viability considerations.
This then translates into heightened efforts to alleviate world poverty and increased motivation to embrace, adopt sustainable models for development.
Main Rules for Fair Trade
Trade exchanges remain equitable, distributing reciprocal advantages.
Prices determined remain objective or adequate for manufacturers or employees to earn a sum adequate to cover, pay for their daily needs.
Payments regularly are submitted far in advance to guarantee that suppliers may ship goods on time to fulfil orders.
Manufacturers or employees are granted rights, either through community dialogue or engagement with offices from which freedom of association is allowed.
Safe workplace environments, non-discrimination, providing care for kids.
A Broader Context for Fair Trade
Fair Trade has expanded rapidly after the 80’s. Multiple, prolific numbers of organizations in the international context generally align with, or affirm, the general vision or ideals of Tradecraft.
They term themselves Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs), working together closely.
Tradecraft works in league with 2 bigger membership unions.
The European Fair-Trade Association (EFTA), that refers to communities of similar-minded FTOs from Europe, that share exchanges on product development, purchasing or some broad range of other factors.
The World Fair Organization (WFTO), refers to broad based international membership communities of FTOs that essentially provide membership to the international South – alternatively termed, the producers from Africa, Central or Latin America with Asia, that actively seek substantial gains from Fair Trade.
Fair Trade Retailer | Ben & Jerry’s |
| Specialty | Fresh & Extraordinary dairy: wholly cow-created milk & cream from their farmer friends who have promised not to treat their herds with bioengineered growth hormones. All-natural flavorings, exceptional extracts & amazing purees. Colossal chunks & exquisite nibbles, specially selected for “oh, my!” excellence. Sensational swirls & wicked rich whorls ice-cream. Services: Chip Happens ice cream, Punch Line ice cream, chocolate caramel ice cream, Cherry Garcia ice cream, Vanilla ice cream |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.benjerry.com.sg/ |
| Address | 313 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238895 |
| Telephone | +65-65096470 |
| Opening hours | 11 am to 10 pm |
| Review 1 | Great place for ice cream while at Orchard Road. There is a wide selection of ice cream flavours available at the Scoop Shop and there are some flavours such as The Tonight Dough that is not available in the supermarkets. It is recommended to visit the store in the evening as the seating areas are outdoor. |
| Review 2 | The place is near the Somerset MRT and outside of 313 mall. It’s perfect to beat the heat among the hustle and bustle of the city. They have a variety of flavor selection but my favorite is the coffee and vanilla. The only downside of the place is that they don’t have inside seating so expect the ice cream today melt quickly. |
| Review 3 | Good delicious ice cream with great flavors to choose from. |
Fair Trade Retailer | Rishi Tea |
| Specialty | Rishi Tea was founded on the commitment to set the standard for quality and expand the awareness of tea and its rich, inspirational tradition. They offer premium tea and botanicals imported directly from gardens across the world. They draw inspiration from ancient artisanal practices that use organic cultivation techniques, harvesting. Services: Organic certified teas, Direct Trade, Green Tea Sachets, Chai Tea Sachets, Organic Matcha Tea |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.rishi-tea.com/ |
| Address | 333 Kreta Ayer Rd, #03-25, Singapore 080333 |
| Telephone | +65- 9012 7600 |
| Opening hours | 10.30 am to 6 pm |
| Review 1 | Place for quality tea. Little snacks also available here. |
| Review 2 | Nice tea |
| Review 3 | Awesome tea |
Fair Trade Retailer | Fair Indigo |
| Specialty | After years in the apparel industry, a small group of them left their jobs determined to make a difference and to change the industry they grew up in. To build clothing that’s timeless, of impeccable quality, and sustainably made. Sustainable not only for the planet, but for the human beings. Services: Women’s Organic Cotton T-shirts, PURA: organic all-cotton jersey, ETERNA: organic stretch jersey, Men’s Organic T-shirts, 100% Organic Cotton |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.fairindigo.com/ |
| Address | 5B Toh Guan Rd E, Singapore 608829 |
| Telephone | +65-67220300 |
| Opening hours | 24/7 |
Fair Trade Retailer | Fairhills Wines |
| Specialty | The Fairhills project is a very dynamic project in which the members (employees) have full control through the Joint Body committee. It is an 80% / 20% ratio with farm worker members and farm owners’ representatives and 1 representative from Origin Wine. All employees in farming entities have ownership stakes. Services: Sustainable gardens, fair price, water conservation, wine, #fairtrade |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.Fairhills.co.za/ |
| Address | 8 Shenton Way, AXA Tower, Singapore 068811 |
| Telephone | +65-31571774 |
| Opening hours | 8 am to 8 pm |
| Review 1 | Its hard to find a true liquor store with better hours than this. And the staff is helpful and friendly. |
| Review 2 | Wide variety of whiskey and beer and wine but no soda to mix |
| Review 3 | I think it is a wonderfull place to get all you beer and non beer needs |
Fair Trade Retailer | Green Mountain Coffee Roasters |
| Specialty | Long before you take your first sip, they began locating, roasting the highest quality coffee in the world while building strong, lasting relationships with the farmers who grow it. This is not simply for you to enjoy Green Mountain Coffee each day, but remains a proper, sustainable way to make coffee. Services: Full-flavored iced coffee, Green Mountain Coffee, Maple Pecan, Pumpkin Spice coffee, reforestation of farming communities |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.gmcr.com/ |
| Address | 5B Toh Guan Rd E, Singapore 608829 |
| Telephone | +65-67220300 |
| Opening hours | 24/7 |
| Review 1 | Fair coffee for USA (after Europe, we haven’t tested a good coffee here yet). Nice people serving the coffee make mornings brighter. |
| Review 2 | Love the company and its products! |
| Review 3 | We had our Keurig 2.0 for less than 2 years. The needle broke and we called customer service. They were so kind and courteous and helpful. They put in the order for the replacement part and said it would be 7 to 10 days. Well it came no charge in just 3 days. We were so pleased with our customer service experience and with our coffee maker. Thanks Keurig. |
Fair Trade Retailer | Theo Chocolate |
| Specialty | From the cocoa farmer in the Congo, to the truck driver in Seattle, and the chocolate lover in Philadelphia, they believe there is a thread that runs through us all. The choices they make touch lives across the planet in lasting ways. That knowledge drives them to forge compassionate societies. Services: Chocolate Bars, Cups & Candy, Cookie Bites, Handmade Confections, Caramels |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.theochocolate.com/ |
| Address | 8 Shenton Way, AXA Tower, Singapore 068811 |
| Telephone | +65-31571774 |
| Opening hours | 8 am to 8 pm |
| Review 1 | You know it’s good when you can smell the chocolate as you’re walking on the street.Workers were friendly, chocolate flavors were unique, and the complimentary chocolate bar was definitely a plus. In my small box, I got lavender cucumber, hazelnut, black velvet, and key lime. Have yet to try the latter three, but the lavender cucumber was very interesting. (I’m a huge fan of lavender). |
| Review 2 | Super friendly stuff and amazing chocolates. They let you explore and help you find the best one. Great flavor varieties. |
| Review 3 | Simply the best chocolate. Delightful to visit the flagship store to see new offerings and regular favorites. I’ll never not recommend this company! |
Fair Trade Retailer | Blends for Life |
| Specialty | Blends for Life Organics uses only pure and natural ingredients. Licensed Importer, Manufacturer, Brandholder of Organic, Fair Trade Certified Shea Butter. All of their products are carefully handcrafted in the USA, artfully blended and highly effective. Pure & Natural Skin care Blends – For you. For life. Fair-trade organic care. Services: Baobab, Aromatic fragrances, Pure Essential Oils, pure & natural skin care blends, butter from the Shea nut |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/blendsforlife/ |
| Address | 111, #05-18 Somerset Rd, TripleOne Somerset, 238164 |
| Telephone | +65-63910170 |
| Opening hours | 11 am to 8 pm |
| Review 1 | Easy to find and smells so peace & calming 😉 |
| Review 2 | Smells so good when you enter. Just made myself a member of YL. So excited! |
| Review 3 | The products are excellent, the staffs are also professional and amicable. I love the ambience and environment, definitely the whole office smells good. |
Fair Trade Retailer | Starbucks |
| Specialty | They make sure everything they do honors that connection – from their commitment to the highest quality coffee in the world, to the way they engage with their customers and communities to do business responsibly. From their beginnings they have tried to make cities a little better than they found it. Services: Dragon Drink, Strawberry Funnel Cake Frappuccino® Drink, Cold Brew, Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink, Iced Guava Passionfruit Drink, Starbucks Reserve |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.starbucks.com.sg/ |
| Address | 68 Orchard Rd, #01-53 Plaza, Singapore 238839 |
| Telephone | +65-69101153 |
| Opening hours | 8.30 am to 9 pm |
| Review 1 | Cafe clean and proper control. A lot seal available but only 4 sets of sofa and rest is normal chair. Not so crowed during lunch time. Enjoy my work with coffee for 2-3hrs and restaurant not busy after 2.30pm. Staff are friendly and good attitudes! Great place! |
| Review 2 | Probably the best coffee on campus and good service compared to a number of branches off campus. The staff is very helpful and the drinks are well made. I’ve not had a complaint in as many years I’ve been visiting the place. The food is probably not the best but the desserts are worthwhile. |
| Review 3 | Cosy little shop with high table, short table and sofa seats. Staff were friendly and courteous. |
Fair Trade Retailer | Haikini |
| Specialty | Haikini began in late 2017 as a way to fill the gap in the swimwear market for functional, stylish, AND affordable surf swimwear. As the brand grew, so did their mission – they wanted to bring the joy of surfing to girls in Asia. They see swimwear as art, expressing creativity. Services: Swimsuits, Cordelia – Sports Classic Reversible Bikini, Cordelia – Cami Reversible Bikini Top with Fixed Padding, Cami Bikini Top, 2 in 1 Scoop Bikini Top, Sports Classic Bikini Top |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://haikini.co/ |
| Address | 12-15 Bayshore Rd, Singapore 469965 |
| [email protected] | |
| Opening hours | 24/7 |
Fair Practice Retailer | Gypsied |
| Specialty | Discover their conscious creations steeped in stories of heritage and artisanal craftsmanship. “Every piece of batik is made with the intention to tell the story of the artisan,” says Singapore designer Nur Aqilah Zailan. She uses batik for products under her fashion label Studio Gypsied for its heritage and sustainability. Services: Asia’s best textiles, batik, batik classics, Pujangga Tote, Ria Poet Blouse |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.studiogypsied.com/ |
| Address | 250 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238905 |
| Telephone | +65-65131743 |
| Opening hours | 11 am to 8 pm |
Fair Trade Retailer | Ashepa Lifestyle |
| Specialty | Ashepa is a platform to empower and connect the world to the best of up-and-coming African design and artisans. They are committed to authentic, beautifully made home goods, jewelry, accessories that were ethically produced to the highest quality. They believe in the power of design, the quality of handcraft artisans. Services: Zulu bracelet, Sophia Necklace, Locki Necklace, Milia Bag Collection, Mudcloth (Bogolanfini) from Mali |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.ashepa.com/ |
| Address | 01-10B [email protected], 18 Tampines Industrial Cres, Singapore 528605 |
| Telephone | +65-90149406 |
| Opening hours | 24/7 |
| Review 1 | Most unique, ethically sourced lifestyle and fashion brand. Took the guesswork out of finding something ‘unique’ for our wedding anniversary! Lovely pieces for around the house. |
Fair Trade Retailer | Anothersole |
| Specialty | Anothersole is a travel essential to bring on all your trips. Voted the “Most comfortable shoe” as it is made with unlined full grained leather which allows your feet to breathe and hugs your feet. A high-density ergonomic latex foot bed supports your arch and absorbs the impact, eco-friendly, sustainably made. Services: Stella – Blush, Gia – Ivory, Paloma – Fog, Stardust – Denim, Morocco – Black |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.anothersole.com/ |
| Address | 10 Paya Lebar Rd #01-09 Paya Lebar Quarter, 409057 |
| [email protected] | |
| Opening hours | 11 am to 9 pm |
Fair Trade Retailer | Wray Crafted |
| Specialty | Wray Crafted is an ethical clothing brand produced alongside local artisans in small batches. Created with slow fashion design values and reduced impact production in mind, their easy wearing pieces are designed to take you on a lifetime of adventures. Dabu prints in fresh colors seasonally: Kali and Ora dresses. Services: Danika dress, Indian artisanship, hand pleated dresses, Kali Wrap Dress shroom, Niya Dress candy, Samara Dress white |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.wraycrafted.com/ |
| Address | 18 Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249677 |
| Telephone | +65-63041388 |
| Opening hours | 11 am to 7 pm |
Fair Trade Retailer | By Invite Only |
| Specialty | By Invite Only is a local brand that specializes in jewelry safe for sensitive skin. Made for the modern woman, for every occasion and every invite. Radiant looks in their Cordelia Necklace and Diana Double Huggies in gold. Brilliant cubic zirconia stones to iridescent pearls, delicate essentials, and classic ornaments. Services: 925 Silver Figaro Bracelet, Silver Bobbi Birthstone Bracelet, 925 Silver Bamboo Ring, Rose Gold Carina Cubic Bracelet, Rose Gold Birthstone Necklace |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.byinviteonly.shop/ |
| Address | 435 Orchard Rd, #01-43, Singapore 238877 |
| Telephone | +65-9873 3729 |
| Opening hours | 11 am to 9 pm |
| Review 1 | Been buying from BIO for a while now and I’m very impressed with the service and the quality of the products. The staff at the store is very helpful in giving advice on the items when needed and they are not pushy. They even advice on how to care for the items to ensure they stay in the best condition. I’ve been wearing their earrings for over 2 years now and there is no sign of tarnish at all, I can vouch for the quality of the products. Despite the jewellery being dainty, I’ve never had a broken piece and I’m really not the gentlest person around here. The items received are also packed in a nice bag that’s easy to carry around, allowing me to remove my jewellery midday if I would like to! Hope they launch more products and have more sales so I can buy more 🙂 |
| Review 2 | Great service! Yvonne was very helpful and gave great tips on caring for the jewelry |
| Review 3 | Very pretty jewellery and the staff Evon Lee at the Wisma outlet is really sweet and helpful. |
Fair Trade Retailer | Canvas and Weaves |
| Specialty | Canvas and Weaves began its journey in February 2018 with a simple yet exciting idea to create a platform for Textile and fine art. They have a platform with e- commerce capabilities and organize several curated exhibitions. Artisanal timeless pieces made ethically by skilled artisans: Shibori-dyed crop top, handwoven trousers. Services: Balloonwali Ajji Print, Shiraz Dress, Demi red drape jumpsuit, Guldasta Saree, Swing in a Sari |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.canvasandweaves.com/ |
| Address | #02-02 Balmoral Park |
| Telephone | +65-9100 1417 |
| Opening hours | 24/7 |
Fair Trade Retailer | ZERRINN |
| Specialty | Based in Singapore, ZERRIN is a media platform, marketplace dedicated to sustainable fashion, beauty, and business. They curate Asia’s best ethical brands in one place (shop online or make sure to visit their pop-ups) and weekly inspiring content. Online 24/7 and free local shipping in Singapore – they ship worldwide. Services: Lacess Avril Leather Trainers, Dorsu Rolled Sleeve Crew T-Shirt, Stain Bamba Pants, Esse Linen Top, Paradigm Shift Dignity Top |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://zerrin.com/ |
| Address | The Social Space, #01-03 Marina One |
| Telephone | +65- 8321 1892 |
| Opening hours | 10 am to 5 pm |
| Review 1 | It’s such a relief to be able to find such a variety of sustainable brands in SG under one roof! Love the curation, and the fact that all these brands are either local or from the region. ZERRIN has helped me learn more about the environmental and social effects of fashion and how supporting brands who are ethical and producing high quality pieces makes a difference! |
| Review 2 | ZERRIN adds something unique and special to Singapore’s retail scene. Great customer service (rare for stores in SG) and personal attention given to each customer. Being at The Social Space means you can grab a coffee with a friend too or a snack to fuel you up for browsing and shopping. Love their personal styling sessions too. |
Fair Trade Retailer | Eco Staples |
| Specialty | Designed with quality, style and sustainability in mind, their Eco Bamboo T-shirts redefine everyday essential wear with a luxurious soft feel and modern fit. These light weight antibacterial and hypoallergenic T-shirts guarantee you long lasting comfort. Eco Staples’ Oversized Crew Neck tee is the perfect companion on a relaxing Sunday. Services: Men’s Essential Bamboo Crew Neck, Women’s Essential Bamboo Vee Neck, Men’s Essential Bamboo Vee Neck, Women’s Essential Bamboo T-shirts, Women’s Essential Vee Neck |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.ecostaples.co/ |
| Address | 3 Gambas Cres, #06-14 Nordcom One, Singapore 757088 |
| [email protected] | |
| Opening hours | 9 am to 7.30 pm |
| Review 1 | I have found my DREAM t-shirts for a petite. Finally! Bought a round neck (black) and v neck (grey) shirts – XS both. The sizing and fit were perfect – I’m so happy! Not sheer at all! Thank you!! The packaging was gorgeous and classy. Can’t wait for more colors and styles of the shirt! |
| Review 2 | I have a white crew neck T – Shirt from Eco Staples and am very happy with the quality of the product, professional service and excellent packaging. I intend to purchase further items from Eco Staples in the future |
| Review 3 | I tried Cuts Clothing, Essntl, Italic to all other brands to find the perfect tshirt. I have found it and its name is ECOSTAPLES. The fit is a little wonky so I had to refit the arm holes but the material is second to none. Like wearing a silk cloud |
Fair Trade Retailer | Tessellate.Co |
| Specialty | The Bianca Necklace: Now available online & in store. Shop your birthstone from the collection, including #Moonstone, #Amethyst, #Aquamarine, #LondonBlueTopaz, #Garnet & #Peridot. Find out your #birthstone by scrolling through website listings. Lydia Halo Earring – Versatile, Elegant, Chic. London Blue Topaz. Lydia Ring comes in 5 gemstones. High quality gemstones, classic designs. Services: Bianca Necklace, Lydia Halo Earring, Lydia Ring, Removable Halo earring, high quality gemstones, Tanzanites |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://shoptessellate.co/ |
| Address | #02-14, Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road, Singapore 238880 |
| Telephone | +65- 8751 2335 |
| Opening hours | 11.30 am to 8 pm |
| Review 1 | Can’t express how happy I was with the ring upon collection! It was better than I imagined!! I came in with no appointment (I wasn’t aware we needed one) but Jing Ting was really accommodating and patient as she sits us down and explain, making sure we understand everything about what we want. With her experience, she always has recommendations to offer. She really took her time and is always very friendly. The workmanship is beyond your expectation so it explains how happy I was when I saw it. Thank you for your time and work on my wedding ring!!! ❤️ |
| Review 2 | I like their jewellery because it’s affordable, of good quality and their staff are always friendly! I can browse around freely and the staff are helpful. I already bought four kinds of jewellery here – a matching set of Labradorite necklace, bracelet and earrings and today, a simple ring ($44) I come back here when my bracelet chain breaks and they fix it for me, quickly and free of charge. I like their service a lot. |
| Review 3 | I came across Tesselate Co by chance this year when I was doing my shopping at Wheelock place. I has been an amazing experience for me since then as I love their jewelry and bought quite a few pieces. Recently I wanted to have a pair of earrings custom- made. One of the designers, Jing Ting helped me choose the right stones for my earrings & designed sometime according to my budget and preference. She is very helpful, patient and knows what type of stones will look the best for the design she showed me. Jing Ting has been very professional all the way from the consultation to the finishing step, Last night I just gotten my earrings. It is very elegant and beautiful. Thank you Jing Ting and Tesselate for your excellent and professional service. |
Fair Trade Retailers | Source Collections |
| Specialty | By partnering with the best factories and a direct-to-consumer model, it allows them to sell premium quality products at a fraction of what other top designer labels would sell them for. They enable the change to less polluting material, more efficient production, friendlier to the environment than many clothing producers. Services: TENCEL™ Cap Sleeve, women’s t-shirts, TENCEL™ V Neck Tee, Organic Cotton Crew Neck, TENCEL™ Hipster Brief |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.sourcecollections.com/ |
| Address | 501 #01-01 Orchard Road Wheelock Place, 238880 |
| [email protected] | |
| Opening hours | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Review 1 | Super soft fabric! Basics done well ! |
| Review 2 | Love the fabric on their shirts! Make sure you wash them following the washing instructions. Excellent customer service – responsive, helpful and were able to resolve my issue. |
Fair Trade Retailer | SOJAO |
| Specialty | They do not see sustainably made goods as a privilege; they see it as a modern-day necessity. This is why they priced their GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton bedsheet sets as affordable as they are. Great looking, long lasting, super comfy organic bedsheets at a price that is affordable for many. Services: Organic Cotton Men’s Tee Bundle, Classic Mix & Match Sheet Set, Classic White Bundle Set, SOJAO Elevated Loungewear Men’s Shirt |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://sojao.shop/ |
| Address | 44 Kallang Place Singapore, Singapore 339172 |
| Telephone | +65-9177 6152 |
| Opening hours | 11 am to 5 pm |
| Review 1 | Awesome local bedding shop with amazing organic soft sheets. Great owner who showed us around and showcased her products. Will be buying my bedding from here for sure. |
| Review 2 | Crazy comfy sheets. Fell asleep reading countless times in bed, without the aircon or fan on. Sheets remain soft and cool despite SG’s humidity and heat. Awesome stuff |
| Review 3 | Amazing bedding. Top quality and great service from the team |
Fair trade refers to practices seeking to guarantee that all farmers or workers that cultivate, harvest, or manufacture all food produce you purchase in open markets are paid fair wages, also ensuring that workers do not get subjected to inhumane working conditions or burdened excessively with unrealistic, strenuous workplace quotas or targets to meet.
Within the current market model of global supply chains which deliver consumers goods like tea or cocoa, at hand are multiple chains of agents that connect farmers with consumer—buyer, processor, exporter, U.S. based trader, food business, logistics, grocery store.
Under most circumstances, a large proportion of overall cash that consumers spend within retail shops proceeds to these agents, with low, minimal cash proceeds returned to the farmers or harvesters of coffee grains or tea.
Fair trade: Systems, Functions, Uses
Within each fair-trade system, nearly all agents between producer or consumer get taken away, cut down, leaving the final consumer to purchase with greater accessibility, immediacy, directness over from farmers.
Within a traditional fair-trade consensus, each grocery shop would purchase the goods over from distributors, that obtain these directly from communities of farmers that grow crops, for instance, cocoa from Mexico.
Specific advantages that fair trade businesses deliver:
Multiple fair-trade certification outfits are available, still these all share certain similar traits:
Usually, for goods to qualify to receive the fair-trade label, engaged farmers must get assured of minimum pricing for harvest crops to guarantee these can cover their farming costs— or even have enough funds to seed into their communities, businesses, or families.
Products must also meet specific environmental goals, like Water Pollution prevention or Forest Protection, and qualify as GMO-free.
Fair trade: Advantages, Disadvantages of general applications, practices, uses
Coffee is considered a form of fair-trade produce.
Detractors posit these fair-trade practices push profit agendas, that gradually grow, accumulate to trickle into consumer-directed subsidies which then unnaturally inflate pricing, while causing excess manufacturing of goods that leads to massive waste, (that then generally decimates the market value of farmed goods) which then desensitizes farmers to market signals to switch crop selections or business models.
Subsequently, these argue, fair-trade methods do not actually alleviate poverty in practice in farming communities, indeed these pass on inflated price levels over to consumers, who should not have to shoulder, be levied surplus payments for goods that are churned out in excess of what market demands would determine, correct, adjust.
Supporters of fair-trade hold that fair-trade enables many farmers or manufacturers to gain better, improved chances of running sustainable businesses over the long term.
Within 2009, fair-trade products generated $4.4 billion in revenue internationally—evidence that the demand is certainly on hand in markets for these goods, citing fair trade supporters, albeit with fair trade goods being priced higher generally.
Fair trade: Contentious issues considered
More controversies, issues arise within the fair-trade movement over the specific types of produce or manufacturers that may qualify as fair-trade.
Historically, fair-trade certification was initially linked to co-ops, still, over recent times, especially from the United States, now there is a rising trend in big companies or the American broadly based fair-trade organization, Fair Trade USA, to factor in larger farms or alternative types of farmers.
Such new moves have drawn condemnation, ire, from many that perceive these as strategic efforts to profit companies that might gain from expanded, inclusive regulations through expanded liberties to classify more goods under the “fair-trade” label.
As seen with organic food trends, there remain certain core divisions between many that desire keeping fair trade relatively small and “pure”, or others that push for more action to standardize the trend, so as to allow big companies to endorse or promote the ideals of fair trade practices.
These endorsements were made to allow for expanded regulatory space to maneuver in, affording more flexibility, customizations, or possible trimming down of lavish profits that were traditionally pocketed by some smaller producers whose interests, profits the fair trade model had earlier promoted in the past.
Examples of Fair Trade in Sugar Production
A prominent fair-trade illustration is the sugar production industry.
Many developed nations like the United States cultivate sugar which is not enough to meet market demands.
For example, nationally harvested, cultivated sugar in the United States caters to 80 percent of national consumption.
This implies that the surplus 20 percent of sugar supply is fulfilled with imports from many Developing Nations.
Still, the large scale diminishing, dwindling of global market prices, poor working conditions, or deteriorating weather, poses pressing challenges to farmers from developing nations.
Still, fair-trade sugar production guarantees that cane growers from developing nations are able to receive fair payments for their cultivated crops.
Additionally, fair trade in sugar enables, drives the flourishing of trading relations between farmers, traders.
Still, the cash obtained from the general sales of sugar on trading platforms enables farmers to enrich themselves further, or to expand profit margins.
Research reveals at large that farmers trading sugar cane with formally certified fair-trade companies, derive better fair-trade profit gains, enabling them to realize, attain, more sustainable sugar cane production models over the long term.
