WHAT IS FAIR TRADE
Fair Trade is the alternative mode of trade, which aims to extend sustainable livelihood to the less privileged people living in developing countries. Those who practice fair trade should have the commitment to follow the standards of Fair Trade while involving in production, trade or any other activities related to income generation. The standards are set to give a fair deal to artisans, farmers and producers who are remaining excluded from the mainstream of domestic as well as international trade. The adherence to Fair Trade standards lead towards realization of fair price and living wages for the producers in international as well as domestic market, which may otherwise pushed to give in for cheap returns from the players of mainstream trade. Thus Fair Trade created opportunity for sustainable development for the most needy among the grassroots producers mainly in the South.

The IFAT (International Fair Trade Association) defines fair trade as “a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency and respect that 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 – especially in the South.”
 
Fair Trade Standards
• Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers
• Transparency and Accountability
• Capacity Building
• Promoting Fair Trade
• Gender equity
• Ideal working conditions
• Payment of Fair wages
• Protection of Environment
• Protection of child’s rights
 
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