Q. How did fair trade start?
A. The concept of fair trade originally started from the plight of farmers growing food items, such as coffee, tea and cocoa. When their costs to raise crops increased, they needed to be able to establish a fair price for what they produced. In 1988, Max Haveleer, known as “The Certification Engineer,” launched the first fairtrade certified label for coffee. Prior to Haveleer stepping in to assure fair pricing, there were several predecessors since the 1940s who attempted to help set fair prices for most third world countries producing agricultural products as well as craft items produced by artisans, weavers, etc.

Q. What is fair trade all about?
A. The bottom line for fair trade is all about paying a fair and decent wage to producers for their goods. In addition, fair trade assures workers decent working conditions. Every diverse group of workers is able to set their own prices for their goods based on their labor, materials and cost of living. Fair trade buyers are also accountable for what they will charge their future purchasers.
Fair trade is 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, marginalised producers and workers – especially in the South.

Q. How do we know if an item or food product is fair trade or not?
A. There are two forms of fair trade: Fairtrade as one word is a term registered with The Fairtrade Foundation which focuses largely on agricultural products. Fair trade as two words is the term used for all other non-food items such as crafts, jewelry, clothing, furniture, art work, etc. All goods produced under fair trade conditions should bear the FTF (Fair Trade Federation) logo or stamp, or the IFAT logo (International Federation for Fair Trade).

Q. How does fair trade help?
A. Schools are built, wells are dug for fresh water, children are fed and clothed and everyone can have accessibility to health clinics. As a result, local communities and families are stabilized. These basic needs are met as a result of fair trade organizers setting the standard for cost of living wages and improved working conditions. In addition, there is the benefit to the purchasers, to use goods that are made from local resources as well as recycled by-products, which helps keep our planet green.

Q. Who are the workers?
A. Most of the workers are women, who are consistently more disadvantaged in third world countries. They can now gain dignity and self-esteem as well as hope for their childrens future. This is all possible through the fair trade organizations who can, not only employ them and pay them fair wages but also offer training. They learn various techniques used to create a vast array of goods, from baskets to linens, to jewelry and more, so they can teach others and pass on new ways of doing things blended with their own traditions.

Q. I would like to volunteer with FSN – how do I go about it?
A. Please go directly to our Contacts page and send us an E-mail. We’re always pleased to hear from those with backgrounds in television production, media buying, graphic design and Web site development. Many of our activities support non-profit groups and distributors. If you desire an internship relationship, please specify, as well as your availability.