fair trade

A way of conducting international trade so that all parties involved receive fair payments. Fair trade schemes are designed to counteract unjust international trade systems, which often exploit workers in developing countries. By ensuring that producers are paid a fair price for their skills and products, they are able to develop their businesses.

Fair trade is often involved in the sales of crafts and textiles, or food items such as tea, coffee, honey, and chocolate, the traditional products of developing countries. Fair trade also promotes sustainable development by improving market access for disadvantaged producers. The International Federation for Alternative Trade, a global network of fair trade organizations, and the European Fair Trade Association, an alliance of fair trade organizations in European countries, are two organizations which bring together people to promote worldwide fair trade.