The Processes and Practices of Fair Trade

Book excerpt: Fairtrade has established itself as a distinct phenomenon within the realm of global consumerism. Fairtrade aims to protect small producers against price volatility and inadequate incomes as well as to provide community benefits (health care, education). It relies on consumer purchases of FT products carried out at agreed minimum prices. These purchases measure the trust accorded to the scheme which is founded on a system of certification comprising a series of recommended producer welfare-enhancing standards that FT products must satisfy ...