FINE
FINE is an association based in Bonn. Members are the following fair trade organizations :
- F - Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International
- I - International Fair Trade Association, since 2009 World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO)
- N - Network of European Worldshops , part of the World Fair Trade Organization since 2009
- E - European Fair Trade Association
FINE is an acronym for these founding members.
Self-image
The basic requirements for a uniform appearance are:
- a common definition of the goals of fair trade
- common guidelines for selecting trading partners and setting trading conditions
- Tools to review fair trade practice
Definition of fair trade as defined by the organization
Fair trade is an alternative approach to conventional world trade : a trading partnership for sustainable development for excluded and disadvantaged producers. The means to achieve this are better trading conditions, awareness-raising and campaigns.
The organization believes that fair trade goals
The members agreed on common goals of fair trade on March 24, 1999 in Utrecht :
- Increasing the livelihood and well-being of producers by improving market access , strengthening producer organizations, paying better prices and ensuring continuity in trade relations .
- Promotion of development opportunities for disadvantaged producers, especially women and indigenous people, as well as the protection of children from exploitation in the production process.
- Raising awareness among consumers of the negative effects of world trade on producers so that they can use their purchasing power in a positive way.
- Setting an example of partnership in retail through dialogue, transparency and respect.
- Campaign for changes in the rules and practices of conventional world trade.
- Respect for human rights by promoting social justice, environmentally friendly practices and economic security.
- Since the trading partners come from different cultural, social and economic backgrounds and also manufacture a wide variety of products, the guidelines for trading must be flexible and formulated and specified for the corresponding trade relations.
Requirements for the fair trade organizations in the opinion of the organization
Selection of trading partners
Fair trade trading partners should give preference to jointly organized small producers in the craft and agricultural sectors, as well as disadvantaged and oppressed workers in factories and plantations .
Social demands on trading partners
The requirements placed on trading partners who are independent small producers should be geared towards securing their livelihoods and their responsible participation.
In contrast, the requirements placed on trading partners with dependent employees aim to comply with and improve labor rights , workplace conditions and the social, ecological and economic environment.
Fair trading conditions
The price paid should enable a reward that goes beyond the direct satisfaction of material needs and contains a contribution to securing the future. The overall performance of fair trade must be significantly higher than that of commercial trade.
Long-term trading relationships
Long-term trade relationships are an important guideline for fair trade and must therefore be anchored in a contract. Long-term relationships are guaranteed when trading is carried out in conjunction with dialogue, transparency and product and organizational advice.
Monitoring
The application of the guidelines must be transparent and verifiable. The monitoring must take into account the development approach and the trade partnership approach. It must be affordable and the costs must not burden the small trading partners disproportionately.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ IFAT votes WFTO. World Fair Trade Organization, February 9, 2009, accessed May 23, 2014 .