Discover the Power of Fair Trade Enterprises with WFTO

Discover how WFTO is transforming and building a new economy through the influential force of Fair Trade Enterprises globally. Join the Fair Trade Movement today.

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Our Movement

The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is the global community and verifier of enterprises that fully practise our 10 Fair Trade Principles.

We are an association of visionary small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that believe that a new economy is possible: together, we stand as a collective of activists and changemakers who are at the forefront of advocating for an equitable and sustainable world.

As a membership organization, we bring together a diverse network of visionary small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that operates in different sectors: from food to fashion, from house ware to tourism, from toys to digital services, globally.

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THEORY OF CHANGE

Our Roadmap To Systemic Change

How our economy is set up at the moment is not working. Neither for the planet nor for the people. We believe that our current economic system is by its foundation extractivist, hindering equitable distribution of wealth, perpetuating social and economic inequality, and speeding environmental degradation at an alarming pace. Businesses nowadays keep prioritising short-term profit over long-term sustainability: they want to produce more and more to transfer to the shareholders, careless of who or what is paying the price for it.

WFTO HAS A HOLISTIC APPROACH

Fair Trade Enterprises embrace a holistic approach that extends beyond profit maximisation. It recognises that social, environmental, and economic factors are interconnected and must be addressed collectively.

WFTO IS ALIGNED WITH THE SDGs

Fair Trade Enterprises are deeply aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as their principles and practices contribute to the broader movement of systemic change. Our 10 Fair Trade Principles are not isolated efforts but are interconnected with the larger vision of creating a more sustainable and equitable world.

FAIR TRADE IS NOT CHARITY

As ethical entrepreneurs driven by a vision for a fair, equal, and inclusive economy, we prioritise doing business that benefits both people and the planet. Fair Trade, at its core, is not about charity. It is a transformative approach that challenges traditional notions of commerce.

FAIR TRADE BUSINESS MODELS NEED TO HAPPEN GLOBALLY

Fair Trade business models transcend geographical boundaries and call for a transformation of the entire global and local economies. They encourage entrepreneurs, consumers, and policymakers to prioritise social and environmental responsibility, fostering a more equitable and ethical approach to commerce on a global and local scale.

WFTO IS FOR LOCAL ECONOMIES

Fair Trade Enterprises actively encourage the development of strong local economies. North to North, South to South markets are crucial in creating an economy less dependent on import-export trade relationships. By supporting Fair Trade Enterprises, citizens contribute to the resilience and sustainability of local economies, fostering self-sufficiency, and economic justice at the grassroots level.

FAIR TRADE IS ECONOMICALLY VIABLE

Rather than solely focusing on maximising profits at any cost, Fair Trade Enterprises prioritise the well-being of producers, workers, and the environment. They strive for a balance between financial success and ethical responsibility, recognising that long-term profitability is intricately linked to sustainable practices and positive social outcomes.

Our WFTO Verified Members

Media

Upcoming Events

Start your Fair Trade journey with WFTO webinar

Tue 16 Apr

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Tue 16 Apr
2024

UNEA-6 side event: “​​Fair Trade and Green SMEs: Catalysing actions for environmental sustainability”

Tue 27 Feb

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Tue 27 Feb
2024

Messe Frankfurt (Ambiente & Christmas World)

Fri 26 Jan

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Tue 30 Jan
2024
Latest Campaigns

International Fair Trade Charter (September)

World Fair Trade Day (May)

Fashion Revolution Week (April)

Latest Podcasts

Justice through the Fair Trade business model: Made For a Woman’s Holistic Approach

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Stitching Together A Sustainable Future For Refugees: Silaiwali & Fair Trade

Social Procurement And Its Impact On The Fashion Industry

latest articles and updates

Investing in women to revolutionise farming: Fair Trade Enterprises bridging gender gaps for a sustainable food future

WFTO Is Calling For a Ceasefire in Gaza

Unpacking Fair Trade Practices: Economic Marginalisation

We are calling for a Business Revolution!

What’s the Afterlife of the Waste from the Festive Season?

Small Farmers, Big Impact: A Sustainable Food Systems Vision Through The Fair Trade Business Model

Celebrating 34 Years of Impact

The International Fair Trade Charter

World Refugee Day 2023 – Time To Address Climate & Social Justice

Transforming The European Green Deal Into A Global Green Deal

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17th international

FAIR TRADE SUMMIT

17-20 SEPT 2024 – CAPE TOWN 

We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming International Fair Trade Summit, set to take place in the vibrant city of Cape Town, from the 17th to the 20th of September 2024.

The International Fair Trade Summit aims to bring together leaders, practitioners, and advocates from all corners of the globe to collaborate and promote Fair Trade practices. This edition promises to be a unique opportunity for participants to engage in enlightening discussions, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that will shape the future of Fair Trade.

WFTO Membership & Associate Types

  • Fair Trade Organisations (FTO)

    All trading members of WFTO. This includes all organisations that have more than half of their income and/or more than €100,000 in income from trade.

  • Fair Trade Support Organisations (FTSO)

    An organisation whose primary mission is to support Fair Trade and/or provide services to organisations that are or want to become Fair Trade Organisations.

  • Fair Trade Networks (FTN)

    An organisation which is an association of organisations committed to Fair Trade.

  • Individual Associates (IA)

    Individual Associates are supporters of the Fair Trade movement with limited rights. The WFTO Guarantee System does not apply to them.

  • Associate Organisations (AO)

    Associate Organisations align with WFTO’s values but after their application. They do not undergo monitoring and also have limited rights.

WFTO Guarantee System Monitoring Statuses

  • Candidates

    Candidates have been conditionally approved for membership but have not completed their first monitoring cycle under the WFTO Guarantee System. They have limited rights within WFTO. They may not use the WFTO Member Mark and Product Label or claim that they are monitored by WFTO.

  • Guaranteed Members

    Guaranteed members have met the WFTO Membership requirements and are monitored under the WFTO Guarantee System.

  • Member

    Organisations that have no or little income from trade go through a reduced version of the WFTO Guarantee System that does not include criteria related to trade. These organisations may use the WFTO Member Mark but cannot use the Product Label for any products they may be trading to support their mission. This status only applies to Fair Trade Networks (FTN) and Support Organisations (FTSO).

  • Renewal in Progress

    Members who are in the process of renewing their guaranteed status and are overdue on some requirements retain full rights while they work to meet the demands of the Guarantee System on an administrative or compliance level.

Become an Impact Ally

Collaboration is key to successful transformation, meaningful impact, and our movement

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WHO CAN APPLY

WFTO welcomes applications from established Fair Trade Organisations as well as organisations that support Fair Trade. Individuals in their capacity as researchers, writers, consultants and specialists in their field who can contribute solid skills, knowledge and expertise to WFTO and members are also welcome.

Add Your Heading Text Initial requirements for organisations:

  • Compliance with the WFTO 10 Principles of Fair Trade. Please have a look at the WFTO Fair Trade Standard for more specific information on compliance with these principles.

  • All applicant organisations must already be duly registered (as a legal entity) and active for at least one year.

Who can apply?

  • Fair Trade Organisations (FTO)

    All companies, partnerships, co-partnerships and other legal bodies – as determined by the legal provisions of the country of the member concerned – that are directly engaged in Fair Trade. They may be producers or northern or southern based trading FTOs for whom Fair Trade is the main activity. To qualify for FTO membership, income from sales (turnover) must account for 50% or more of the total income. Applications for FTO membership cannot be accepted from organisations with no prior sales history.

  • Fair Trade Networks (FTN)

    Legal entities whose primary function is to serve as national or international associations of Fair Trade producers and/or Fair Trade Organisations.

  • Fair Trade Support Organisations (FTSO)

    Fair Trade Organisations where trading is not the main activity (proportion of trade is less than 50% of total income). These organisations are engaged in Fair Trade indirectly, through activities that promote and support Fair Trade. These activities can include business counselling, finance, advocacy or networking.

  • Associate Organisations

    This is a special category for national or international organisations that are interested in supporting and promoting Fair Trade, including donor organisations. Organisations that do not meet the one-year legal existence requirement also fit in this group.

  • Individual Associates

    Individual researchers, writers, consultants and specialists in their field that can support WFTO. WFTO expects its individual associates to be active Fair Trade supporters whose experience and expertise in their own particular field can be of practical benefit to WFTO's members. To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae.

    While FTO, FTN and FTSO are entitled to full WFTO membership, organizational and individual associates have only limited rights.

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enquiries

Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific enquiries
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OUR PRODUCT LABEL

The WFTO Product Label is more than just a Fair Trade symbol. It signifies not only that the practices across the supply chain are checked against the WFTO Fair Trade Standard, but it also represents support to the battle against poverty and inequality. Products carrying the WFTO Label are made and traded by Guaranteed Fair Trade Organisations dedicated to the sustainable Fair Trade economy. Every purchase of products with the WFTO Label supports small producers and their communities.

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