Photo by: Delgoff.

The term “Fair Trade”, according to Canada’s TransFair website, can almost be described as a business model.

It prides itself on a system that focuses primarily on transperency, respect and a constant dialogue. It essentially offers trading conditions that are more profitable for the producers and workers in developing nations.  The system is constantly kept in check by rigorously auditing and certifying, along with constant monitoring of those companies involved.

The International Fair Trade System is arranged in a way that ensures farmers and workers fair compensation for their labor and products and environmental practices that are sustainable. Moreover, with the presence of Fair Trade, social services in the local areas that participate are improved, resulting in an investment in the local economic infrastructure.

Basically, Fair trade promises better working conditions, sustainability in these local environments, better prices and fairer terms of trade for those in developing nations. This is done by ensuring that companies pay above the market prices, thus confronting the unfair advantages that can be seen in conventional trading.

Fair Trade makes an attempt to eliminate the discrimination of the poor and the weak. Rather, it gives them more power, and better means to control their trading, eventually leading to a better quality of life.