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 practice 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 organisation, 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

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Upcoming Events
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International Fair Trade Summit 2024

Tue 17 Sep

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Fri 20 Sep
2024
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International Fair Trade Summit 2022

Tue 23 Aug

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Fri 26 Aug
2022
Latest Campaigns
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International Fair Trade Charter (September)

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World Fair Trade Day (May)

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Fashion Revolution Week (April)

Latest Podcasts
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STITCHING TOGETHER A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR REFUGEES: SILAIWALI & FAIR TRADE

24 April

SOCIAL PROCUREMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON THE FASHION INDUSTRY.

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THE FUTURE OF FAIR TRADE FASHION

Latest Articles

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

THIS WORLD FAIR TRADE DAY, IT’S TIME TO REIMAGINE THE ECONOMY!

YOUR GUIDE TO ETHICAL SHOPPING DURING FASHION REVOLUTION WEEK 2023

COLLECTIVE ACTION AND INFORMED DECISION MAKING FOR STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

10 YEARS OF PROGRESS: TRANSFORMING THE FASHION INDUSTRY WITH FAIR TRADE AND FASHION REVOLUTION

FAIR TRADE ENTERPRISES ARE FIGHTING FOR GENDER JUSTICE THROUGH AN INCLUSIVE BUSINESS MODEL

WFTO-MADE51: PRESS RELEASE

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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

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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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