When a baby is born, it is a common assumption that crying is a positive sign of health. This initial cry of the newborn indicates their first assertion of well-being in their coming to life. Making your voice heard becomes…
Discover the world of Fair Trade Enterprises at the WFTO Summit Expo! This exclusive event offers you the chance to meet 30 passionate Fair Trade producers and purchase beautiful, ethically made products directly from the source. This is a unique…
Every year, WFTO embarks on campaigning efforts to promote the Fair Trade business model across the world. Campaigning has always been one of the core activities we have dedicated ourselves to since our foundation: we see our organisation as a…
At the heart of what we do at the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) lies a commitment to fostering fair and sustainable trade practices worldwide. We work closely with Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that put the Fair Trade business…
In today’s bustling global fashion scene, it can be all too easy to overlook the origins of our clothes. We buy embroidered, woven, and intricately designed pieces, but we rarely think about the hands behind them or the cultures they…
With the start of the new year, we are launching a new series to show what we think are good business practices and what we consider inspiring examples! This series delves into the core of our work: our 10 Fair…
In a world where traditional business models are centre stage, the question of how to reach a sustainable economy without changing this ‘for given’ fact has emerged as a crucial conversation. If we want to achieve the 2030 Agenda, it…
Have you ever considered the fate of the excessive waste generated during festivities? What’s the afterlife of all that glitter, plastic wrap, or single-use decorations? The reality is that there might be no afterlife for such products; they might stay…
This manual is designed to equip and guide you through how and why WFTO speaks about its community to advocate for systemic change. This guide is the product of several conversations that made us rethink the way we talk about…
This manual is designed to equip and guide you to create compelling, cohesive, brand-aligned marketing and visual communication. The WFTO brand is more than just a logo, it aims to visually communicate the heart of WFTO and establish powerful connections…
If you want to contact any of our staff members (not Board) please write to the First Name (ex: Paul)@wfto.com
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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.
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.
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.
An organisation which is an association of organisations committed to Fair Trade.
Individual Associates are supporters of the Fair Trade movement with limited rights. The WFTO Guarantee System does not apply to them.
Associate Organisations align with WFTO’s values but after their application. They do not undergo monitoring and also have limited rights.
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 have met the WFTO Membership requirements and are monitored under the WFTO Guarantee System.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Legal entities whose primary function is to serve as national or international associations of Fair Trade producers and/or Fair Trade Organisations.
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.
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 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.
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.
