Thursday, 20 June 2013

What To Know About The Fair Trade Market

By Lila Barry


Fair trade is used to describe the fair trade market or the strategy that strives for sustainability and fair exchanges for manufacturers operating out of developing nations of our world. This is considered a social movement. The industry encourages increased prices for exporters and instills a new set of social and environmental guidelines for operation.

There is not a single definition that is used for this term. However, a common description of this practice is a kind of partnership in which equity is sought in international trading. The market is mostly based around dialogue, respect and transparency. Sustainability development also plays a major role in this industry, as improving the exchange benefits of countries, producers and workers is a top priority, especially in the South.

The industry mostly involves exports between developing countries and countries that are already developed. Some of the notable items that are exchanged in this market: tea, cotton, chocolate, cocoa, honey, bananas, flowers and wine. The first efforts to commercialize goods under this concept took place during the mid twentieth century in the Northern markets. It was started by non-government and religious groups that had political involvement.

There are two main ways products can be traded and marketed: product certification, MEDC supply chain. Product certification involves products being certified to ensure their compliance will all specifications laid out for this market. MEDC involves products that have been distributed or imported exclusively through these types of organizations.

Most organizations that are part of this movements include active members of federations, or have received certification from these entities. The national and international federations handle all of the coordinating, facilitating and promoting that goes into this market and its organizations. NEWS, FLO, EFTA, and The World Fair Trade Organization are just some examples of the largest and most known federations that operate in the industry.

There are criticisms of this market and its various practices. Among the many issues that are associated with this field is the ethics behind it all. That is, many are concerned that the money being collected from sales is not being given to original manufacturers. Instead, co-op businesses and their employees are receiving these benefits.

Furthermore, many consumers choose to pay more for these products with the belief that the revenue is going directly to support the poor producers who work outside of developed nations. Other concerns and criticisms related to the industry: no monitored standards, where all of the revenue goes, corruption and political motivations. There are numerous supporters who maintain that these products are good and support the overall concept that the industry was formed on.

The fair trade market is part of a new movement and approach in which emphasis is placed on improving transactions made by producers located in developing countries. It involves development of equity in trade deals and sustainability. Products that are distributed by way of such markets or organizations must meet all the special regulations that are in place. There are people who are for and against this type of setup.




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