Fair Trade

Fair trade is a method of strengthening the role of the poor in the marketplace by having them act as dealers, leaders and protagonists of trade, not as objects, victims or spectators. Their efforts become more than simply commercial activities; they come to constitute the communication and transmission of their culture to the consumer. The ultimate goal of fair trade is the promotion of sustainable development based in an egalitarian society, the protection of the environment, and economic stability.

Key Points Regarding Fair Trade

It is in society's interest that alternative trade continues to improve and be the source for new, high quality products which will stir competition in traditional marketplaces while serving as the basis for mutually beneficial, dignified business relationships.

The true success of fair trade is the elimination of prejudices that exist with respect to alternative trade - there are various manners to combat these prejudices, such as stickers indicating organic products which can help to create a public image of alternative trade and establish market confidence.

Fair trade producers and vendors adhere to shared frameworks and practices through affiliation with various self-regulating organizations: cooperatives, associations, federations, and non-governmental bodies.

Returns are distributed as profits to the producers and also reinvested into the production process and in various sectors of the community: education, public health, social and cultural development, employment, admission of new members and cooperation with similar organizations, empowerment and local level decision making.

In the actual marketplace, fair trade products must sell themselves based upon their quality and price, carry with them information about their fabrication and the culture they represent, and not be dangerous to man or the environment, neither in the manner in which they are produced nor the materials from which they are made.

Alternative trade is creating a change in traditional economic structures, evolving a slave-like commerce to an independent and dignified one, a new option for small producers that guarantees them fair prices. This system provides a link of confidence between the producer, fair trade organization, and final consumer and at the same time protects the environment through sustainable methods and in promoting equality among the sexes stimulates the assistive commercialization process.

The proposal of alternative trade for Ecuador is to transform the economic and work relationships of the country through a change in perspective among the popular sector, for small producers to adopt the notion of taking a leading role in their own management, to give these people the confidence necessary to confront the profound structural problems that cause injustice, loss of hope, and violence in our society.