World Fair Trade Organization

Logo of World Fair Trade Organization

World Fair Trade Organization

Abbreviation	WFTO
Formation	1989
Type	Non-governmental organization
Headquarters	Culemborg, Netherlands
Region served	Worldwide
Membership	Over 400 organizations
President	Rudi Dalvai

The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is a global network of organizations representing the fair trade movement. Established in 1989, the WFTO aims to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged producers by promoting and supporting fair trade practices. The organization is headquartered in Culemborg, Netherlands.

History

The WFTO was founded in 1989 as the International Federation of Alternative Trade (IFAT). It was created to provide a global network for fair trade organizations and to advocate for fair trade principles. In 2009, the organization rebranded itself as the World Fair Trade Organization to better reflect its mission and global reach.

Mission and Objectives

The WFTO's mission is to enable producers to improve their livelihoods and communities through fair trade. The organization focuses on several key objectives:

• Promoting fair trade principles and practices
• Providing a global network for fair trade organizations
• Advocating for policies that support fair trade
• Ensuring compliance with fair trade standards through a rigorous monitoring system

Membership

The WFTO has over 400 member organizations from around the world, including producer organizations, exporters, importers, and retailers. Members are required to adhere to the WFTO's 10 Principles of Fair Trade, which include:

• Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers
• Transparency and accountability
• Fair trading practices
• Payment of a fair price
• Ensuring no child labor and forced labor
• Commitment to non-discrimination, gender equity, and women's economic empowerment
• Ensuring good working conditions
• Providing capacity building
• Promoting fair trade
• Respect for the environment

WFTO Guarantee System

The WFTO Guarantee System is a unique fair trade verification model that ensures members comply with the WFTO's standards. It includes:

• Self-assessment
• Peer review
• External verification
• Continuous monitoring

This system helps to maintain the integrity and credibility of the fair trade movement.

Events and Campaigns

The WFTO organizes various events and campaigns to promote fair trade, including:

• World Fair Trade Day: Celebrated annually on the second Saturday of May, this event raises awareness about fair trade and its impact on communities.
• International Fair Trade Towns Conference: An event that brings together fair trade advocates from around the world to share best practices and strategies.

Related Pages

• Fair trade
• Fairtrade International
• Ethical consumerism
• Sustainable development
• Social enterprise

See Also

• Fair trade certification
• Alternative trade organization
• Social justice