WFTO

WFTOThe World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) is the global network of Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs) that advocates for Fair Trade, ensuring producer voices are heard. WFTO currently has over 300 members in 70 countries from all over the Word, and the membership is growing steadily. Approximately 65% of the members are based in the South (that is: Asia, Middle East, Africa and South America) with the rest coming from North America, Pacific Rim and Europe.

World Fair Trade Organization is a global community of pioneering and passionate change-makers, responsible for the development of the sustainable Fair Trade economy, for the good of us all. WFTO’s mission is to enable producers to improve their livelihoods and communities through Fair Trade, and its work is centered around three areas:

  • Market Development: developing the market for Fair Trade.
  • Fair Trade Monitoring: building trust in Fair Trade.
  • Advocacy: speaking out for Fair Trade.

WFTO members, once registered as Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs) are allowed to use the Fair Trade Organization Mark. The FTO Mark symbolizes that the member has fulfilled the requirements of WFTO Principles and Monitoring system and are registered in the International FTO office. FTO Mark demonstrates that an organization’s trading activity is committed to continuing improvement.

Among these 10 Principles are important issues like creating opportunities for the economically disadvantaged, the payment of fair wages (living wages), promoting gender equity, transparency in business practices, promoting Fair Trade, dedication to healthy working conditions and a commitment to the highest levels of environmental practice. These standards are verified by self-assessment, mutual reviews and external verification.

WFTO members are organizations differentiated by their 100% Fair Trade commitment to eradicate poverty through sustainable economic development; pioneering social and environmental policy and practice and continual reinvestment in marginalised artisans, farmers and producer communities in some of the most fragile places on earth.