Fair trade: definition for children

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In 1964 the Fair Trade system was created. This system tried to help the poorest countries in a different way than the one it had been using. They are not given money, they are not brought products to use, a trade is promoted with them so that they can sell the products they produce at a fair price, with which they can develop their own wealth.

In 1967 the first fair trade store was opened in Holland, where artisan products, coffee or cocoa were sold. They were very successful and quickly spread throughout the world. Fair trade has become a way in which the population of the richest countries can improve the lives of the most disadvantaged, creating a relationship of trust and justice, respecting human values and the environment. In the following Green Ecologist article we will give you the definition of fair trade for kids, as well as the main characteristics and objectives.

Definition of fair trade

Fair trade is a type of trade characterized by the respect and dialogue between the producer, the intermediary and the buyer. In addition, another objective of fair trade is to fight poverty in the areas where it operates, respect the environment and respect the dignity and rights of workers.

Unlike traditional trade, fair trade ensures that producers receive the necessary money, not only so that they can cover expenses, but also so that they can improve the living conditions of the entire community, especially those most disadvantaged.

Do you want to learn more about fair trade? In the following sections we will talk about its characteristics and objectives.

Fair trade characteristics

The fair trade is characterized for three aspects:

• Commercialization: As the word says, it is about trade, that is, there is a person or group of people who sell a product and another person who buys it.
• Sensitization: sensitizing means making someone realize the importance or value of something. Fair trade makes us realize how unfair trade is many times, it also makes us think about what life is like for people in countries with few resources.
• Complaint: It is similar to the above, but in this case it is about many people realizing the situation in which these producers find themselves so that together we can change things and make them live better, more dignified and just.
  

Fair trade principles

Here we explain the 10 principles of fair trade:

1. Create opportunities: fair trade is a way for those producers who are in marginalized areas or who are disadvantaged with normal trade to have a way to grow and generate income. In other words, fight against poverty.
2. Transparent- Fair Trade is honest and transparent, which means that it treats all partners respectfully and without deception.
3. Development aid: It is not only about buying the product, but also helping the producer to improve his skills and teaching him new techniques.
4. Awareness: try to educate people and explain all the good things that fair trade brings us.
5. Price: the price that is paid is agreed between the two parties, so that the products can have more benefits.
6. Gender equality: men are paid the same as women.
7. Labor exploitation: worries that those who work do so in decent conditions.
8. Child labor: fair trade prevents children from being exploited during the manufacture of products.
9. Environment: fair trade also tries to be responsible with the environment.
10. Trust: the commercial relationship is based on respect, trust and solidarity between the producers and the merchant.

Fair trade: examples

The main objective of fair trade is that more and more groups of indigenous producers in developing countries can be formed who, by selling their products, can continue working and improving their community. Many of these groups have become cooperatives fighting for human rights.

An example of fair trade is the Organization of coffee producers, carried out by the indigenous movement of Cauca, in Colombia. This organization, which since 1995 has been classified as fair trade, defends the producers of the area against the large coffee multinationals that operate in the area.

Disadvantages of fair trade

It is important to know that these disadvantages do not have to do with fair trade but with the fact that this trade is not as popular as traditional trade. As more and more people join this movement, the smaller the disadvantages that we discuss. Still, compared to traditional commerce, the disadvantages of fair trade are:

• The prices are higher: something that is understood because the producers receive what is fair for the product they sell.
• There are few products: it is basically limited to some crops such as cocoa, coffee and handicrafts.
• Difficulty: as there are few establishments, depending on which areas it can be difficult to find fair trade products. On the other hand, the Internet has greatly facilitated your purchase and it must be the future.
• Little publicity: what makes many people not aware of the existence of this type of trade.

If you want to read more articles similar to Fair trade: definition for childrenWe recommend that you enter our category of Projects, associations and NGOs.