Farmers and farm workers contribute immensely to the survival of the human species by producing food that caters to consumers worldwide. However, these farmers, especially those in less developed countries, aren’t always fairly rewarded for their efforts and products but instead forced to give in to poor working conditions and exploitation. 

To help address this issue, proponents introduced Fair Trade, a concept that aims to safeguard the interests and welfare of farmers and workers by ensuring they receive fair compensation for their labor and farm produce.

The concept of Fair Trade is not well known, especially in less developed countries. This article briefly explains the concept and its working principle and outlines five important benefits of buying fair trade products.  

What is Fair Trade? 

Fairtrade means rewarding the product manufacturer with fair prices for the goods they produce. In terms of farming, fair trade simply means offering farmers and farm workers a fair price for the goods they produce. It’s a global movement that aims to aid farmers and farm workers in less economically developed countries by ensuring they receive proper compensation for their products.

Fairtrade aims to reduce exploitation of farmers and farm workers. It encourages supply chains that favor the original producers. Fair trade-labeled products include sugar, tea, cotton, coffee, and more.

How Does Fair Trade Work? 

In most cases, farmers and farm workers, especially those in less developed countries, earn significantly less than the actual worth of their products when compared to more developed countries. This can lead to buyers’ exploitation and leave those less privileged farmers in poverty; that’s where fair trade comes in. 

The people advocating for the fair trade movement assist farmers in confronting large buyers who purchase their produce. They ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their products. Farmers can even demand a premium from the buyers. They then reinvest this premium back into the fair trade community to provide basic amenities like schools, healthcare, etc.

People in more developed countries drive the fair trade movement as they are likely to buy fairly traded goods. Fair trade products can be slightly more expensive, but many are willing to pay extra to support the movement.

Benefits of Buying Fair Trade Products 

The concept of fair trade is quite old, dating back to the 1950s in several parts of Europe. However, the concept is receiving global attention and is being implemented by countries worldwide. The following are five of the most significant benefits of buying fair trade products: 

1. Supports the “People Behind the Product.

The products we consume daily exist because individuals or groups work hard to acquire the skills needed for their production.Regrettably, many of these producers do not fully enjoy the benefits of their labor. This is often because of poor working conditions and unfavorable premiums. 

To remedy these ills, fair trade organizations have spawned in multiple parts of the globe to cater to the needs of the “people behind the product.” They negotiate with big buyers and companies, ensuring favorable premiums are offered and improving the producers’ working conditions. 

2. Reduces Exploitation of Farmers & Farm Workers 

The higher-ups typically impose some form of exploitation on farmers in less developed areas of the world. Farmers may find themselves compelled to work under extremely harsh terms and conditions, receiving unfairly low rewards, or having their products priced well below an acceptable range.

Fair trade organizations protect less privileged individuals. They ensure humane working conditions and appropriate product pricing according to market rates.

3. Environmental Sustainability 

In underdeveloped regions, farmers often use unsustainable practices that harm the ecosystem and global environment. Fair trade organizations promote sustainable practices, including composting, crop rotation, and more.

4. Creates Sustainable Livelihood 

One of the primary objectives is to create opportunities for the “people behind the product.” Fair trade organizations help create jobs that pay fairly and are under favorable working conditions. 

With fair trade in place, disadvantaged farmers or producers can cater to the welfare of their families without having to work under inhumane conditions. This can also contribute to women’s empowerment, education of disadvantaged children, and a steady food supply.  

5. Know and Trust Where your Products are Made 

If you habitually buy goods from those who support the less privileged around the world, choosing fair trade products creates a win-win situation. You support a good cause while also ensuring that your purchase directly benefits disadvantaged farmers. 

Fairtrade products have specific tags that assist you in identifying the locale where manufacturers produced your products. The tags help build trust in customers interested in pushing the fair trade movement and guarantee that a good portion of their investment will go directly to the original product creators.  

Conclusion 

The concept of fair trade has so much potential and limitless benefits that go beyond just personal consumption but rather go as far as contributing to the welfare of producers around the globe and the planet’s safety.  

You’re directly contributing to building a more just, sustainable, and equitable world by purchasing fair trade products.