Tuesday questions: A definition for fair trade
Your turn to help me –
So October’s Fair Trade Month, and while prepping some posts ’bout it I’ve been a bit hard pressed to find a one or two-liner that sort of gives a quick explanation of what fair trade is for newbies. I’m looking for a not-too-overwhelming explanation that’ll give people who’ve never heard of fair trade a sense of what it is –
TransFair USA — the US certifier for fair trade products — uses a definition that’s too certification-focused and — long. The newly launched Fair Trade Towns’ definition of fair trade — “Fair Trade is a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade” — seems a bit vague to me. And United Students for Fair Trade doesn’t seem to have a v. clear explanation on its newly revamped site –
Here’s what I’ve got so far. What do you think?
Fair trade’s about making sure trade benefits all involved instead of just the few at the top of the chain. The idea’s to ensure that those at the very bottom of the economic ladder are not exploited, but participate and share in the benefits of trade.
To be followed by:
Of course, both the definition and the practice of fair trade’s much more complicated than this brief explanation; those interested in learning more can start with this more in-depth examination of fair trade.
Would the above be comprehensible to someone completely new to fair trade? Or perhaps you’d like to try writing your own definition — remember, brief and beginner-friendly — in the comments?
And for those who like to argue that there can be no short explanation of fair trade, that all short definitions of fair trade are “false,” and that people who want to find out about fair trade should do hours and hours of research and investigation on their own to understand its nuances, get off your high horse. Wait, I mean — Please try to give everyone an entrypoint to begin their lengthy research and exploration of fair trade….
I think your explanation should avoid the use of the word “trade.”
Fair trade is a… “process?” a “system?” that ensures growers, producers, etc. (??) are not exploited but benefit fairly from the sale of their products.
“Top of the chain” and “bottom of the ladder” are, I think, out of place without further explanation and definition, especially if you are thinking of an audience with little/no exposure to the idea.
Comment by eric — October 2, 2007 @ 10:04 am
How about–
Fair Trade is a socially responsible trading system consisting of parnerships based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade.
Followed by “With Fair Trade”–
*pays a living wage
*forced labor and child labor are not allowed
*buyers and producers trade under direct long-term relationships
*sustainable production techniques are encouraged
*women’s work is properly valued and rewarded
*working conditions are healthy and safe
*equal employment opportunities are provided to all
*all aspects of trade and production are open to public accountability
Comment by yasmine — October 2, 2007 @ 10:55 am
Good points, eric. Not using the word trade seems the hardest though, as neither process nor system seem quite to describe fair trade –
yasmin — The “followed by” part is a bit long, but I really like the greater equity in international trade part –
Comment by Siel — October 2, 2007 @ 11:32 am
Good definition, but what does exploited mean exactly? Too vague to include. And too specific to say fair trade is to allow all to benefit from trade. Everyone benefits already otherwise they wouldn’t participate. Maybe say to increase benefits to those at the bottom of the ladder.
Comment by David K — October 3, 2007 @ 3:13 am