An alternative trading organization (ATO) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) explicitly committed to realigning exploitative global trading structures, particularly those involving partners in developing countries. ATOs typically work with disadvantaged artisans and farmers in developing countries to build their businesses and market their products (mostly handicrafts and agricultural goods) directly to consumers in Northern markets. A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a non-profit group or association that acts outside of institutionalized political structures and pursues matters of interest to its members by lobbying, persuasion, or direct action. ... Handicraft, also known as craftwork or simply craft, is a type of work where useful and decorative devices are made completely by hand or using only simple tools. ...

The historically largest and most influential ATOs include Cafédirect, Traidcraft, Oxfam Trading and the Day Chocolate Company in the UK, Equal Exchange and Ten Thousand Villages in the United States, Ctm altromercato in Italy, Alter Eco in France and Gepa3 Fair Handelshaus in Germany. Cafédirect is a UK-based alternative trading organization. ... Traidcraft is a the UKs leading fair trade organisation dedicated to fighting poverty through trade. ... Oxfam International is a confederation of 12 independent, non-profit, secular, community-based aid and development organizations who work with local partners in over 100 countries worldwide to reduce poverty, suffering, and injustice. ... The Day Chocolate Company is a manufacturer of Fairtrade chocolate products in the United Kingdom. ... Equal Exchange is a for-profit Fairtrade company located in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts that distributes organic, gourmet coffee, tea, sugar, cocoa, and chocolate bars produced by farmer cooperatives in Latin America, Africa and Asia. ... Ten Thousand Villages is a program of Mennonite Central Committee started in 1946 that pioneered the concept of fair trade by buying crafts directly from artisans in the developing world and paying a living wage. ... Ctm altromercato is Italys largest alternative trading organization. ... Alter Eco is a French alternative trading organization, created in 1998, specialized in the import and the distribution of Fairtrade products. ... The gepa3 Fair Handelshaus is Europes largest alternative trading organization. ...

ATOs are often, but not always, based in political and religious groups, though their secular purpose precludes sectarian identification and evangelical activity. Philosophically, the grassroots political-action agenda of these organizations associates them with progressive political causes active since the 1960s: foremost, a belief in collective action and commitment to moral principles based on social, economic and trade justice. The 1960s decade refers to the years from 1960 to 1969, inclusive. ... Trade justice is a movement of Non-Governmental and Private Voluntary organisations that lobby for certain standards in trade that include; the adherence to human rights, the universal right to economic growth and the balance of trade and justice. ...

Principles and Practices

A range of different Traidcraft products on display at The Rendezvous Society in Cheltenham, England.

Alternative Trading Organizations generally support the following Fair Trade principles and practices in trading relationships:^[1] Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (819x614, 228 KB) Photo of Traidcraft products on display at The Rendezvous Society in Cheltenham. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (819x614, 228 KB) Photo of Traidcraft products on display at The Rendezvous Society in Cheltenham. ... Traidcraft is a the UKs leading fair trade organisation dedicated to fighting poverty through trade. ... The Rendezvous Society is a non-profit British charity organisation (UK Registered charity 293357). ... Cheltenham (or Cheltenham Spa) is a spa town and borough in Gloucestershire, England, near Gloucester and Cirencester. ... Motto: (French for God and my right) Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital London Largest city London Official language(s) English (de facto) Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP Unification    - by Athelstan AD 927  Area    - Total 130,395 km² (1st in UK)   50,346 sq...

Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers

Fair trade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Its purpose is to create opportunities for producers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalized by the conventional trading system.

Transparency and accountability

Fair trade involves transparent management and commercial relations to deal fairly and respectfully with trading partners.

Capacity building

Fair trade is a means to develop producers’ independence. Fairtrade relationships provide continuity, during which producers and their marketing organizations can improve their management skills and their access to new markets.

Payment of a fair price

A fair price in the regional or local context is one that has been agreed through dialogue and participation. It covers not only the costs of production but enables production which is socially just and environmentally sound. It provides fair pay to the producers and takes into account the principle of equal pay for equal work by women and men. Fairtraders ensure prompt payment to their partners and, whenever possible, help producers with access to pre-harvest or pre-production financing.

Gender equity

Fair trade means that women’s work is properly valued and rewarded. Women are never paid for their contribution to the production process and are empowered in their organizations.

Working conditions

Fair trade means a safe and healthy working environment for producers. The participation of children (if any) does not adversely affect their well-being, security, educational requirements and need for play and conforms to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as the law and norms in the local context.

Environment

Fair trade actively encourages better environmental practices and the application of responsible methods of production.

A boy from an East Cipinang trash dump slum in Jakarta, Indonesia shows his find. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Sustainability. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Gender egalitarianism. ... The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international convention setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children. ...

See also

• Fairtrade labelling

International Fairtrade Certification Mark Fairtrade labelling (usually simply Fairtrade or Fair Trade Certified in the United States) is a product certification system designed to allow consumers to identify products (especially agricultural products such as coffee) which meet agreed standards. ...

References