Fairtrade advocates for policies that make trade fair
To truly change global trade, farmers and workers must be at the heart of policy-making around the world. Through Fairtrade advocacy, they make their voices heard and can influence public policies.
Fairtrade plays an important role in making supply chains fairer. But certification alone cannot address the power imbalances of today’s market system. This is why we're pushing for long-term political change towards
- Fairer and more sustainable trade practices
- Production systems that are characterised by agroecological practices
- Sustainable livelihoods
- Fair prices
- Responsible business practices
- Climate resilience
And who knows best how to address issues that affect those who produce food, clothes and other commodities? Farmers and workers! Which is why Fairtrade advocacy is shaped by their diverse views and needs. Each of the three Fairtrade producer networks have regional advocacy strategies and aim to influence relevant national legislation, delegations of Fairtrade farmers and workers regularly make their voices heard at high level events, and young Fairtrade farmers receive training to build their skills as leaders and advocates.
And since we're stronger together, we do our advocacy work in partnership with other organisations: For instance, we’re a member of the Climate Action Network, and the Farmers’ Constituency. We lobby together with other voluntary sustainability systems and are a member of ISEAL. Most of our EU advocacy work is done in collaboration with the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) in Brussels.
Here's what we do in practice:
- Monitor and influence policy and legislative processes in the EU and worldwide.
- Partner with UN bodies and participate in relevant global events
- Engage with policy-makers.
- Build alliances with civil society organisations and other partners, and take part in multi-stakeholders initiatives.
What we want: Fairtrade’s advocacy goals
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Inclusive, participatory, and social policies that benefit smallholder farmers and workers in countries where we operate
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Policy reforms that protect human and environmental rights in global supply chains
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Stopping unfair trading practices
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Fair prices that cover the costs of sustainable production and make living incomes and living wages possible
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Reducing barriers to access finance
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An enabling environment for Fair Trade