natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Fair Trade contributes to the European Union’s commitments as laid down in Article 177 of the EC Treaty, which states that the EU’s development policy will foster “the sustainable economic and social development of developing countries, and more particularly the most disadvantaged among them, - the smooth and gradual integration of the developing countries into the world economy, - the campaign against poverty in the developing countries.”
Fair Trade contributes to the European Union’s commitments as laid down in Article 177 of the EC Treaty, which states that the EU’s development policy will foster “the sustainable economic and social development of developing countries, and more particularly the most disadvantaged among them, - the smooth and gradual integration of the developing countries into the world economy, - the campaign against poverty in the developing countries.”
Fair Trade has been repeatedly recognized by European Institutions as a key tool for sustainable development and poverty reduction
Fair Trade has been repeatedly recognized by European Institutions as a key tool for sustainable development and poverty reduction
See: - the European Parliament Resolution on Fair Trade, OJ C 226/73, 20.07.1998;
See: - the European Parliament Resolution on Fair Trade, OJ C 226/73, 20.07.1998;
- the Communication from the Commission to the Council on “ Fair Trade ”, COM(1999) 619 final, 29.11.1999
- the Communication from the Commission to the Council on “ Fair Trade ”, COM(1999) 619 final, 29.11.1999
- the Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee on “ Policy Coherence for Development – Accelerating progress towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals ”, COM(2005) 134 final, 12.04.2005
- the Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee on “ Policy Coherence for Development – Accelerating progress towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals ”, COM(2005) 134 final, 12.04.2005
- Speech Pascal Lamy, EU Trade Commissioner 23 March 2004
- Speech Pascal Lamy, EU Trade Commissioner 23 March 2004
- Speech “ The Fair Trade Agenda” Peter Mandelson, 22 June 2005 .
- Speech “ The Fair Trade Agenda” Peter Mandelson, 22 June 2005 .
A European policy framework and support for Fair Trade are excellent tools to fulfil these commitments and to reach the Millennium Development Goals.
A European policy framework and support for Fair Trade are excellent tools to fulfil these commitments and to reach the Millennium Development Goals.
1 .2 Because the European Union has entered into legal commitments
1.2 Because the European Union has entered into legal commitments
By signing the Cotonou Agreement in 2000, the European Union committed to support Fair Trade.
By signing the Cotonou Agreement in 2000, the European Union committed to support Fair Trade.
However, current support to Fair Trade and Fair Trade Organisations is limited and fragmented.
However, current support to Fair Trade and Fair Trade Organisations is limited and fragmented.
1 .3 Because Fair Trade has a huge potential to grow
1.3 Because Fair Trade has a huge potential to grow
Recent research shows that Fair Trade sales in Europe have been growing at an average 20% per year since 2000.
Recent research shows that Fair Trade sales in Europe have been growing at an average 20% per year since 2000.
European consumers are increasingly interested in purchasing products that were produced and traded under fair conditions.
European consumers are increasingly interested in purchasing products that were produced and traded under fair conditions.
However, this demand varies widely among EU Member States.
However, this demand varies widely among EU Member States.
Overall sales of Fair Trade in Europe have arrived at 660 million euros in 2005.
Overall sales of Fair Trade in Europe have arrived at 660 million euros in 2005.
Typical Fair Trade products reach now considerable market shares in some countries: 20% of ground coffee in the United Kingdom and about 2% of all coffee sales in Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Belgium and Germany carry the Fair trade label.
Typical Fair Trade products reach now considerable market shares in some countries: 20% of ground coffee in the United Kingdom and about 2% of all coffee sales in Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Belgium and Germany carry the Fair trade label.
Fair Trade bananas reach market shares of up to 5.5% in Austria, Belgium, Finland and the United Kingdom.
Fair Trade bananas reach market shares of up to 5.5% in Austria, Belgium, Finland and the United Kingdom.
However, in some EU Member States like Greece, Hungary, the Baltic States and Slovenia, Fair Trade is hardly known.
However, in some EU Member States like Greece, Hungary, the Baltic States and Slovenia, Fair Trade is hardly known.
With a coherent EU-wide policy framework and sufficient support to Fair Trade and Fair Trade Organisations, consumer awareness and demand for Fair Trade could be boosted, particularly in those countries where it is not yet well established.
With a coherent EU-wide policy framework and sufficient support to Fair Trade and Fair Trade Organisations, consumer awareness and demand for Fair Trade could be boosted, particularly in those countries where it is not yet well established.
1 .4 Because national Fair Trade legislation could hinder the free movement of Fair Trade goods within the European Union
1.4 Because national Fair Trade legislation could hinder the free movement of Fair Trade goods within the European Union
In some European Member States, related legislation is currently being developed.
In some European Member States, related legislation is currently being developed.
A European framework, sketched out in a recommendation, could be helpful to avoid that legislation differs between Member States und thus hinders the free movement of goods within the European Union.
A European framework, sketched out in a recommendation, could be helpful to avoid that legislation differs between Member States und thus hinders the free movement of goods within the European Union.
1 .5 Because European consumers need to be protected against misleading Fair Trade claims
1.5 Because European consumers need to be protected against misleading Fair Trade claims
The Fair Trade system is based on voluntary standards for labelled and non-labelled products and organisations.
The Fair Trade system is based on voluntary standards for labelled and non-labelled products and organisations.
These standards have been developed over the last five decades by the international Fair Trade movement.
These standards have been developed over the last five decades by the international Fair Trade movement.
They are constantly being reviewed and assessed in cooperation with the producers who are at the heart of the Fair Trade system.
They are constantly being reviewed and assessed in cooperation with the producers who are at the heart of the Fair Trade system.
Fair Trade Organisations are responsible for fulfilling these standards and the related criteria.
Fair Trade Organisations are responsible for fulfilling these standards and the related criteria.
The compliance with the standards is regularly monitored and assessed.
The compliance with the standards is regularly monitored and assessed.
Fair Trade Organisations actively work with other companies such as retailers and other commercial partners.
Fair Trade Organisations actively work with other companies such as retailers and other commercial partners.
In view of the success of Fair Trade and the lack of legal protection, there is a risk that the concept may be abused by companies that enter the market without complying with the related criteria.
In view of the success of Fair Trade and the lack of legal protection, there is a risk that the concept may be abused by companies that enter the market without complying with the related criteria.
Consumer rights and appropriate product information are at the heart of Fair Trade and low-criteria labels might mislead consumers and reduce their support to the system.
Consumer rights and appropriate product information are at the heart of Fair Trade and low-criteria labels might mislead consumers and reduce their support to the system.
A European policy framework for Fair Trade could help to clarify the use of the term “Fair Trade” and to serve as a reference for national policies on Fair Trade and Fair Trade Organisations.
A European policy framework for Fair Trade could help to clarify the use of the term “Fair Trade” and to serve as a reference for national policies on Fair Trade and Fair Trade Organisations.
The existing routes of commercialisation of Fair Trade products
The existing routes of commercialisation of Fair Trade products
Fair Trade products are commercialised under two different routes.
Fair Trade products are commercialised under two different routes.
The traditional or integrated route is the route where products (mainly crafts) are produced, imported and/or distributed by a Fair Trade Organisation.
The traditional or integrated route is the route where products (mainly crafts) are produced, imported and/or distributed by a Fair Trade Organisation.
Another marketing route is through Fair Trade labelling initiatives and certification.
Another marketing route is through Fair Trade labelling initiatives and certification.
In this case, goods are labelled by specialised Fair Trade certification agencies to testify that their production chains respect Fair Trade standards.
In this case, goods are labelled by specialised Fair Trade certification agencies to testify that their production chains respect Fair Trade standards.
The importers and traders can be traditional commercial companies, and the distribution channels can be regular retail outlets.
The importers and traders can be traditional commercial companies, and the distribution channels can be regular retail outlets.
The integrated route
The integrated route
Fair Trade products are made available to consumers through Fair Trade Organisations which identify and source products directly from small producers and co-operatives, and import and market them in specialised outlets such as Worldshops.
Fair Trade products are made available to consumers through Fair Trade Organisations which identify and source products directly from small producers and co-operatives, and import and market them in specialised outlets such as Worldshops.
All aspects of their commercial operations are based on a Fair Trade ethos, and as much of the final price as possible is passed back to the producers.
All aspects of their commercial operations are based on a Fair Trade ethos, and as much of the final price as possible is passed back to the producers.
In many cases profits generated are devoted to development causes.
In many cases profits generated are devoted to development causes.
The majority of products marketed through Worldshops are not labelled as such; the purchase is done on the basis of confidence.
The majority of products marketed through Worldshops are not labelled as such; the purchase is done on the basis of confidence.
The “brand names” or Fair Trade Mark of these organisations are in themselves a signal to consumers that the products and business practices are in accordance with Fair Trade principles.
The “brand names” or Fair Trade Mark of these organisations are in themselves a signal to consumers that the products and business practices are in accordance with Fair Trade principles.
Most of the Fair Trade Organisations and producer organisations are members of the International Fair Trade Association, IFAT .
Most of the Fair Trade Organisations and producer organisations are members of the International Fair Trade Association, IFAT .
The use of a Fair Trade Organisation (FTO) Mark is granted to a Fair Trade Organisation which has successfully met the requirements of the IFAT Standards and Monitoring system.
The use of a Fair Trade Organisation (FTO) Mark is granted to a Fair Trade Organisation which has successfully met the requirements of the IFAT Standards and Monitoring system.
The Fair Trade labelling route
The Fair Trade labelling route
Under this route, national labelling initiatives monitor the compliance with Fair Trade standards by producers or traders against a set of internationally harmonized standards.
Under this route, national labelling initiatives monitor the compliance with Fair Trade standards by producers or traders against a set of internationally harmonized standards.
These organisations are all members of FLO (Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International), the Fair Trade standard-setting and certification organisation.
These organisations are all members of FLO (Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International), the Fair Trade standard-setting and certification organisation.
The International Fairtrade Standards are developed and regularly reviewed and monitored independently.
The International Fairtrade Standards are developed and regularly reviewed and monitored independently.
The Fair Trade movement is organized in four international associations:
The Fair Trade movement is organized in four international associations:
The International Fair Trade Association ( IFAT ) is the global network of Fair Trade Organizations, with 270 members in 61 countries.
The International Fair Trade Association ( IFAT ) is the global network of Fair Trade Organizations, with 270 members in 61 countries.
The members are producers, exporters, importers and retailers who all believe that trade should improve the lives of marginalized people without harming the planet.
The members are producers, exporters, importers and retailers who all believe that trade should improve the lives of marginalized people without harming the planet.
FLO , Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, is the world-wide Fairtrade standard setting and certification body.
FLO , Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, is the world-wide Fairtrade standard setting and certification body.
FLO comprises two organizations, the multi-stakeholder FLO e.V. which develops and reviews standards, and FLO Certification Ltd which ensures that those standards are met.
FLO comprises two organizations, the multi-stakeholder FLO e.V. which develops and reviews standards, and FLO Certification Ltd which ensures that those standards are met.
FLO also provides the umbrella association for twenty national Labelling initiatives across 15 European countries, Japan, the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.
FLO also provides the umbrella association for twenty national Labelling initiatives across 15 European countries, Japan, the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.
EFTA , the European Fair Trade Association, belongs to the international association along with its eleven members in nine European countries, all major Fair trade importers.
EFTA , the European Fair Trade Association, belongs to the international association along with its eleven members in nine European countries, all major Fair trade importers.
The aim of EFTA is to support its member organizations in their work and to encourage them to cooperate and coordinate.
The aim of EFTA is to support its member organizations in their work and to encourage them to cooperate and coordinate.
The Network of European World Shops is also a member of the international association.
The Network of European World Shops is also a member of the international association.
NEWS ! is the umbrella network of 15 national Worldshop associations in 13 countries in Europe.
NEWS ! is the umbrella network of 15 national Worldshop associations in 13 countries in Europe.
Between them they have a membership of 2500 Worldshops, run by more than 100,000 volunteers and more than hundred staff, selling fairly traded products and campaigning for a fairer world trade system.
Between them they have a membership of 2500 Worldshops, run by more than 100,000 volunteers and more than hundred staff, selling fairly traded products and campaigning for a fairer world trade system.
In December 2001, these four networks have developed a joint definition of Fair Trade:
In December 2001, these four networks have developed a joint definition of Fair Trade:
Fair Trade definition
Fair Trade definition
Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade.
Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade.
It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.
It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.
Fair Trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of international trade.
Fair Trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of international trade.
The impact of Fair Trade
The impact of Fair Trade
The impact of Fair Trade has been studied in many different ways, e.g. by measuring the economic and financial benefits to the producers, by assessing the impact on women, by studying the indirect impact and spill-over effects on the communities, etc.
The impact of Fair Trade has been studied in many different ways, e.g. by measuring the economic and financial benefits to the producers, by assessing the impact on women, by studying the indirect impact and spill-over effects on the communities, etc.
Fair Trade Organisations monitor the impact of their activities regularly: IFAT requires all its member organisations to report their achievements in relation to Fair Trade standards every two years, and sets targets for further improvements.
Fair Trade Organisations monitor the impact of their activities regularly: IFAT requires all its member organisations to report their achievements in relation to Fair Trade standards every two years, and sets targets for further improvements.
FLO carries out annual inspections of producers on its registers and audits trade flows.
FLO carries out annual inspections of producers on its registers and audits trade flows.
Additionally, there is a series of independent impact studies, carried out by research centres, government bodies and universities.
Additionally, there is a series of independent impact studies, carried out by research centres, government bodies and universities.
The financial and economic benefits of Fair Trade can be measured relatively easily: In 2003, the extra benefits for coffee farmers, for instance, taking the World market price as defined for Arabica by the NY and for Robusta by the London stock exchange, compared with the Fair trade minimum price and premium, amounted to over 23 million euros.
The financial and economic benefits of Fair Trade can be measured relatively easily: In 2003, the extra benefits for coffee farmers, for instance, taking the World market price as defined for Arabica by the NY and for Robusta by the London stock exchange, compared with the Fair trade minimum price and premium, amounted to over 23 million euros.
However, research has shown that the impact is even more significant in non-economic areas, such as the empowerment of producers through capacity building and technical assistance, income security, direct trade and credit provision, etc.
However, research has shown that the impact is even more significant in non-economic areas, such as the empowerment of producers through capacity building and technical assistance, income security, direct trade and credit provision, etc.
Many studies found also an improved level of education, the preservation of indigenous cultures and other social benefits.
Many studies found also an improved level of education, the preservation of indigenous cultures and other social benefits.
Apart from these direct impacts there is a wide range of spill-over effects and indirect impacts to non-Fair Trade producers.
Apart from these direct impacts there is a wide range of spill-over effects and indirect impacts to non-Fair Trade producers.
The presence of Fair Trade intermediaries can bring changes in weighing practices and price information which ultimately benefits all producers in the area.
The presence of Fair Trade intermediaries can bring changes in weighing practices and price information which ultimately benefits all producers in the area.
The organisation of producers helps to break monopolies on prices and transportation.
The organisation of producers helps to break monopolies on prices and transportation.
Institutions that carried out Fair Trade impact assessments are DFID (Department for International Development, UK), the Colorado State University, the Sussex University, the World Bank, the International Institute for Environment and Development, etc..
Institutions that carried out Fair Trade impact assessments are DFID (Department for International Development, UK), the Colorado State University, the Sussex University, the World Bank, the International Institute for Environment and Development, etc..
Information on the impact of Fair Trade can be found in Nicholls and Opal: Fair Trade.
Information on the impact of Fair Trade can be found in Nicholls and Opal: Fair Trade.
Market-driven Ethical Consumption, SAGE publications, 2005, on
Market-driven Ethical Consumption, SAGE publications, 2005, on
www.fairtrade.net and on www. fairtraderesource.org
www.fairtrade.net and on www. fairtraderesource.org
FIFTY YEARS OF FAIR TRADE
FIFTY YEARS OF FAIR TRADE
A brief history of the FAIR TRADE movement
A brief history of the FAIR TRADE movement
The Fair Trade movement today is a global movement.
The Fair Trade movement today is a global movement.
Over a million small-scale producers and workers are organized in as many as 3,000 grassroots organisations and their umbrella structures in over 50 countries in the South.
Over a million small-scale producers and workers are organized in as many as 3,000 grassroots organisations and their umbrella structures in over 50 countries in the South.
Their products are sold in thousands of specialised shops, so-called Worldshops, supermarkets and many other sales points in the North and, increasingly, in sales outlets in developing countries.
Their products are sold in thousands of specialised shops, so-called Worldshops, supermarkets and many other sales points in the North and, increasingly, in sales outlets in developing countries.
The sale of products always went alongside with information on the production, producers and their conditions of living.
The sale of products always went alongside with information on the production, producers and their conditions of living.
Thus, the Fair Trade movement has played a pioneering role in raising the awareness of European consumers about the social, economic and environmental conditions of production in developing countries.
Thus, the Fair Trade movement has played a pioneering role in raising the awareness of European consumers about the social, economic and environmental conditions of production in developing countries.
Where did it all begin?
Where did it all begin?
The earliest traces of Fair Trade in Europe date from the late 1950s when Oxfam UK started to sell crafts made by Chinese refugees in Oxfam shops.
The earliest traces of Fair Trade in Europe date from the late 1950s when Oxfam UK started to sell crafts made by Chinese refugees in Oxfam shops.
In 1967, the first importing organisation was established in the Netherlands, followed by the opening of the first “Third World Shop” in 1969.
In 1967, the first importing organisation was established in the Netherlands, followed by the opening of the first “Third World Shop” in 1969.