Fair Trade Cotton

Fair Trade is a growing, international movement which ensures that producers in poor countries get a fair deal. This means a fair price for their goods (one that covers the cost of production and guarantees a living income), long-term contracts which provide real security; and for many, support to gain the knowledge and skills that they need to develop their businesses and increase sales.

Fair Trade Labelling
Fair Trade Labelling was created in the Netherlands in the late 1980s. Max Havelaar launched the first Fairtrade consumer guarantee label in 1986 on coffee sourced from Mexico.

Today, there are now 19 organisations including the Fairtrade Foundation, that run the international standard setting and monitoring body Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO).

Producers registered with FLO receive a minimum price that covers the cost of production and an extra premium that is invested in the local community.

This international body incorporates various stakeholders including elected producer and commercial representatives. It sets standards and ensures the international regular auditing of producer and commercial partners.

Members of the FLO Board include four producer representatives selected at the bi-annual forum, two commercial partners and six national Fairtrade Initiative representatives. The marketing and promotion of Fairtrade products remain the responsibility of the individual national initiatives.