Fair World Project

Do you truly understand the term Fair Trade? How does it differ from Free Trade? Do you understand the certification process? Have you heard of the Fair World Project?

I met Dana Geffner, Executive Director, Fair World Project at the Green Festival, Washington DC, October 23-24 and asked her a few questions. Dana not only graciously answered a few questions that I asked but also gave me a booklet from the Fair World Project, titled: Fair World Project for a Better World, Issues & Challenges in Fair Trade, which not only answered my questions but brought new information and many more questions to me.

The Mission of the Fair World Project is:

Fair World Project (FWP) promotes organic and fair trade practices and transparent third-party certification of producers, manufacturers and products, both here and abroad. Through consumer education and advocacy, FWP supports dedicated fair trade producers and brands and insists on integrity in use of the term "fair trade" in certification, labeling and marketing.

The Fair World Project not only educates consumers but is a watchdog and advocate for family farmers and farmworkers in North America and Europe bringing fair trade criteria home with "Domestic Fair Trade." Consumers may purchase fair trade items with logos that they recognize having certification in a fair trade organization or being recognized as being a member of a fair trade organization. There is a difference.

I did not realize the questions that would arise for me during this meeting or as I read the material I received. I thought I could write a quick article giving readers a better understanding of Fair Trade and assist them in their understanding of the term. I instead discovered that there is so much to learn. Consumers need to be aware of the issues not only facing Europe or third world countries as it relates to fair trade but also here at home in North America.

Please visit the website for the Fair World Project and read more about this issue. Learn the difference in the terms, the labels, the logos, and so much more which will allow you to be a wiser consumer. The next time you decide to purchase a chocolate bar or coffee at your local church bazaar you may be pleasantly surprised to see that the logo on the wrapper indeed indicated Certification as a Fair Trade product.

Fair World Project, at their website:www.fairworldproject.org , offers everyone an opportunity to view discussions through their forum concerning the fair trade movement. Questions may be asked, even tough ones, answers posted and information shared. Consumers may received the benefit of information which allows them to make educated purchasing decisions.