The Fair Trade movement is in the middle of much debate and talk about the labeling of Fair Trade certified commodities.

In the midst of these discussions, the small businesses that serve as a link between artisans and farmers in the Global South maintain a clear focus: How do we continue to support the artisan communities we have partnered with in bringing Fair Trade product to our customers.

As the Program Director of the Global Exchange Stores, I joined 162 Fair Trade retailers, wholesalers, and producers in Bellevue, Washington last month at the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) Conference to strengthen our connections, share information and ultimately better our Fair Trade businesses.

The FTF is a trade association that strengthens and promotes North American organizations fully committed to Fair Trade. The association was founded by a group of alternative trade organizations, including Global Exchange, committed to a just and sustainable global economic system in which purchasing and production choices are made with concern for the well being of people and the environment.

To read more about the conference and see photos, please visit our Fair Trade blog.

Be part of strengthening the Fair Trade movement: shop Fair Trade.

Also, find out about last week's activities around World Day Against Child Labor and band together and tell Hershey's to Raise the Bar.

In solidarity,



Jocelyn Boreta
Global Exchange
Fair Trade Program Director