We are particularly featuring the Fairtrade Foundation this week as they were pioneers in the world of fair trade and the founders of Fairtrade Fortnight. However, many other accreditation schemes exist, one of the largest of which is the World Fair Trade Organisation
The World Fair Trade Organisation is a global association of 401 organisations that are committed to improving the livelihoods of economically marginalized producers. WFTO has members in 76 countries. Members are primarily fair trade enterprises, whose business model is verified by independent audit and peers.
The WFTO focuses on both social enterprise and Fair Trade. Its Guarantee System is the only international verification model focused on social enterprises that put the interests of workers, farmers and artisans first. Through peer-reviews and independent audits, WFTO verifies members are mission-led enterprises fully practicing the 10 Principles of Fair Trade across their business and supply chains. Once verified, all members have free use of the WFTO Guaranteed Fair Trade product label.
This scheme works very differently from the Fairtrade Foundation in that it is member led and, once an organisation has been admitted as a member, all their products can carry the WFTO mark – there is not a separate accreditation needed for each product.
To find out more, go to https://wfto.com/