| The International Fair Trade Association - IFAT is the global network of Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs) that advocates for Fair Trade, ensuring producer voices are heard. IFAT currently has over 300 members in 70 countries from all over the Word, and the membership is growing steadily. Approximately 65% of the members are based in the South (that is: Asia, Middle East, Africa and South America) with the rest coming from North America, Pacific Rim and Europe.
IFAT’s mission is to enable producers to improve their livelihoods and communities through Fair Trade, and its work is centered around three areas: Market Development (developing the market for Fair Trade), Fair Trade Monitoring (building trust in Fair Trade) and Advocacy (speaking out for Fair Trade). The network works to communicate regularly with members, collecting and disseminating relevant information and circulating an electronic up-date to all members twice a month. IFAT also hosts a catalogue of its members' web-based product catalogues created using the CatGen software developed by PeopLink - USA. IFAT members, once registered as Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs) are allowed to use the Fair Trade Organization Mark. The FTO Mark symbolizes that the member has fulfilled the requirements of IFAT Standards and Monitoring system and are registered in the International FTO register. The FTO mark shows that standards are being implemented regarding working conditions, wages, child labor and the environment. These standards are verified by self-assessment, mutual reviews and external verification. The FTO Mark demonstrates that an organization's trading activity is committed to continuing improvement.
The IFAT Fair Trade Organization Mark gives FTOs definable recognition amongst consumers, existing and new business partners, governments and donors who would like to support Fair Trade activities - providing wider market opportunities for producers. It is a means of identification and sets organizations apart from other commercial businesses, making it know that the organization has at its core, the mission and vision of Fair Trade.
Lastly the FTO Mark shows that an organization belongs to the global network of Fair Trade Organizations and serves as a common voice for solidarity amongst all Fair Trade Organizations both in the North and South.
For more information, visit: www.ifat.org
CONTACTS:
International Fair Trade Association - IFAT
Prijssestraat 24
4101 CR Culemborg, NETHERLANDS
Email: info@ifat.org
IFAT Regional Networks
IFAT membership covers five regions: Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and North America & Pacific Rim. As part of its effort to meet the individual needs, of members in the different parts of the world, the IFAT Regions have established Regional Networks that serve the IFAT members in the specific regions.
The Regional Networks include: the Cooperation for Fair Trade in Africa (COFTA) which works in the African continent. The newest networks to be established include: IFAT - Europe and the CAJUN Region that serves members in Canada, Australia, Japan, the United States and New Zealand.
Asia Fair Trade Forum - AFTF
Asociation de Commercio Justo Latino Americana - IFAT - LA |
