World Fair Trade Organization

The World Fair Trade Organization or WFTO, was created in 1989 and is a global association of 324 organizations in over 70 countries. Members are fair trade producers, cooperatives and associations ; WFTO's mission is to improve the livelihoods and well being of disadvantaged producers by linking and promoting Fair Trade Organizations, and speaking out for greater justice in world trade. WFTO's core fields of activities are: developing the market for fair trade; building trust in fair trade; speaking out for fair trade; providing networking opportunities; empowering the regions. The WFTO operates in five key regions: Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and North America & Pacific Rim. Members in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America have come together to form WFTO regional chapters, they are: Cooperation for Fair Trade in Africa (COFTA) ; WFTO Asia WFTO Europe ; WFTO-LA – Associacion Latino Americana de Commercio Justo (WFTO Latin America). 

The WFTO logo is not a product mark - it is used to brand organisations that are committed to 100% Fair Trade. It sets them apart from commercial as well as other Fair Trade businesses, and provides a clear signal to retailers, partners, governments and donors that their core activity is Fair Trade. 

WFTO prescribes 10 Principles that Fair Trade Organizations must follow in their day-to-day work and carries out monitoring to ensure these principles are upheld:

1. Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
2. Transparency and Accountability
3. Fair Trading Practices
4. Payment of a Fair Price
5. Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labor
6. Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Freedom of Association
7. Ensuring Good Working Conditions
8. Providing Capacity Building
9. Promoting Fair Trade
10. Respect for the Environment