October is Fair Trade month. Research suggests that many people are aware of the term "fair trade" however they are often less clear on what "fair trade" actually means. Additionally consumers will often associate fair trade products with agricultural product especially coffee.

Fair trade products however cover many categories outside of agriculture including fair trade jewelry, clothing, paper products, home accessories and more.

Consider supporting all fair trade categories this month and see how everyone wins.

For those who are not familiar with fair trade or would like to
learn more, below is a brief explanation about the principles of fair
trade.

Fair Trade is a trading partnership that seeks equity in
international trade. It is intended to contribute sustainable
development by providing better trading conditions as well as ensuring
the rights of marginalized workers, especially in those in developing
countries.

Fair Trade organizations make an effort to generate awareness in
order to promote change in the rules and practice of conventional
international trade. Fair Trade’s key objectives are to:

- Work with marginalized producers and workers to aid them in achieving self reliance

- Empower producers and workers as stakeholders in their own organizations

- Actively participate in the global marketplace to assist in achieving greater equity in international trade

Hope you will support fair trade and fair trade artisans during the month of October and onward.