FINE
FINE is an informal association of four international Fair Trade organizations:
- F - Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International ( FLO)
- I - International Fair Trade Association ( IFAT ) (formerly, is now the World Fair Trade Organization ( WFTO ) )
- N - Network of European World Shops ( NEWS), and
- E - European Fair Trade Association (EFTA )
Self-understanding
Since unity strengthens Fair Trade, Fair Trade actors coordinate their work with each other. They relate and represent outwardly common position, which Fair Trade has the opportunity to develop their capacities and to get a stronger political weight.
Basic requirements for a single occurrence are:
- A common definition of the objectives of Fair Trade
- Common guidelines for the selection of trading partners and the definition of terms of trade
- Means for verifying the practice of fair trade
Definition of Fair Trade
Fair trade is an alternative approach to conventional international trade: A trade partnership for sustainable development for excluded and disadvantaged producers. Means to do so are better trading conditions, awareness raising and campaigns.
Objectives of Fair Trade
The FINE international federations have agreed on 24 March 1999 in Utrecht on common goals of Fair Trade:
Requirements for Fair Trade organizations
Selection of trading partners
Trading partner of Fair Trade are preferred jointly organized small producers in the crafts and in agriculture as well as disadvantaged and oppressed workers in factories and plantations.
Social requirements for trading partner
The requirements for trading partners who are independent small producers are geared to their livelihoods and to their responsible participation.
In contrast, requirements for trading partners aim with dependent employees on compliance and improving employment rights, working conditions and the social, environmental and economic environment.
Fair Trade conditions (price, pre-financing, prompt payment, assistant )
The price paid to enable remuneration that goes beyond the immediate satisfaction of material needs and includes a contribution to securing the future. The total benefits of fair trade must be significantly higher than that of commercial trade.
Long-term trade relations
Long-term trade relations are an important guideline for fair trade and must be enshrined in the Treaty. Long-term nature of the relationship will be guaranteed if the trade expires in conjunction with dialogue, transparency and product and organizational consulting.
Monitoring
The application of the guidelines of Fair Trade have to be transparent and verifiable. The monitoring must take into account the development approach and the approach of the partnership trade relationship. It must be affordable, and the cost may not be the small trading partners burden disproportionately.