Principle One: Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers

Poverty reduction through trade forms a key part of the aims of Ten Thousand Villages Brandon. We support marginalized small producers, whether these are independent family businesses, or grouped in associations or co-operatives.

 

Principle Two: Transparency and Accountability

Ten Thousand Villages Brandon is transparent in its management and commercial relations. It is accountable to all its stakeholders and respects the sensitivity and confidentiality of commercial information supplied. Ten Thousand Villages Brandon finds appropriate, participatory ways to involve employees, members, and producers in its decision-making processes.

 

Principle Three: Fair Trading Practices

Ten Thousand Villages Brandon trades with concern for the social, economic and environmental well-being of marginalized small producers and does not maximize profit at their expense. Fair Trade recognizes, promotes, and protects the cultural identity and traditional skills of small producers as reflected in their craft designs, food products and other related services.

 

Principle Four: Fair Payment

A fair payment is one that has been mutually negotiated and agreed to by all through on-going dialogue and participation, which provides fair pay to the producers and can also be sustained by the market, taking into account the principle of equal pay for equal work by women and men.

 

Principle Five: Ensuring No Child Labor and Forced Labor

Ten Thousand Villages Brandon adheres to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and national / local law on the employment of children. The organization ensures that there is no forced labor in its workforce and / or members or homeworkers.

 

Principle Six: Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Women’s Economic Empowerment and Freedom of Association

The organization does not discriminate in hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, HIV/Aids status or age.

 

Principle Seven: Ensuring Good Working Conditions

The organization provides a safe and healthy working environment for employees and / or members. It complies, at a minimum, with national and local laws and ILO conventions on health and safety.

 

Principle Eight: Providing Capacity Building

The organization seeks to increase positive developmental impacts for small, marginalized producers through Fair Trade. The organization develops the skills and capabilities of its own employees or members.

 

Principle Nine: Promoting Fair Trade

The organization raises awareness of the aim of Fair Trade and of the need for greater justice in world trade through Fair Trade.

 

Principle Ten: Respect for the Environment

Organizations which produce Fair Trade products maximize the use of raw materials from sustainably managed sources in their ranges, buying locally when possible.

Source: https://wfto.com/our-fair-trade-system#10-principles-of-fair-trade