The Fairtrade Foundation is the independent non-profit organisation that licenses use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products in the UK in accordance with internationally agreed Fairtrade standards. The Foundation was established in 1992 by CAFOD, Christian Aid, Oxfam, Traidcraft and the World Development Movement.
The Fairtrade vision is of a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices so that everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood and develop their full potential.
To achieve this vision, Fairtrade seeks to transform trading structures and practices in favour of the poor and disadvantaged. By facilitating trading partnerships based on equity and transparency, Fairtrade contributes to sustainable development for marginalised producers, workers and their communities. Through demonstration of alternatives to conventional trade and other forms of advocacy, the Fairtrade movement empowers citizens to campaign for an international trade system based on justice and fairness. The Foundation’s mission is to work with businesses, community groups and individuals to improve the trading position of producer organisations.
Fairtrade South Africa is a trust which was established at the second annual Fairtrade stakeholder meeting held in Stellenbosch on 13 and 14 May 2005. The main objectives of Fairtrade South Africa are:
-
to promote Fairtrade Labelling in South Africa
- to promote social and economic development among the beneficiary community
- to provide producer support to Fairtrade certified producers
- to liaise with the African Fairtrade Network, National Initiatives, Fairtrade Labelling Organisation (FLO)
- to develop the market for Fairtrade certified products in South Africa
 There are currently 31 FLO certified producers in South Africa and 12 registered exporters of Fairtrade products based in South Africa.Â