World Fair Trade Day

14 May 2011 - FairWild Foundation today joins millions of small producers, artisans, farmers and small-hold manufacturers, Fair Trade producers, traders and consumers in celebrating World Fair Trade Day. The day focuses attention on the need for a fair and sustainable economy locally and globally, and for trade to deliver sustainable livelihoods and development opportunities to small producers.

The FairWild Standard and associated certification system provides an opportunity to apply fair trade principles to sustainable use and trade in wild-harvested plant resources – a niche that is not comprehensively covered by other Standards and organisations. Fair trade principles are embedded within the FairWild Standard alongside a range of ecological and social criteria, and the FairWild Foundation aims to harmonise these requirements with other Standards where possible.

The FairWild Foundation works with government authorities, collectors, non-government organisations, and the private sector on implementation of the FairWild Standard, including through promoting certification of wild-plant collection operations. FairWild Certification means that buyers know they are supporting fair trading – the products are legally and sustainably sourced, and the benefits are felt by all those involved right down to the local communities harvesting the wild plants.

The World Fair Trade Day event is coordinated by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), the global network of Fair Trade Organizations around the planet. It represents more than 450 Fair Trade Organizations from 73 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, North America and Pacific. WFTO's mission is to enable producers to improve their livelihoods and communities through Fair Trade. WFTO is the global network and advocate for Fair Trade, ensuring producer voices are heard.

For more information and suggestions on how to celebrate the World Fair Trade Day, see the official website: http://www.wftday.org/