Developing the Fair Trade Market

IFAT co-ordinates work on developing an environment for the fair trade market to grow, to help increase the opportunities for marginalised small-scale producers.

 Traders looking for fair trade partners often use IFAT as a first point of contact with Fair Trade Organizations around the world. IFAT actively encourages links between Fair Trade Organizations to the business support services offered by members or other specialist providers.

 IFAT brings members together for inspiration and learning. Using linkages provided by IFAT, members can build on each others' marketing experience and expertise. Every two years IFAT organises the Mohammed Islam Artisan Recognition Award to encourage, recognize and reward creativity in product development. IFAT’s international and regional conferences are the venue in which members share experiences, attend seminars, deliver feedback to trading partners, and develop their knowledge.

IFAT members have demonstrated the effectiveness of regional cooperation as a strategy for accessing markets. For instance, via the Asia Fair Trade Forum, Asian members now regularly exhibit at regional Trade Fairs such as the Bangkok International Gift Fair. Regional conferences provide the venue for building these partnerships.

More info at www.ifat.org/mktdvment.shtml