The concept of fair trade applies in general to trade operations which
strengthen the economic position of small-scale producers and landowners in
order to ensure that they are not marginalised in the world economy.
It mainly relates to developing countries and, under the present
communication, covers two main aspects: · ensuring that producers, including
employees, receive a share of the total profit commensurate with their input; ·
improving social conditions, particularly those of employees in the absence of
developed structures for social services and worker representation (trade union
representation for instance), etc.; This concept has long-term development in
mind. Participation in initiatives on fair trade is voluntary for both sellers
and consumers.
It is important to note that the concept of 'fair trade' is not the same as
that of 'ethical trade'. 'Ethical trade' usually relates to the operating
methods of companies present in the country (codes of conduct, for example). .
