Fair Trade is an alternative approach to international trade. Most items that Americans buy have gone through an 18 step process before they reach the store shelf.  Fair Trade products go through a 3 step process.  This lowers business costs and allows farmers and artisans to keep more of the profits.

Fair Trade is not a handout, it's a hand up.  Fair Trade treats artisans and farmers with respect and dignity, allowing them to develop their own sustainable businesses.  Fair Trade's emphasis on transparency allows consumers to go beyond the "Made In," label and connect with the producer behind the product.