Fair Trade: justice and sustainability for people and the planet

Oxfam has been part of the global Fair Trade movement since its inception. Today, it still inspires many of our volunteers to champion just and sustainable trade. Together, we reach out to small-scale producers, workers, and grassroots social entrepreneurs. We partner with activists, communities, democratically governed producer organizations, mission-driven enterprises, and social movements to establish ethical trade approaches and advocate for a more just trade system.

We believe the current trade system is far from just or sustainable. It was captured by imperialistic and colonialist forces in the past and remains, even today, under the control of the powerful and the rich to a large extent. Trade justice offers an alternative approach: one that requires shared responsibility according to everyone’s capabilities and considers (historical) privileges, as well as systemic change in the economic, gender, climate and political realms. Trade cannot be considered just or sustainable as long as it excludes people and future generations from its welfare-creating properties.

Fair Trade is a vision and practice championing just and sustainable trade. It is one of the ways through which Oxfam fulfills its mission : fighting inequality in trade to end poverty and injustices.

Oxfam is part of the global Fair Trade movement . Oxfam has been an important part of the Fair Trade story, both in Europe and internationally, beginning in the late 1950s with small-scale initiatives to support refugees by selling their crafts. The 1960s and early 1970s were a time of innovation and evolution for alternative trade policies and practices. During this time, Oxfam GB played a pioneering role by establishing one of the first fair trade organizations in Europe – a practical demonstration of a trading model based on ‘trade, not aid’. After that, more affiliates became involved. As new partners joined, the principles of Fair Trade evolved, and new forms of governance emerged. This resulted in a movement consisting of millions of supporters and activists.

We reach out to small-scale producers, workers, indigenous groups, and grassroots social entrepreneurs. We partner with activists, communities, democratically governed organizations, mission-driven enterprises, and social movements to promote trade justice – setting an example and advocating for its uptake while challenging governments and companies to change trade practices and structures.

Oxfam subscribes to the ideas presented in the International Fair Trade Charter.
“The Fair Trade movement shares a vision of a world in which justice, equity 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 human potential.”