Hiderico Zavala Bocangel, Executive of Oro Verde, cooperative of coffee and cocoa producers, Peru
"Fair Trade is not just for earning money: it also makes a change in people's mentality possible. Naturally, it is also a matter of fair prices: Fairtrade premiums give our members the opportunity to learn and grow. However, beyond these purely financial considerations, Fair Trade is also a life philosophy. It is a way of thinking, which allows people to rebuild their place in their specific environment. I genuinely believe that this vision will fundamentally change the way the world is turning."
Uganda Crafts 2000 Limited, Uganda
"Our mission and goals are to improve the living standards of the artisans, who work with, through Fair Trade craft production guided by the Fair Trade principles. The Fair Trade model merges the ethos that the business had when it was an NGO, with the empowerment model of trade and business. We continue to grow, proud of our international business as we look forward to the future."
Jennipher Wettaka, Gumutindo Coffee Co-operative, Mount Elgon, Uganda
"As a woman, being involved with Fair Trade is very helpful. They transport the coffee by lorry so we don't have to carry it on our backs. We understand the coffee business now and Fair Trade has taught us how to improve the quality of our coffee. It also helps women sell their coffee, we have a good market now. Fair Trade is also giving women freedom of speech."
Marcelo Pallas, Handicraft producer, Uruguay
"Working with the Fair Trade network represented a very important positive change for us. It is about new revenues that allow us greater economic stability and the possibility to plan and develop our work. Our desire is to maintain our connection with Fair Trade, thus enabling us to deliver some potential that otherwise we could not develop."
Testimonials of Fair Trade Producers
Vote4FT - Fair Trade producer testimonial from FTAO on Vimeo.
Nibir Bordoloi, Ambootia Tea Group, Darjeeling, India