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Supporting Producers

While FTF does not directly build capacity in producers, many of its members and allies provide technical assistance, education, product development, and other services.

Handicrafts

  • Aid to Artisans - ATA offers practical assistance to artisan groups worldwide, working in partnerships to foster artistic traditions, cultural vitality, improved livelihoods and community well-being. 
  • Crafts Center - Based at CHF International, they contribute to economic development through field programs and the coordination of an international network dedicated to supporting low-income artisans.
  • FEM International - FEM seeks to empower young women in developing countries to discover their potential as individuals, entrepreneurs and community leaders by supporting micro-businesses.
  • IFAT - the World Fair Trade Organization - The global network of Fair Trade Organizations, IFAT works to improve the livelihoods and well being of disadvantaged producers by linking and promoting fair trade organizations, and speaking out for greater justice in world trade.
  • Cooperation for Fair Trade In Africa - Currently composed of over 60 member organizations from 18 African countries, COFTA acts as a regional network of IFAT and caters to the needs of producers in Africa.
  • Asia Fair Trade Forum - Currently composed of over 70 social enterprises in 9 countries, AFTF acts as a regional network of IFAT and caters to the needs of producers in Asia.
  • La Asociacion Latinoamericana de Comercio Justo - Currently composed of over 40 member organizations, IFAT-LA acts as a regional network of IFAT and caters to the needs of producers in South and Central America.

Commodities

  • Fairtrade Labelling Organization (FLO) - An umbrella organization that unites 20 labeling initiatives in 21 countries and producer networks representing Fairtrade Certified Producer Organizations in Central and South America, Africa and Asia.
  • Cooperative Coffees - A roaster-owned, green coffee importing cooperative that partners with small-scale coffee farmers to build direct, fair trade relationships. They are collectively owned by 20+1 fair trade coffee roasters located throughout Canada and the US.

Organization

Cooperative organization is one of the best ways to promote empowering workplaces. To help organize yourself and/or the producers with whom you may be working, consult these resources:

  • Cooperative Development Institute's Guide to Starting a Cooperative - Outlines the International Cooperative Principles and an overview of successful cooperative development
  • USDA - How to Start a Cooperative - Outlines the process of organizing and financing a cooperative business
  • UNCTAD's How to Prepare Your Business Plan - "This publication was prepared in the framework of a technical assistance project aimed at strengthening the capacity of least developed countries to mobilize resources through venture capital funds. It is intended for use in the training of senior and middle management in business planning and as a reference manual for individual enterprises to prepare their business plans, for submission to investors for funding, including venture capital funds."

Market Access

A number of resources are also available to support producer groups' ability to access markets:

Commodities

Handicrafts

  • SERRV International's ArtisanWork website - Learning modules and exercises on topics like Product Development, Marketing, and Production Planning, videos and slideshows that illustrate best practices, discussion groups to connect with artisans and experts around the world, and more resources, links, documents, and advice
  • Fair Wage Guide - A free, web-based tool to help calculate fair wages in the local context
  • Exporting to the United States: A Guide for Small Foreign Exporters by Belisa de las Casas and Luke Zahner, 2004
  • Style and Trends Report  - The Crafts Center's analysis of current color and other style trends.
  • The ATA Export Manual: A Guide to Exporting Crafts to the US by Docey Lewis and Karen Gibbs. Available from Aid to Artisans.
  • Guide to Major U.S. Retailers includes advice for producers and contact information for physical and online craft retailers and wholesalers. Available from the Crafts Center. 
Funding
  • Developpement international Desjardins works to improve access to financial services in communities in developing countries by creating, developing, and strengthening financial institutions that are rooted in the community.
  • OikoCredit offers loans, credit lines, equity investments, and guarantees to fair trade organizations.
  • Funding Resources for Artisans Worldwide explains ways of obtaining funding and lists contact information for many potential funding sources. Available from the Crafts Center.
  • Foundation for International Community Assistance (FINCA) provides financial services to the world's lowest-income entrepreneurs so they can create jobs, build assets and improve their standard of living.
  • Research and Applications for Alternative Financing for Development - A private foundation based in Geneva that advises, supports, and provides a framework for local associations of farmers, women, independent artisans, small businesses, savings and loan groups, and microfinance institutions in Southern countries to help small and micro-businesses become self-sustainable.
  • International Finance Corporation Financing is only available to those in a developing country that is a member of IFC

Note: FTF is not responsible for any content available on third-party sites, nor do the views expressed on these or other sites necessarily represent the views of the Fair Trade Federation.