Build Your Application

• Who should serve as a general reference? A general reference may be anyone who is not directly associated with your organization but is familiar with your trading practices and your commitment to fair trade. References should not be employees or immediate family. References from FTF members and others who are knowledgeable about fair trade are especially helpful.

• Who should serve as a producer reference? A producer reference should be from a producer who grows/makes products your business sells. Producer reference forms are available in English, Spanish, and French. If the producers with whom you work are illiterate or speak a language other than the translations available, it is acceptable for a translator or transcriber to assist the producer in completing the reference form.  Please consult with the Membership Manager.

• Financial Statement: This should show your last completed fiscal year. A profit & loss sheet is preferred; the financial statement does not need to be an audited report. This information is confidential.
• Producer and/or Wholesale Vendor List: For all applicants working directly with producers, this should be a list of farmer/artisan groups that produce the products you sell. For retailers and cafes that do not purchase or import products directly from producers, this should be a list of all the wholesale vendors from which you purchase. This information is confidential.
• $85 Screening Fee: Payable by check or credit card. Click here to pay with a credit card. Mail checks to 342 North Queen St, Rear Lancaster, PA 17603.
• Other Materials (Optional): Feel free to include brochures, news articles, hang tags, reports, sample products, and other items to supplement your application. Items will not be returned.

In this way, each member is rescreened for all nine of the fair trade principles over a period of five years.  This rescreening process also allows the FTF to investigate and respond to any complaints that may be received about a member’s practices.