About the MN Fair Trade Association

Our Work The mission of the Minnesota Fair Trade Association (MNFTA) is to educate the public on Fair Trade standards, and to promote the expansion of Fair Trade in Minnesota through business growth. The vision of the MNFTA is to expand the number of businesses committed to Fair Trade principles, and provide a full range of goods and services to Minnesota consumers for the benefit of both producers and consumers. MNFTA is working to achieve this vision through advocacy, collaboration among members and dialogue with the greater community by involving Fair Trade activists and/or business, small local businesses, consumers and the public. Goals: 1. Promote the Fair Trade movement 2. Educate Minnesotans about Fair Trade 3. Increase Fair Trade consumption 4. Develop a Fair Trade business network to generate leads and business opportunities for one another 5. Collect data to track the progress of the Fair Trade movement 6. Promote environmental sustainability 7. Set an example for other businesses and organizations about transparency and ?accountability 8. Actively oppose discrimination 9. Increase and support sustainable Livelihoods for all people Membership Membership to the MNFTA is based on a pledge to expand Fair Trade in Minnesota. A commitment to Fair Trade means: 1. Closing the global gap between rich and poor by promoting alternatives to unfair trade practices that protect the social, economic and environmental well-being of producers and consumers. 2. Conducting business in ways that are consistent with the mission and values of Fair Trade as established by International Fair and Alternative Trade (IFAT), Fair Trade Labeling Organization (FLO) and Fair Trade Federation (FTF). 3. Increasing public and corporate consciousness about Fair Trade by encouraging people to make purchasing decisions based on social justice issues and concern for the health of our natural environment.