about us

Fair Trade Towns USA (FTT) is an exciting initiative that brings together businesses, civic and educational institutions, faith-based and community organizations, and individuals throughout the United States to grow the Fair Trade movement and achieve special recognition for communities that value Fair Trade. Fair Trade Towns mobilizes communities to help create a better world by creating a deeper commitment to Fair Trade in their area through civic action, increasing consumer access in stores, and the education of both children and adults about the producers who grow and make the things that we buy.

This effort mirrors the highly successful movement in the United Kingdom, where the first Fair Trade town was recognized in 2000. In the US, there is no single governing body that coordinates or monitors Fair Trade Towns. Rather, towns and cities may publicly declare that they are Fair Trade once they meet five goals set forth by the Fair Trade Towns campaign.

To be recognized as a Fair Trade Town or City in the US, the following goals should be met:
A local Fair Trade steering committee is formed that meets on a regular basis. The aim of the committee is to increase awareness of and demand for Fair Trade products through education, outreach and events.
A range of Fair Trade products are available in local stores, cafes and other venues. These include Fair Trade Certified products and products sold by retailers that are members of the Fair Trade Federation.
Fair Trade products are used by a number of local organizations, such as places of worship, schools, hospitals and offices.
The local campaign attracts media attention and visible public support, including press and radio.
The town or city council passes a resolution supporting Fair Trade and the local campaign.

Link to a copy of the Fair Trade Towns USA printer-friendly brochure to have available for tabling.

Go to the Local Initiatives page to find out which towns and cities in the U.S. are Fair Trade.

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