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From left to right: Hugo Ciro Sr.(Oversees Famicafe), Hugo Ciro Jr.(Co-founder of Level Ground), Columbian Coffee Farmer, John and Jill Enns (Ethical Addictions Owner)
Famicafe is a hands on organization that invests in education, job creation and organic initiatives.
Level Ground Trading LTD is a Fair Trade Organization accredited by IFAT (International Federation for Alternative Trade) and adheres to established international fair trade standards by paying premiums which benefit the communities where the products originate.www.levelground.com
IFAT is the International Fair Trade Association, the global network of Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs). Over 220 FTOs in 59 countries form the basis of the network and membership is growing steadily. Approximately 65% of the members are based in the South (that is: Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America) with the rest coming from North America & the Pacific Rim and Europe. It is truly international!
The members have the concept of Fair Trade at the heart of their mission and at the core of what they do. They come in many shapes and sizes and represent the Fair Trade chain from product to sale. The members are producer co-operatives and associations, export marketing companies, importers, retailers, national and regional Fair Trade networks and financial institutions, dedicated to the Fair Trade movement.
IFAT’s mission is 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. www.ifat.org
IFAT members are held to a system of three tiers of monitoring.
Fair Trade Organizations must seek greater equity in international trade through dialogue, transparency and respect. This includes;
Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers
Transparency and accountability
Promoting independence
Payment of a fair price
Decent work conditions
Sustainable environmental practices
These standards apply to all Fair Trade Organizations whether they are importers or retailers, exporters or producer societies.