Accountability

How can I be sure it is Fair Trade?

When you purchase a fair trade product, you are making a conscious decision to vote with your dollars. The accountability and transparency of a company's fair trade practices are then essential to ensure your purchase upholds the values behind your decision. The International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) and the Fair Trade Labeling Organization (FLO) are two organizations that monitor fair trade practices.

One oddity about the direction of the Fair Trade movement in Canada is that it has become predominantly consumer centered. That is to say, it's become fixated upon consumers feeling good when they make a purchase. However, we can all recognize that the intent of the Fair Trade movement was not upon making shoppers feel better. The purpose for Fair Trade is to be focused upon what is most beneficial for disadvantaged producers in developing countries.

We believe that when consumers and producers become familiar with the Direct Fair Trade approach taken by Level Ground Trading it is evident that our core values and actions are centered fully upon doing the most for, and with, our producer partners.

Level Ground seeks accountability from the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT), TransFair Canada and the Fair Trade Labeling Organization (FLO)—organizations that monitor Fair Trade practices.