The principles of fair trade

In order for a product to receive fair trade certification, its production must meet seven important criteria :

Direct business: The importer in the North must buy the product directly from the cooperative or association of producers of the South, without an intermediary.

Fair price: The product must be bought at a stable price, which may be two to three times higher than the conventional market value. Additional premiums are also given for certified organic products.

Long-term commitment: The importer must commit to buying more than twice at the same cooperative or association in order to provide these with a certain consistency.

Access to loans: Farming cooperatives of the South must have the possibility to borrow at low interest rates such that they can finance their needs in advance.

A democratic and transparent organization: The producers of the South must meet in cooperatives and collaborate in decision-making.

Environmental protection: Fair trade products must be cultivated with farming methods that are sustainable and respectful of the environment. The majority of fair trade cooperatives are certified organic.

Local community development: A portion of income must be reinvested in the community for projects related to health, education, environment, and the local economy.

New certificate in international cooperation

In collaboration with other organizations, Équiterre participated in developing the new certificate in international cooperation offered by the Faculté de l'éducation permanente (continuing education) of the Université de Montréal. This undergraduate program, offered since September 2007, prepares students for an enriching career and covers social as well as cultural perspectives. Equipped with specific know-how, graduates will be able to assume various support functions and better understand the contexts in which international cooperation operates.

Over the last decade, international cooperation has encompassed many fields. The fight against poverty and for education, health, and the respect and defence of human rights, among others, are at the focus of concerns. Thus, with a broader scope of impact, humanitarian aid and development workers are increasingly deployed in contexts marked by conflict and natural catastrophes.

The objective of the certificate in international cooperation is to acquire the knowledge and tools necessary for understanding, analyzing, and acting in situations and contexts related to international cooperation and development. More specifically, the program aims to enable students to:

• Adopt a multidisciplinary approach for international cooperation;
  
• Develop a critical approach of international cooperation and development;
  
• Acquire intercultural knowledge necessary for exercising one’s role;
  
• Integrate professional practice in knowledge creation;
  
• Develop a sense of empowerment for one’s role;
  
• Apply and transmit knowledge learned in the program to concrete situations.

 
For more information, visit www.fep.umontreal.ca/cooperation or contact the program director by e-mail at Louise Blanchette.