Originally published at Platform Cooperative Consortium
Cooperatives have become increasingly prominent as organizational models amid the crisis conditions facing the world. Rather than advocating for the replacement of the capitalism-based economy with an entirely new model, there’s a growing trend of critiquing and adapting capitalism. Governments, international organizations, and the private sector are now including cooperatives in their agendas, recognizing their potential to blend traditional cooperative goals with newer social entrepreneurship objectives.
Originating as a resistance movement to capitalism during the industrial revolution, cooperatives maintain fundamental principles that are vital to their identity. Unlike capitalist enterprises, cooperatives foster an egalitarian and democratic structure that mitigates feelings of alienation among members. This structure encourages cooperation over competition, promoting self-help and self-responsibility within the community.
In our study, we introduce the concept of fair trade and explore its partnerships with cooperatives. The unique qualities and high standards of cooperative businesses are frequently highlighted and discussed, emphasizing their potential to create positive social and economic impacts.
In this blog post, we explore the relationship between Fair Trade principles and Cooperatives as movements working towards the establishment of more just, sustainable, and participatory economic structures. We will delve into the possibilities and opportunities that emerge from the intersection of these two movements. Throughout this post, we aim to uncover the synergy between Fair Trade principles and Cooperatives, emphasizing their collective effort towards creating equitable, sustainable, and participatory economic models.
The Fair Trade Federation commenced its activities in 1994, with cooperatives playing a central role in the emerging social solidarity economy. The concept of the social solidarity economy was initially introduced at the Second World Social Forum in February 2002 in Porto Alegre, marking a significant milestone for this economic approach. Following this forum, the social solidarity economy gained recognition as an international movement with the potential to offer an alternative to globalization dominated by traditional capitalist models. The rise of Fair Trade and cooperative formations on the global agenda since the 1970s can be attributed to the quest for innovative solutions in response to the declining welfare levels experienced by many individuals within the capitalist neoliberal world order.
While the idea of fair trade traces its origins back to the 1940s, the contemporary understanding of Fair Trade embodies a new paradigm in economic models. Today, Fair Trade represents innovative enterprise models that resonate with consumers increasingly committed to fostering sustainable economic and social development through their purchasing decisions. Fair Trade practices are primarily concentrated in regions abundant in agricultural goods, homewares, jewelry, and garments, such as South America and Southeast Asia, as well as in areas with significant global demand like Western Europe and North America. The overarching goal of Fair Trade is to ensure equitable compensation for producers in the global south, offering a viable alternative to traditional international trade practices. Rooted in the belief that trade can be a powerful tool in poverty reduction and sustainable development, Fair Trade principles serve as the foundation for creating a fairer and more inclusive global economic system.
The fair trade movement originated as a response to the need for fair trading conditions for marginalized producers, seeking to create market opportunities for products from countries excluded from mainstream trade channels. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, entrepreneurs in North America began actively engaging with the principles of fair trade, laying the groundwork for the formation of the Fair Trade Federation in 1994. A pivotal moment came with the launch of the first fair trade certification initiative, Max Havelaar, in the Netherlands in 1988. This initiative, aimed at addressing the crisis in the coffee market following the collapse of the International Coffee Agreement in 1989, marked a significant milestone by providing third-party recognition and labeling for fair trade products. It catalyzed the growth of fair trade coffee and underscored the movement’s commitment to poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Fair Trade principles advocate for the rights and empowerment of small-scale farmers and workers, aligning with internationally recognized human rights standards such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations business principles, and ILO declarations. This alignment reflects a broader shift towards a global understanding of business practices and their impact on human rights. Fair Trade’s influence extends particularly to agricultural and textile sectors, where it has played a significant role in improving standards and promoting ethical organizational practices (The Constitution of Fair Trade, 2020).
The Fair Trade Organization employs a rigorous certification process to ensure that products and services meet fair production standards. This certification assures consumers that the items they purchase have been ethically produced. A global survey conducted by Fairtrade International in 2011 revealed a growing public support for Fair Trade worldwide, indicating an increasing number of consumers who believe that their purchasing decisions can positively impact the lives of farmers and workers in developing countries.
Organizations operating under Fair Trade principles are expected to empower their managers and employees by granting them greater control over their work and lives, thus aiding them in breaking free from poverty and its associated challenges. Fair Trade practices are further strengthened through various initiatives, including projects, campaigns, and partnerships, aimed at fostering a more equitable economic system through informed consumer choices and advocacy for reforms in international trade regulations.
Businesses certified by Fair Trade approach their production and service processes with a focus on human rights, engaging in activities geared towards reducing, preventing, and improving labor conditions from a human rights perspective.
For a while now, the World Fair Trade Organization has been hosting advocacy group gatherings, which serve as platforms for fair trade producers worldwide, civil society representatives engaged in the field, and experts to come together. In one such meeting, a cooperative representative shared insights into their production processes and organizational structure aligned with fair trade practices, fostering an experiential exchange among participants.
At the Fair Trade Advocacy Group, Copacic Vidrio presented their cooperative, emphasizing their unwavering dedication to the fair trade movement. They articulated their commitment, stating, “As a dedicated producer cooperative, we prioritize our producers’ profits, embodying the true spirit of fair trade.” Vidrio acknowledged that fair trade products often come with higher price tags, attributing this to the ethical production standards and fair compensation integral to these items. Their product portfolio predominantly comprises handicrafts, decorative articles, and glassware, with meticulous attention to fair labor practices. Vidrio highlighted the rigorous process involved in crafting each glassware piece, requiring high temperatures and a meticulous two-day process, underscoring the unique quality and craftsmanship of their products. In essence, they offer both local and international customers items distinguished by their uniqueness while symbolizing their steadfast commitment to fair trade principles.
Based on Copacic Vidrio’s insights, it’s clear that cooperative businesses contribute to the fair trade movement through their adoption of original and sustainable production methods, eschewing industrial processes for more environmentally friendly alternatives. The cooperative structure, rooted in principles of self-management and equitable income distribution, inherently aligns with fair trade ideals such as workplace democracy and fair earnings. Advocates have long promoted the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and cooperative organizations as a means to address global income inequality and developmental disparities between different regions of the world.
During advocacy meetings of the World Fair Trade Organization, ongoing discussions have revolved around addressing the developmental disparities between the global North and South. A session titled “From international fair and sustainable trade to local: a way to decolonize the fair and sustainable trade movement?” has highlighted the challenges of fair trade certification in bridging this gap. While certification ensures sustainable production and business practices, there’s a concern that certifications originating from the Global South may not be recognized or accepted in the Global North, thereby limiting their impact on local economies. This dialogue underscores the complexities of fair trade initiatives and the need for more inclusive approaches that consider the diverse contexts of different regions.
In the global branding and packaging process, there is ongoing debate regarding the use of labels such as “French Tea” or “English Coffee” on products that are not actually produced in those countries. This practice disregards the contributions of communities who have cultivated and processed various crops over many years. To address this issue and promote local and domestic fair trade in the Global South, there is a suggestion to establish international certification systems tailored to the needs of local producers and markets. The goal is to empower communities in the Global South by giving them more control over supply chains. This approach emphasizes the importance of initiating local value-added productions. For instance, supporting a locally certified coffee farmer who not only grows coffee but also roasts and packages it enhances economic sustainability and promotes fair trade practices at a grassroots level.
During the meetings, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the importance of embracing local and domestic fair trade as a means to decolonize fair trade practices. It is evident that cooperative businesses geared towards this purpose will play a pivotal role in driving this process forward. As work progresses in the field of fair trade, it becomes increasingly apparent that achieving various sustainable development goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving energy, utilizing local materials, fostering local systems, and bolstering the local economy, can be realized through their intrinsic dynamics.
Furthermore, advocacy sessions have underscored the notion that fair trade should not be confined to the Global South alone. It is imperative for all countries to transcend the traditional divisions between the North and South and instead focus on advancing sustainability, fairness, and respect for human rights on a global scale.
As highlighted in the study, Cooperative enterprises and the Fair Trade movement share significant similarities and points of intersection. Both represent alternative economic movements striving to create a fairer economy for both producers and consumers. Cooperatives, historically rooted in principles of common ownership, self-management, and equitable production and consumption, stand alongside Fair Trade principles in their commitment to minimizing environmental impact, ensuring fair wages, promoting participatory mechanisms, and advocating for workplace democracy.
While Cooperatives may exhibit a more radical approach in their organizational structures, Fair Trade principles offer a comprehensive framework for sustainable production and service provision. Both movements embody Bourdieu’s concept of social capital, emphasizing mutual recognition and networking as essential components. This shared emphasis grants individuals access to vital resources such as recognition, group membership, cultural knowledge, partnerships, and networks.
In light of the contemporary pursuit for a more meaningful life beyond mere consumption, this perspective gains heightened significance, underscoring the importance of cooperative and Fair Trade initiatives in reshaping economic systems towards greater equity and sustainability.
The current economic system fails to meet the needs of individuals, leaving many feeling disempowered and disconnected from their own lives and decisions. As awareness grows about the detrimental effects of labor practices and consumer spending on the planet and working conditions, more people are seeking alternatives. This shift is evident in the increasing interest in cooperatives, the preference for fair trade-certified products, and the emergence of platform cooperatives and worker cooperatives.
We are amidst an era marked by crises, prompting industries like fashion, food, and nightlife to adopt more sustainable and humane practices. Cooperatives have historically prioritized the welfare of a broader spectrum of stakeholders, aligning with the values promoted by the Fair Trade organization, such as improving working conditions and minimizing environmental harm.
The Fair Trade Organization emphasizes that purchasing decisions carry significant implications, as they reflect a vision of the world people want to support. In today’s neoliberal era, where citizens are often reduced to mere consumers and avenues for democratic participation dwindle, individuals may feel trapped in a predetermined existence. Fair Trade principles empower consumers to actively shape the world through their choices, offering a means to engage meaningfully with the global economy.
The relationship between cooperatives and fair trade mirrors this commitment to ethical values and participatory principles. Members of cooperatives, as well as consumers who support them, contribute to a vision of a world where fair wages are earned and life is organized in a participatory manner, fostering a sense of moral responsibility and agency in shaping a better future for all.
While Cooperative organizations and Fair Trade principles have gained visibility and recognition, there’s a looming risk of them being co-opted by the capitalist economy. Despite their potential to transform the capitalist system, there are efforts to assimilate these movements into capitalist practices, diluting their original ethos. This assimilation is evident in corporate cooperatives and companies using socially conscious branding as a marketing tool, alongside deceptive practices like greenwashing and pinkwashing.
To truly challenge the dominance of the capitalist system, these movements must evolve as genuine alternatives rather than being subsumed by it. It’s imperative to support and foster the social dimensions of alternative economic models, nurturing their core values and principles. Our societies require economic models that prioritize human needs over profit, as exemplified by the Fair Trade movement and Cooperative organizations. Embracing the interconnectedness of nature and humanity, these models view the economy as a facet of human life, enabling decisions and actions that shape a more equitable and sustainable society.
As the demand for alternative economic movements such as Fair Trade and Cooperatives grows, it’s essential for us to remain vigilant against the harmful influence of capitalist dominance and uphold the principles of alternative creation. Neglecting the historical progress and achievements of these movements will only perpetuate the destructive effects of capitalist hegemony, leaving both people and the planet worse off.
Header image: the Pagos Women’s Cooperative in Izmir sells traditional stuffed mussels citywide. Photo by author.
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