Fairtrade is an accreditation labelling system which certifies that products bearing the Fairtrade mark meet criteria. International standards have been developed on a product-by-product basis, and cover a wide range of food items and cotton. Others will follow. Fair trade expresses a rather wider vision of development, seeking to transform the lives of poor producers and covering a much wider range of products than can be certified, such as craft items. It also embraces campaigning. The Fairtrade Mark guarantees an agreed stable and sustainable price for farmers and an extra payment (a ‘premium’) to invest in their community. The Fairtrade Foundation states: "Fairtrade is working towards a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices so that everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood and develop their full potential. To achieve this vision, Fairtrade seeks to transform trading structures and practices in favour of the poor and disadvantaged. By facilitating trading partnerships based on equity and transparency, Fairtrade contributes to sustainable development for marginalised producers, workers and their communities. Through demonstration of alternatives to conventional trade and other forms of advocacy, the Fairtrade movement empowers citizens to campaign for an international trade system based on justice and fairness."

St. James's Church became a Fairtrade Church in 2010, committing to use Fairtrade tea and coffee for all meetings for which we have responsibility, move forward on using other Fairtrade products (such as sugar, chocolate and fruit) and promote Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight – and through other activities where possible. See the Fairtrade Certificate.

Fairtrade products are readily available in supermarkets. Any product with the Fairtrade mark delivers a better deal to the farmer, but pioneering fair trade companies, such as Traidcraft, go further by reinvesting trading profit in their producers’ businesses. Traidcraft also brings new products to market, which later gain the Fairtrade mark – as it did with wine and is now doing with rubber gloves.

The Key Principles of Fairtrade
• Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers: Fairtrade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Its purpose is to create opportunities for producers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalized by the conventional trading system.
• Transparency and accountability: Fairtrade involves transparent management and commercial relations to deal fairly and respectfully with trading partners.
• Capacity building: Fairtrade is a means to develop producers' independence. Fairtrade relationships provide continuity, during which producers and their marketing organisations can improve their management skills and their access to new markets.
• Payment of a fair price: A fair price in the regional or local context is one that has been agreed through dialogue and participation. It covers not only the costs of production but enables production which is socially just and environmentally sound. It provides fair pay to the producers and takes into account the principle of equal pay for equal work by women and men. Fair Traders ensure prompt payment to their partners and, whenever possible, help producers with access to pre-harvest or pre-production financing.
• Gender equity: Fairtrade means that women's work is properly valued and rewarded. Women are always paid for their contribution to the production process and are empowered in their organisations.
• Working conditions: Fairtrade means a safe and healthy working environment for producers. The participation of children (if any) does not adversely affect their well-being, security, educational requirements and need for play and conforms to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as the law and norms in the local context.
• The environment: Fairtrade actively encourages better environmental practices and the application of responsible methods of production.

Goals of Fairtrade
• To improve the livelihoods and well being of producers by improving market access, strengthening producer organisations, paying a better price and providing continuity in the trading relationship.
• To promote development opportunities for disadvantaged producers, especially women and indigenous people and to protect children from exploitation in the production process.
• To raise awareness among consumers of the negative effects on producers of international trade so that they exercise their purchasing power positively.
• To set an example of partnership in trade through dialogue, transparency and respect.
• To campaign for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.
• To protect human rights by promoting social justice, sound environmental practices and economic security.
The principles and goals of Fairtrade above are taken from the London Fairtrade Diocese Campaign website.