Fair Trade USA Leaves The International FLO Network Leaving No Label Holder In The US For Fair Trade Gold
On September 15th, this joint announcement was made:
“Fairtrade International (FLO) and Fair Trade USA (FTUSA) share a belief in the importance of empowering producers and workers around the world to improve their lives through better terms of trade. However, as we look to the future, we recognize that we have different perspectives on how best to achieve this common mission.
As a consequence, Fair Trade USA has decided to resign its membership of the Fairtrade International (FLO) system effective December 31, 2011.
As we go our separate ways, both Fairtrade International and Fair Trade USA are committed to maintaining the benefits we have achieved for farmers and workers, for business partners and for our supporters, and to growing impact over time. We are working together on transition plans.
This transition planning and the consequent operational changes will take some time for both parties to develop, but we are announcing the decision as early as possible out of respect for our many stakeholders. Further communication will follow in the coming weeks.”
The formal separation between these organizations is to take place January 1st, 2012.
Some of the friction leading to the break has revolved around the issue of the degree that fair trade should focus on large or small producers and who should be the primary beneficiary of a fair trade process.
Fair Jewelry Action believes that in the context of jewelry, despite the formidable challenges involved, it is the small producer and artisan who most needs the benefit of fair trade.
One of the potential challenges in introducing Fairtrade Fairmined Gold to the US market was whether Fair Trade USA would accept the ARM and FLO dual label, which has been successfully introduced into the UK & Canada. A few months ago, Fair Jewelry Action has expressed an interest in hosting the Fair Trade Gold label, but we were told that would be impossible because of the contractual agreement between FLO and Fair Trade USA. That obstacle is no longer there.
Regardless of whether Fair Jewelry Action is involved in hosting the label for fair trade gold, there is no longer any contractual impediment that would prevent Fairtrade Fairmined Gold from being introduced into the US market. With over 10 kilos of certified gold available to the jewelry market now the issue is not the supply of gold, rather the willingness on the part of a select number of jewelers to begin to invest in this exciting initiative. Those that are interested in this venture should contact me or Christina Miller at Ethical Metalsmiths.
***
Marc Choyt is founding Director of Fair Jewelry Action, USA. His company, Reflective Images, creates designer jewelry made with recycled gold, silver and fair trade gemstones; and handmade, unique conflict free, eco-friendly wedding rings at www.artisanweddingrings.com and www.celticjewelry.com.
***
FJA is a forum open to a diversity of opinions in support of its mission. Any editorial expressed in this article represents the opinion of the authors, and not necessarily the views of Fair Jewelry Action members.
