FAIR TRADE IN THE UNITED STATES

Fair trade is essential for African people and governments to regain their independence and strength. While individuals can help by purchasing fairly traded products, much more is needed for the full benefits of fair trade to be realized. Read more about the larger issue of fair trade in Africa at http://www.data.org/whyafrica/issuetrade.php.

We purchase from our supplier because, 10% of our opening order went towards the people and each time we purchase a continued percentage continues to go to them.  And when you purchase from us, you are also helping the people in Africa as well. We and they thank you for that.

Our supplier of our Unrefined Shea does not hire based on age, ethnicity, sex, color or religion. They work to improve the positions of disadvantaged groups, such as women and ethnic minorities. Also, they pay their members a salary that is 30% higher than the national standard and provide them with a pension plan, vacation, sick and family leave, and overtime. Their members are free to organize and are provided with education and training on how to do this. Their work environment is comfortable, well ventilated and lit, with potable water provided to all members. Finally, our revenues are invested back into the community as educational scholarships, ecological restoration projects, and renewable energy programs.

AFRICA FAIR TRADE COUNCIL - a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness in Africa and the rest of the world about the importance of fair trade. It also advises new businesses in Africa on how to incorporate fair trade practices into their business plans so that they can support the growth of their communities. FTA is currently working on a fair trade shea butter project to promote the importance of supporting fairly traded shea butter as the popularity of this African indigenous commodity increases worldwide. Their hope is that raising awareness will help shea butter producers realize a greater percentage of the final retail sales of their product.