The Importance of Fair Trade and Evaluation of Its Benefits

This work is focused on alternative ways to help developing countries and foster poverty alleviation through Fair Trade (FT). Based on characteristics and current running of Fair trade the aim of this thesis is to assess whether FT provide producers with benefits or not and whether the concept fulfil its goals. The first chapter introduces the FT concept, its basic characteristics, standards and rules allowing entry into the FT market as well as international FT organizations and the process of certification and licensing. The second chapter gives an overview of recent situation on markets importing FT products and puts Fair Trade market into the global context. Third section describes issues, difficulties and impacts that the presence of Fair trade causes. On the basis of this information the final chapter sums up positive and negative effects of Fair trade, also the importance, efficiency and benefits for involved producers will be assessed