Farmers' families and plantation workers in the so-called developing countries also live under the constant pressure of the world market, fluctuating prices and exploitative local intermediaries. The consequences range from indebtedness via unemployment to impoverishment. There are usually very few alternatives to existing production, and these frequently involve the cultivation of drugs, prostitution, child labour or migration to the slum areas of the major cities. That is why fair trade is a necessity. Its main principles are based on compliance with the social standards. Social labels enable the customers to make a more informed choice, and to contribute towards improving conditions for the producers. For many small producers and small farmers in disadvantaged countries, fair trade represents a way out of a dead-end situation.

Through our involvement, we aim to promote the marketing of fair-trade products internationally. Fastenopfer's support of fair-trade networks in the respective countries, and the marketing of the products in local markets, forms part of our project and programme work.