Scottish Fair Trade Forum

For the full text of the Strategy, including Objectives, Aims & Activities, see SFTF Draft Strategy

For the full outline of feedback received, see Strategy Feedback from Supporters

For many who live in rich, developed countries life has never been better. They are able to enjoy material wealth, standards of living and personal freedoms that were unknown to earlier generations.

Yet the global systems that have transformed their lives for the better have failed to improve - and have arguably worsened - the lives of grinding poverty that hundreds of millions of their fellow human beings endure in the developing countries of Africa, Latin America and South and East Asia. A shining exception to this depressing reality has been the spectacular growth in the demand for Fair Trade.

Many in Scotland have long worked to establish Fair Trade as an important principle which in turn can impact Scotland’s global trading and commercial relationships. These grassroots Fair Trade champions provide the backbone of Scotland’s Fair Trade Nation campaign. They will have the opportunity to work together with Scotland’s leading politicians to turn aspiration into reality and make Scotland one of the world’s first truly Fair Trade Nations.

The above is an excerpt from the 'Vision' statement at the beginning of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum's draft strategy, which was formally launched for public consultation at an event at Scottish Parliament on 27 October 2007. The strategy will provide the framework for achieving a set of criteria to become one of the world's first Fair Trade Nations over the next 2-3 years.

The strategy was open for public consultation until January 1, 2008 and a final draft will be crafted by the Board and discussed at a General Meeting early in 2008.