Framed within the common goal of advancing trade justice and South-North solidarity, The Fair Trade Handbook presents a broad interpretation of fair trade and a wide-ranging dialogue between different viewpoints. Canadian researchers in particular have advanced a transformative vision of fair trade, rooted in the cooperative movement and arguing for a more central role for Southern farmers and workers. Contributors to this book look at the issues within global trade, and assess fair trade and how to make it more effective against the broader structures of the capitalist, colonialist, racist and patriarchal global economy. The debates and discussions are set within a critical development studies and critical political economy framework. However, this book will appeal to a wide range of readers, as it translates the key issues for a popular audience.

Includes : A Lively Bean that Brightens Lives: A Graphic Story by Bill Barrett and Curt Shoultz

Gavin Fridell is Canada Research Chair in International Development Studies and an associate professor at Saint Mary’s University. He is also the author of Fair Trade Coffee: The Prospects and Pitfalls of Market-Driven Social Justice.

Gavin Fridell's profile page

Zack Gross has been a Prairie-based international development activist for more than fifty years. He is a member of the Board of Fairtrade Canada and Advisory Board of the Canadian Fair Trade Network.

Zack Gross se ha desempeñado durante más de medio siglo desde su base en Manitoba como activista en desarrollo internacional. Es miembro de la junta directiva de Fairtrade Canada e integrante del Consejo Consultivo de la Red Canadiense de Comercio Justo.

Zack Gross' profile page

Sean McHugh is the founder and executive director of the Canadian Fair Trade Network (CFTN) and represents Canada on the International Fair Trade Towns Committee.

Sean McHugh es el fundador y director ejecutivo de la Red Canadiense de Comercio Justo (cftn por sus siglas en inglés) y representa a Canadá en el Comité Internacional de Ciudades y Pueblos por el Comercio Justo.

Sean McHugh's profile page

“This book is comprehensive and highly instructive, covering a broad range of topics, including climate justice, the challenges of small producers, fair trade fashion, the economics of free and fair trade, teaching fair trade, and a great deal more….This is an essential reference guide to have at your school or educational setting.”

Ian Shanahan, Green Teacher

The Fair Trade Handbook is an essential guide on the path that leads to a more sustainable and inclusive world. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the ongoing impact of this movement on business-as-usual!” Adam Sneyd, University of Guelph

“The Fair Trade Handbook: Building a Better World, Together, edited by Gavin Fridell, Zack Gross, and Sean McHugh reminds us that unfair trade falsely called “free trade” has its roots in colonialism. Trade driven by limitless corporate greed is at the roots of the multiple crises we face - diseases, climate change, extinction, injustice and inequality. As the authors who are also participants in the fair trade movement show, fair-trade is a movement for decolonization. It is based on solidarity, not exploitation.It puts people and planet before profits. It is creating a liveable and just world for all” .

Vandana Shiva, Indian scholar, environmental activist, food sovereignty advocate, ecofeminist and anti-globalization author

“This fantastic volume shows just what can be built from a sustained and fruitful partnership between the right kind of entrepreneurs, activists, academics, and community-builders. The Fair Trade Handbook immerses its readers in a social movement that is pushing hard for more equitable, participatory, and sustainable development. The editors have expertly weaved together engaging chapters on cross-cutting topics, commodity case studies, diverse geographic regions, and different forms of advocacy. These insightful contributions underscore how change does not simply happen: they emphasize what has been, is, and can be done by the movement that aims to make trade fair. Covering timely issues including decolonization and solidarity, climate change, and the impacts of new environmental, social, and governance criteria on global supply chains, The Fair Trade Handbook is an essential guide on the path that leads to a more sustainable and inclusive world. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the ongoing impact of this movement on business-as-usual!”

Adam Sneyd, University of Guelph