Fair trade is the promotion of more equitable, less exploitative dealings with producers in developing countries.
In terms of coffee production, fair trade principles stress minimum prices; credit availability; and stable, long-term business relationships directly with farmer co-operatives, avoiding intermediaries or middlemen. Fairtrade Mark Ireland is a charity supported by the main overseas development organisations here, from Action Aid Ireland to War on Want Northern Ireland as well as the ICTU. It works out of Dublin with just 2½ full-time people and a network of committed volunteers. Fairtrade Fortnight starts at the beginning of March and is aimed at encouraging friends and family to buy food and drinks with the Fairtrade mark.