What exactly does fair trade mean?

Fair Trade means a lot of great things: Fair trade means fair payment and safe & healthy working conditions for artisans, farmers, and producers. Fair Trade supports sustainable practices that minimize harm to the environment. Fair Trade is committed to strengthening direct partnerships between buyers and producers. Fair trade keeps small businesses alive rather than having all profits go to big corporations. Fair trade results in higher quality products, many of which are handmade. Fair trade empowers talented artisans, farmers, and producers by giving them a sense of self-worth.  To sum it up, fair trade supports fair wages and healthy living conditions that help improve the quality of life for disadvantaged men and women economically, socially, and culturally speaking.