Fair Trade Just Got Bigger

• Posted on 22 July 2026
• By LynAnne Wilton
• 0

Hi friends! I’m LynAnne, executive director here at HumanKind. Every so often, I wanted to share a few thoughts from behind the counter: what we’re seeing in the shop, what customers are loving, conversations we’re having, and the bigger stories behind fair trade and thoughtful shopping. Thanks for being part of this community with us.

One of the things I love most about fair trade is that it has never been afraid to grow.

Not because its values change, but because the world does.

When the modern fair trade movement began more than 75 years ago, the mission was clear: skilled artisans in communities experiencing extreme poverty needed access to markets they couldn't reach on their own. Customers in North America and Europe could purchase handcrafted goods that provided meaningful income, helping families build more stable futures.

For decades, that's exactly what fair trade focused on. In fact, products generally had to be made outside the United States to be considered "fair trade."

This month, that officially changed.

The Fair Trade Federation, the organization that guides many of us in the fair trade community, announced that geography will no longer determine whether a product qualifies as fair trade.

At first glance, that may seem like a small policy update. I actually think it's something much bigger.

It's a recognition that hardship doesn't stop at national borders.

The world has changed dramatically over the past several decades. Many countries that were once considered part of the "developing world" have experienced tremendous economic growth. At the same time, we continue to see communities facing enormous barriers to opportunity everywhere, including right here in the United States.

Poverty exists in every country. So do people with extraordinary talent who simply need access to meaningful work. 

That's what fair trade has always been about.

For us at HumanKind, this opens the door to partner with even more organizations creating life-changing opportunities. One of those is Forai, a social enterprise in St. Louis where refugee and immigrant women create beautiful handcrafted jewelry while building financial independence. Another is Bright Endeavors in Chicago, where young mothers receive paid job training while hand-pouring candles that help support both their families and their futures.

Their stories are every bit as inspiring as those of our artisan partners in India, Kenya, Peru, or Guatemala.

And that's really the point.

Fair trade has never been about where someone lives. It's about recognizing human dignity, valuing craftsmanship, and creating opportunities where they are needed most.

The map may be getting bigger, but the mission hasn't changed one bit. If anything, it has become even more inclusive.

As our world continues to change, I'm grateful to be part of a movement that's willing to ask thoughtful questions, challenge old assumptions, and remain focused on what matters most: building an economy where more people have the chance to thrive.

Thank you for continuing to be part of that story with us.

With gratitude,

LynAnne