Hey, fair traders! I’ve been thinking a lot about an article I read in NewScientist about a month ago on tracking systems that are being used to track food production. By scanning a barcode on a product, consumers can know exactly where their product came from. Many manufacturers use tracking technologies already to track their products; however, with the advancement and growth of technology around the world, this is becoming possible even in rural areas. In many cases, producers and processors in isolated communities can use their cell phones to record production in a database that is accessible to consumers.

But why are IT tracking and tracing technologies becoming so popular? People have started to realize that they have become disconnected from the producers of the products they buy. This disconnect has allowed companies to conduct business without having to inform consumers on where they are getting their products and how they are made. Because of this, consumers are beginning to question why contaminates have been increasingly found in food products and what conditions producers are working in to make the products we use every day. Concerned for their safety, health and the well-being of others, an increased number of consumers are demanding for the transparency of companies. People want to know where their products are coming from and how they are made.

Fair Trade is taking the first steps to help answer these questions because it uses a supply chain that is more transparent; this more directly connects the producer to the consumer. Fair Trade companies are open about their trading practices; consumers have access to many parts of the supply chain and are confident that each supply-chain participant is being paid a fair wage and is treated with respect. Many companies attach stories about their farmers or artisans to their products, helping to strengthen the connection between the consumer and the producer. Through Fair Trade, consumers feel more confident with their purchases because they know where each product was made and how.

Although it may not be possible for every company to do this in such a detailed way, it does help to be open about where the products are coming from and how trade is being conducted. Perhaps with the help of tracking technology, each part of the supply chain will be encouraged to trade ethically with producers and have a more open relationship with their customers. For now, the power lies in the hands of the consumers. Consumers can continue to increase the demand to know where their products are coming from and how they are made. After all, consumers do control the market.

To better connect our customers and end consumers to the producers for Handmade Expressions, we have recently updated the artisan stories on the Handmade Expressions website and connected each product to an artisan group!