An alternative trading organization (ATO) is usually a non-governmental organization (NGO) or mission-driven business aligned with the Fair trade movement, aiming "to contribute to the alleviation of poverty in developing regions of the world by establishing a system of trade that allows marginalized producers in developing regions to gain access to developed markets".
Alternative trading organizations have Fair Trade at the core of their mission and activities, using it as a development tool to support disadvantaged producers and to reduce poverty, and combine their marketing with awareness-raising and campaigning.
Alternative trading organizations are often, but not always, based in political and religious groups, though their secular purpose precludes sectarian identification and evangelical activity. Philosophically, the grassroots political-action agenda of these organizations associates them with progressive political causes active since the 1960s: foremost, a belief in collective action and commitment to moral principles based on social, economic and trade justice.
Historically, the largest and most influential ATOs include:
- EZA Fairer Handel
- Oxfam-Magasins du monde
- Oxfam-Wereldwinkels
- Equita
- La Siembra Cooperative
- Plan Nagua
- Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-Op
- Alter Eco
- Éthiquable
- Lobodis
- Solidar'Monde
- Artisans du Monde
- Veja Sneakers
- Gepa the Fairtrade Company
- Ethiquable Deutschland
- El Puente
- Ctm altromercato
- AgroFair
- Fair Trade Original
- Alternativa3
- Ideas
- Intermon Oxfam
- Claro Fair Trade
- Cafédirect
- Equal Exchange Trading
- Traidcraft
- Oxfam Trading
- Twin Trading
- Divine Chocolate
- Cooperative Coffees
- Ten Thousand Villages
- Equal Exchange
- SERRV International
Read more about Alternative Trading Organization: Principles and Practices
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