Maggie's Organics Joins Fair Trade Federation

    YPSILANTI, MI, July 27, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Maggie's Organics, the nation's longest standing producer of organic cotton apparel, is now part of a network of over 250 fair trade businesses after joining the Fair Trade Federation (FTF). FTF is a trade association that strengthens and promotes North American organizations that make a full commitment to fair trade.

To become a member, applicants go through a rigorous screening process detailing each stage of production for every product made. A screening committee made up of peers and other stake-holders vets each applicant relative to working conditions, fair wages, safety, environmental sensitivity, financial transparency and more. Completion of this thorough review process provides an important mark of distinction for members and for shoppers interested in supporting an entire business for its fair trade practices rather than simply purchasing a fair trade product.

"Maggie's Organics submitted an extremely thorough application to the screening committee, which speaks really well to their deep commitment to fair trade," says Renee Bowers, Executive Director of the Fair Trade Federation. "We commend the way Maggie's Organics evaluates and reevaluates their fair trade practices as an important part of their business. We're so thrilled to have them in the FTF community!"

Maggie's Organics' products are all made from certified organic cotton and wool fibers, and Maggie's controls production from the ground to the final seam. Maggie's Organics has been an industry leader for 22 years specializing in high-quality accessories and basic apparel. "We are extremely happy to have been vetted by and join forces with an organization we have admired for years, and one that truly understands the breadth and depth of real fair trade. Even though over 1/2 of our products are made by co-ops and factories in the USA, we are now part of an international community that is helping level the playing field and improve working conditions for all small farmers and production workers." says Bena Burda, founder of Maggie's.

The main principle behind fair trade is to give farmers and producers all over the world the opportunity to earn a living by selling their products in North America and beyond. Relationships between consumer, traders, and producers are formed honoring the 9 Fair Trade Federation principles which focus on fair wages, worker safety, transparency, and more. Read all 9 principles at Fairtradefederation.org/principles.

About Maggie's Organics
Since its founding in 1992, Maggie's Organics has been committed to the fair treatment of its workers and using organic fibers in all of its products. Having developed supply chains that support worker independence and guarantee better working conditions for producers, Maggie's remains true to its founding principles every step of the way. As the oldest organic apparel company in the US, Maggie's Organics believes that the impact of each piece of clothing on the lives and environment of its producers is just as important as its quality, affordability and style.

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