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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO)

@fairtradeftao.bsky.social
733 followers 663 following 275 posts

Speaking out for #FairTrade & Trade Justice | repost ≠ endorsement 🌐 fairtrade-advocacy.org

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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
📆⏰One week to go! We're looking forward to the International #FairTrade Towns Conference, where FTAO will host a Policy Dialogue on how public procurement can put fairness, sustainability & human rights at the heart of public spending. Check out the programme: www.ifttc2026.be/programme
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Yesterday, FTAO’s Virginia Enssle joined MEP @catarina-europe.bsky.social for the launch of the @greens-efa.eu study on Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreements (SIFAs). 🙌Thanks to all participants for the rich exchange & to MEP Vieira & team for their commitment to fairness in supply chains.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The #CUES Regional Policy Dialogue has kicked off in Budapest! 🇭🇺 We are looking forward to exchanging perspectives with policymakers, researchers, consumers & CSOs on: 🌱public catering 🏷️food labels & schemes 🛒consumer behaviour 🏛️policy frameworks 📄 fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/271
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🍫🌱 Glad to see the publication of this important study commissioned by @catarina-europe.bsky.social & @greens-efa.eu, exploring how SIFAs can drive sustainable investment and a sustainable cocoa sector in Côte d'Ivoire & Ghana, with civil society at the table. 📄➡️ www.greens-efa.eu/en/article/s...
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
🚨 Join our team! We are looking for a flexible, proactive and enthusiastic colleague to support our advocacy work. 📍 Brussels, Belgium 💼 6-month paid traineeship, with possible extension 📅 Starting November 2026 📩 Apply by 7 October More details: fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/278
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"Due diligence costs real money, and today it's the farmer or supplier - and therefore indirectly the worker - who pays." 🗣️ Last week, FTAO's Alena Kahle joined the inaugural UN Business & Human Rights Regional Forum, speaking on a panel on accompanying measures for due diligence.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
🌳🧑‍🌾 As the EUDR deadline approaches, the EU Commission is building two repositories to support compliance: one on national legislation, one on certification schemes. The #FairTrade Movement welcomes this, but they must stay inclusive, producer-centred info tools. ➡️ fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/277
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
🧶👕 As part of Second Hand September, Oxfam-Magasins du Monde has launched a new Guide to help debunk common misconceptions about fast fashion. The Guide shows how second-hand can be a real alternative rooted in the social and circular economy. Check it out!⤵️ oxfammagasinsdumonde.be/secondhandse...
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Join us at the 19th International #FairTrade Towns Conference next month in Belgium!🎉🇧🇪 This year's programme includes policy discussions, field visits, practical workshops and exhibitions exploring sustainable food, economic justice, public procurement, cooperativism & more. ➡️ www.ifttc2026.be
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The UN Business & Human Rights Regional Forum in Western Europe is around the corner! 📣 FTAO's Alena Kahle will be joining a discussion on accompanying measures in EU external action to support the effective & equitable implementation of the CSDDD. ✍ events.unglobalcompact.org/regionalbhrf...
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
NGOs, trade unions, social economy & progressive businesses welcome progress in the EU Public Procurement Act. Now, the co-legislators must strengthen social and environmental safeguards so procurement delivers a fairer, more sustainable economy. 📄 fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/276
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The Public Procurement Act proposal recognises #FairTrade and fair pay for farmers, moves away from lowest-price criteria and strengthens attention to human rights. But fairness cannot depend on whether a public buyer chooses to consider it. Our views ➡️ fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/275
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Reposted by Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO)
Anti-Slavery International @antislavery.org · 10/09/2026
The inaugural UN Business and Human Rights Regional Forum in Western Europe is kicking off soon. 📅10AM CEST, 18 September 2026 📍Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France 🔗Register here: events.unglobalcompact.org/regionalbhrf...
events.unglobalcompact.org
Begin Registration
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
🔎🥼 The Digital Product Passport can be a powerful tool for greater supply chain transparency. So why not leverage its potential for public procurement of textiles? Read our new opinion paper by Paola Plaku and Alena Kahle⤵️ fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/272
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
📬⛓️ Alongside 15 CSOs & trade unions, we sent an open letter to the European Commission on the EU Forced Labour Regulation guidelines. A solid start, but clearer guidance is needed on remediation, state-imposed forced labour & shared responsibility. ➡️ fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/273
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
A pleasure to gather with @clacfairtrade.bsky.social members to discuss how the EU's Unfair Trading Practices Directive can better protect suppliers selling into the EU market. We also shared FTAO's work to strengthen protections in the upcoming revision. ¡Gracias por la invitación! 💚
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Our 2025 Annual Report is out! 📣 We stayed active in key EU policies, strengthened ties with the Fair Trade Movement and deepened work with policymakers, unions, farmers' orgs and more. Thank you to all our partners. Here's to continuing this journey together 🤝 📄 fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/257
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
🤝 Prevention must be at the heart of effective due diligence. As the European Commission develops guidance for implementing the #CSDDD, the FTAO is calling for guidance that puts people first and prevents harm before it occurs. 📣 The consultation is open until 24 July. Have your say!
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Great to partner with the @eccjorg.bsky.social to explore how the EU’s UTP Directive and CSDDD can work together to tackle unfair purchasing practices, strengthen due diligence and build more resilient supply chains. 📺 Missed the webinar? watch the recording ⤵️ youtu.be/Y1wkxb8EnYQ
youtu.be
WEBINAR | Aligning the Unfair Trading Practices & Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directives
YouTube video by Fair Trade Advocacy Office
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
🗳️ Adopted! @agri.europarl.europa.eu's vote is a key step in updating the EU Organic Regulation. The proposed changes on Group of Operators are welcome news for farmers & cooperatives. We hope for swift adoption by the plenary in September & an ambitious political agreement in upcoming trilogues.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
JUST OUT! 📢 The World Fair Trade Organization has launched three new toolkits to support artisan producers & #FairTrade enterprises in navigating: 📜 EU compliance under new regulations ♻️ sustainability and circular fashion 🤝 brand–producer collaboration Check them out 👉 wfto.com/toolkits/g2f...
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
⏰ Last call to register Join us for a webinar exploring the intersections between the EU Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive & the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and how to leverage both instruments for supply chain resilience. ⬇️ Save your spot!
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
A pleasure to convene an expert meeting with SOLIDAR on the implementation of the EU Forced Labour Regulation. Experts, trade unions, CSOs & policymakers exchanged views on its strong potential & the importance of effective implementation to drive transparency & accountability across supply chains.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Sustainable production methods play a key role in reducing emissions across #FairTrade supply chains. When producers earn a living income and work in decent conditions, they're better able to invest in sustainable practices and protect the environment. Learn more ➡️ fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/244
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
🚨 What does it take to make supply chains fairer, more accountable and resilient? Join us with @eccjorg.bsky.social on how the EU’s UTP Directive and CSDDD fit together in practice. 📆 Tuesday, 14 July 🕑 14:00–15:00 CEST 🖥️ Online Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/24107a...
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
The biggest barrier to using the complaint mechanism of the EU Directive against unfair trading practices is the fear of retaliation. The EU must make it safe for all suppliers to raise concerns. 👉 Our recommendations for a Directive that truly protects farmers: fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/2233
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Consumers play a key role in advancing sustainable food systems, but they need ambitious policies that support systemic change. 🥗🛒 It was a pleasure to present key findings alongside Heidelberg University, analysing 10 years of EU policy enabling (or slowing) sustainable food choices.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Great discussion over breakfast on the future of EU public procurement! ☕🥐 Experts, policymakers, trade unions, CSOs & social economy actors came together to explore how the upcoming revision of the EU Directive can drive sustainable food systems, quality jobs & ethical supply chains across Europe.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
We are looking forward to World of Coffee 2026! ☕🧑‍🌾 Together with the International Coffee Organization (ICA), we'll be bringing EU policymakers, embassies from coffee-producing countries and producer organisations together to explore how policy can help advance living incomes in the coffee sector.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
It was great to be at the #EUFoodJusticeForum! 🍽️🍎 Our Senior Project & Policy Officer, Paola Plaku, moderated a workshop on rights-based approaches to EU food policy, including public procurement and the ECI on the #RightToFood. 🤝 Thank you to the organisers for having us!
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
✊ We join 400+ academics, UN representatives, trade unions, civil society organisations and social movements supporting the Roadmap for Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth. 📰 Read the full opinion piece in @theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
We economists have done the maths: ‘growth’ is a doomed strategy – there is a better way | Olivier De Schutter and others
Our roadmap has been shaped by experts across the world. We call on political leaders at all levels to use it, says Olivier De Schutter and others
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
EU regulations have an impact beyond Europe & their implementation matters as much as their intentions. A new CLAC study finds that implementing #EUDR & the #Organic Regulation is creating real challenges for small-scale cocoa & coffee producers in Latin America. 👉 fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/247
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
🍃 The climate crisis is not just an environmental emergency. It's rooted in inequality, unfair trade & broken economic systems. Small-scale producers need fair conditions to be part of the solution. When the system is fair, sustainability follows. #WorldEnvironmentDay
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
JUST PUBLISHED! 🚨 The climate crisis is rooted in inequality & unfair trade. Our new guide shows how #FairTrade is central to climate resilience & why we can't have climate justice without trade justice. 👉 fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/244
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
20+ European organisations are calling on EU policymakers to ensure that Europe's agricultural transition remains science-based, democratically governed and grounded in the public interest. 🌱 A credible transition must strengthen social & environmental ambition. 👉 fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/245
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
From food to textiles, public purchases represent €2.5 trillion annually, influencing which products, business models & values are rewarded across the Single Market. 50+ orgs. demand a Public Procurement Act that delivers for the economy, society & environment. 📬 fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/243
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Reposted by Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO)
ECOS @ecos.ngo · 28/05/2026
Public procurement decisions shape which products and technologies are rewarded across the Single Market. That is why 50+ organisations are calling on @ec.europa.eu for a Public Procurement Act that puts long-term value above cheapest price. 👀 Our joint statement: ecostandard.org/publications...
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Help shape the future of #FairTrade 📣 The FTAO & Northumbria University are offering a fully funded 3-year Collaborative Doctoral Research Studentship. 📍 Brussels/UK-based (candidates must meet UK residency requirements) 📩 Apply by 30 June More details: www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Last week, FTAO's @virginiaenssle.bsky.social was at the #IIForoCaféFairtrade in Perú, exchanging with producers, cooperatives and experts on the current challenges and future of the coffee sector.☕ Thank you to all participants for the great isnights & to CLAC for the great organisation!
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
As the EU moves forward with new sustainability requirements for textiles under the #ESPR, the transition must be not only greener, but also fair & inclusive. 🧑‍🌾🤝🍃 📕 Read the #FairTrade Movement's recommendations for meaningful engagement with third-country actors: fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/241
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Catarina Vieira @catarina-europe.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Last week we marked World Fair Trade Day with an event co-organised with @bernd-lange.bsky.social and @fairtradeftao.bsky.social. With DG Trade, DG INTPA, civil society and producer organisations, we discussed the the #EUDR and the role of EU trade policy in supporting sustainable products.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
What a pleasure to mark World Fair Trade Day with the European Parliament's Fair Trade Working Group.🧑‍🌾🤝🌱 Thank you to @catarina-europe.bsky.social & @bernd-lange.bsky.social forr hosting this timely discussion on the role of the EU's external action in implementing sustainability regulations.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
The Deforestation Regulation is moving ahead and that's good news for forests. But smallholder farmers must not be left behind.🌳🧑‍🌾 Now is the time to focus on implementation: 🛠️ Technical & financial support 🤝 Shared responsibility 🗣️ Inclusion in decisions Our views➡️ fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/238
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Imagine a fashion industry that puts people before profit.🧵👥 230+ associations & trade unions across 43 countries unite to amplify the voices of garment workers, young people & allies shaping a fairer future for fashion. ✍️ Read the Manifesto & pledge your support: cleanclothes.org/campaigns/ma...
cleanclothes.org
Fashioning A Just Transition Manifesto
A guiding star for a Just Transition to a renewed future of fashion.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
EU Textile Labelling rules are outdated. The “Made in…” label does not reflect today's global textile value chains or consumer demand for transparency. Without EU harmonisation: 🌍 No common origin definition 🧩 Fragmented enforcement 🏭 Legal uncertainty 👤 Misleading info Revision is needed now.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Last week, we joined the @hdhl.bsky.social Conference alongside @iclei.org and colleagues of our CUES EU Project. 🥗🙌 Glad to see growing recognition of Sustainable Food Public Procurement as key lever for change in building healthier, more sustainable and fairer food environments in Europe.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Big step for #FairTrade in Spain!👏 Now officially recognised as part of the social economy under a new law that calls on public authorities to promote Fair Trade, including through public procurement. Kudos to @coordcomerciojusto.bsky.social for the great work. 👉 comerciojusto.org/el-comercio-...
comerciojusto.org
El Comercio Justo reconocido en la nueva Ley de Economía Social  • Coordinadora Estatal de Comercio Justo
El Comercio Justo se ha reconocido como fórmula innovadora y palanca de cambio para la transformación de sistemas de producción y comercialización más responsable, justo y verde.
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
We remember them and keep demanding policies that ensure this never happens again. 13 years after Rana Plaza, EU demand for cheap fashion fuels poverty wages, unsafe work & environmental harm. Time for fair rules👉 fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/236-th... #FashionRevolutionWeek
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
What can the EU do for a fair & sustainable textile sector?🧶👚 The answer starts with stronger action. The EU is one of the world’s biggest textile markets, yet its demand still drives overproduction, pollution & exploitation globally. 👉 fairtrade-advocacy.org/posts/236 #FashionRevolutionWeek
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Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) @fairtradeftao.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Looking forward to celebrating @ieep.eu's 50th anniversary at tomorrow’s #Think2030 Conference. 🗣️ FTAO's @virginiaenssle.bsky.social will be joining a panel on how EU trade policy can better align with climate objectives, resource use & global sustainability while strengthening economic resilience.
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