Alternative Trading Associations

Alternative trading associations or organizations, usually referred to by the acronym ATOs, are independent, nongovernmental organizations that distribute and market food and crafts from developing countries through a network of traditional shops and e-shops. They are aligned with the fair trade principles and are strongly committed to promoting social justice, individual and collective responsibility, sustainable consumption patterns, gender equality, and fair compensation for small and medium-sized producers. ATOs’ philosophy and action are based on the idea that poor, disadvantaged farmers and artisans from developing countries can be successfully helped to become self-supporting if fair prices are applied to their produce and middlemen are eliminated. ATOs advocate for equity in the world trade system and create market opportunities for products made by producers in developing regions. ...