BOSTON, MA – This Friday, October 15 at 6:30pm, The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) will host an informational reception at Natural Products Expo East for the Fair World Project (FWP). The new organization will promote fair trade in commerce, especially in organic production systems in developing countries as well as at home, and protect the term “fair trade” from dilution and misuse for mere PR purposes. The OCA’s new project fills the critical need for a watchdog of misleading fair trade claims, and a cheerleader for dedicated fair trade mission-driven companies. Through FWP, OCA will focus on promoting projects that connect the environmental and health benefits of organic agriculture with the social benefits derived from fair trade.

WHO: Organic Consumers Association and Fair World Project

WHERE: Burroughs Room at Westin Boston Waterfront, Natural Products Expo East

WHEN: Friday, October 15, 2010 from 6:30-8:30pm

WHAT: Informational reception for the new organization Fair World Project. The Organic Consumers Association will be joined by Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Equal Exchange, Theo Chocolate and other Fair Trade brands. A brief presentation at 7pm by the Fair World Project will be followed by an open discussion of challenges and issues related to Fair Trade. Drinks and light hors d’oveures will be provided.

The Fair World Project’s inaugural publication of For a Better World will be distributed at this event and at Natural Products Expo East throughout the show. One hundred and fifty thousand copies in total will be distributed to fair trade outlets such as co-ops and organic markets nationwide, including all Whole Foods Market stores in the United States. The publication features candid articles on the fair trade movement, including different approaches to fair trade certification, exceptional fair trade projects abroad and at home in the West, as well as how to reintegrate fair trade back into the organic movement.

The FWP intends to encourage critical thinking rather than blind faith regarding fair trade claims and certification schemes. Through publications, events, and targeted campaigns the group seeks to articulate and advance the issues involved in fair trade, with the goal of helping consumers, business owners, employees and activists make informed decisions about where and on what to spend their money and resources – to build a better and more just world. The FWP’s new website provides a space and forum where consumers can discuss issues within the Fair Trade movement, ask tough questions and share information.

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The Fair World Project promotes fair trade, insists on integrity in fair trade, and cultivates a holistic approach to global economics. For further information, go to: http://www.fairworldproject.org