Become a Member

Membership in DFTA is by application. Farmworker, farmer, retail, manufacturing, processing, marketing, and NGO organizations are invited to apply for membership if they are committed to the principles of domestic fair trade.

While the Principles for Domestic Fair Trade provide a basic philosophy and guide for member organizations, we also need a system of verification of organizational commitment to the principles not just in word but also in practice. This will ensure that the organizations involved in the Association share a common commitment to the Principles as well as to ongoing improvement in their implementation. Our goal is to create a system that has integrity while also being practical. In a manner similar to the membership processes of other Fair Trade associations, this system provides for self-assessment, peer review, and ongoing improvement goals.

Member verification will also help build trust in the concept of Domestic Fair Trade. Already we see so much excitement about this idea that businesses are using it to promote products with little awareness of the history, goals, or principles of Fair Trade. There is a very real risk that Domestic Fair Trade will become meaningless to consumers and other stakeholders if we are not vigilant in asserting the broader goals and priorities that underlie the Fair Trade Movement. DFTA is creating a structure through which mission-based organizations can engage in dialogue and information-sharing around the concepts of Fair Trade, organic agriculture, and farmworker justice. Such a structure will also ensure that our movement is sustainable and has a lasting impact for our communities and for the earth.

If you organization is interested in applying for membership in DFTA, please download the appropriate application below or email [email protected] for instructions and a word document version. (If you are unclear which application is appropriate to your organization, refer to the sector definitions in the introductory packet or email [email protected].)

Download an application for a farmworker organization.

Download an application for a farmer organization.

Download an application for a retailer, processor, marketer, or manufacturer.

Download an application for an NGO.