La Maison Afrique  FAIR TRADE
Set up in 1995, La Maison Afrique FAIR TRADE AB  is a non-profit organization which works in close cooperation with artisans on Madagascar.
La Maison Afrique's "raison d' être" is summarized in its logo: " Arts & crafts from Madagascar with respect for environment, people and traditions. FAIR TRADE". 

The materials used are local renewable and natural or recycled. The production is small scale and environmentally friendly. The products are shipped by sea from Madagascar to Sweden.
The artisans are supported with e.g. interest free loans, export administration, market information and regular orders within a long-term commitment to cooperation.
The focus is on value-added products.
La Maison Afrique does not trade with raw materials. In the colonial trade system, Africa was the supplier of raw materials. La Maison Afrique works for change.

La Maison Afrique has a wholesale stock in Sweden. The products are sold by shops, institutions and churches. 
La Maison Arique is actively promoting the products and the importance of Fair Trade in various European forums.

La Maison Afrique  FAIR TRADE is a certified Fair Trade Organization (FTO) and  a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO).

WFTO 10 standards for  Fair Trade Organization
Headings below, click here for complete text.
1) Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers 
2)  Transparency and Accountability 
3)  Trading Practices 
4) Payment of a Fair Price 
5) Child Labour and Forced Labour 
6) Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Freedom of Association 
7) Working Conditions 
8) Capacity Building 
9) Promotion of Fair Trade
10) Environment 

How is compliance with the WFTO standards verified?
The monitoring is done in a three-tier process:
First, the member organizations submit a Self Assessment Report to the World Fair Trade Organization. Reporting is compulsory every second year and must cover all 10 standards.
Secondly, in a mutual review, the member make their Self Assessment Report available to trading partners.
Thirdly, external verification is executed at randomly selected members.
Read more about the World Fair Trade Organization on its website:  www.wfto.com

For more information about La Maison Afrique, click here.