Fair Trade Month is Great for Our Artisans

October is fair trade month and it has been quite a good one for many of the artisan groups from whom we source. And now another group, Muya Ethiopia, that makes our light and sheer scarves from Ethiopia, has been recognized as a new member of IFAT.

IFAT, or the International Fair Trade Association, is a global network of Fair Trade Orgnizations. Like the Fair Trade Federation in the US, (of which EDImports and our partner One World Projects are members), recognition by this group means that one's business practices uphold the principles and practices of fair trade. There are fewer than 25 companies from Africa recognized by IFAT and Muya is the first from Ethiopia.

When we visited their workshop in 2006 we were impressed not only by the organization and clearly pleasant work environment, with gardens and airy workshops, but also by the extra efforts Muya makes to help the artisans, such as a hot meal served daily and much above average wages. The quality of the place and people shows through in the final products as their weaving is among the very best in the country. Congrats to Muya on their acceptance to IFAT!