All Related, Each Unique
The Marshfield Cultural Fair
Policy: Fair Trade and the Vending of Craft Items and Packaged Foods

This policy is set forth to govern the selling of craft and packaged food items at the Marshfield Cultural Fair in accordance with its stated mission, objectives and themes. It is intended to serve the interests of fairgoers and participants, while at the same time promoting social justice, international understanding and cultural/ethnic creativity. While the policy may not cover every eventuality, all Fair participants are asked to honor its spirit.

Policy

1. All applications involving items for sale must have those items approved by the Cultural Fair organization.
2. All individuals, groups or businesses offering items for sale at the Fair are required to remit 10% of gross revenues to the Marshfield Cultural Fair unless it is demonstrated that no profit will accrue to the selling party.
3. Individuals and groups may sell craft/art items they or their members create or are imported from abroad that represent ethnic traditions.
4. Only those individuals, groups or businesses approved by the Cultural Fair organization as Food Vendors may sell food, except for parties offering packaged Fair Trade items (see principles and practices below).
5. Individuals, groups and businesses not identified as Food Vendors may sell craft and packaged food items not produced by them that conform to the Fair Trade principles and practices summarized below.

• FAIR WAGES: Producers are paid fairly for their products and labor, at least at a rate conforming to a country’s minimum wage. Better yet, workers should be paid a living wage that covers basic needs, including food, shelter, education and health care.
• COOPERATIVE WORKPLACES: Cooperatives and producer associations provide a healthy alternative to large-scale manufacturing, plantation and sweatshop conditions.
• CONSUMER EDUCATION: Fair Trade organizations educate consumers about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products that support living wages and healthy working conditions.
• ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: Fair Trade organizations encourage producers to engage in environmentally friendly practices that manage and use local resources sustainably.
• PROVIDE FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Small-scale farmers and artisans in the developing countries lack access to affordable financing, impeding their profitability. When requested, fair traders provide financial assistance either through direct loans, prepayment or by linking producers with sources of financing. They also often provide other critical technical assistance and support such as market information, product feedback and training in financial management. Fair traders establish long-term relationships with their producers and help them adapt production for changing trends.
• RESPECT CULTURAL IDENTITY: Supporters of Fair Trade encourage the production of products that respect the producers' cultural traditions and help preserve their cultural identity.