ABOUT PARTNERS FOR JUST TRADE

Partners for Just Trade is a non-profit, Christian organization that builds partnerships between artisans and farmers living in extreme poverty and conscientious consumers.  We address root causes of poverty through education, solidarity, a commitment to trade justice and the sale of Fair Trade products.

PJT began as an initiative of the Presbyterian Hunger Program.  It began informally when a handful of Presbyterians visiting Peru through the Hunger Program's Joining Hands Network began bringing handcrafts made by their new colleagues back to the United States for sale in churches and among friends. Very quickly, thanks to the work of committed volunteers, that tiny partnership blossomed into a growing non-profit organization with a national outreach that sells a wide variety of Fair Trade products and creates educational materials about the importance of Fair Trade.

More than 15 artisan groups, with over 200 producers, now work with PJT, through our Peruvian Trade Partner called Bridge of Hope. In 2008, PJT began working with RELUFA, a Cameroonian organization who among other things, works with farmers whose land has been usurped by a multinational corporation.

The fair wages the artisans and farmers receive enables them to afford food, shelter and medicine for their families, educate their children and reclaim personal dignity so they may assert their economic, political and social rights.

Today PJT is a recognized player in the national Fair Trade movement, providing superior Fair Trade products, upholding strong, transparent relationships with its producer partners, and educating consumers about the benefits of Fair Trade. PJT is now a screened member of both the Fair Trade Federation and the Green America Business Network. Today our superior products are sold in over 20 retail stores across the country and through various other venues including PJT's own online store.

Read our 2008-09 Annual Report >>