Co-op America is a large member organization that works to harness the strength of consumers, investors, businesses and the
marketplace to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable
society. The Fair Trade cause was a perfect fit for Co-op Amierca’s mission and the organization serves as patron and parent to the Fair Trade Federation in the United States. Co-op America has recently released a "Guide to Fair Trade" (PDF) which is the best resource I’ve seen if you are just starting to learn about Fair Trade or you’re looking for a way to introduce family and friends to the idea of Fair Trade.

The guide begins with a thorough overview of the Fair Trade principles and how those principles are enforced and checked. It also includes vingettes on Fair Trade producer groups around the world. The guide gives the reader a glimpse at the widening array of Fair Trade produtcs now available which go beyond flagship products coffee and chocolate to include spices, fresh fruits, wine, sugar, vanilla and even sports balls. A directory is included so you will know to which shops you should begin shifting your consumption in support of Fair Trade.

If you are willing to contribute more to the cause of economic justice than your dollars the guide provides suggestions and steps on how you can take action. Co-op America’s current action focus is on opening the North American market for Fair Trade bananas which is logistically ripe for explosive growth. Fair Trade bananas have been available in North America since 2004 when market leader Oke Bananas opened for business (see the Guide to Fair Trade for a profile of this young company). In Europe, where Fair Trade fruit has been available since the mid-90s,
sales of Fair Trade bananas have been growing at a rate of about 50
percent a year.