ABOUT PARTNERS FOR JUST TRADE

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

PJT is an initiative of the Presbyterian Church (USA) 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 a Peruvian conduit called Bridge of Hope. The fair wages received by the artisans 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 Green America’s Green Business Network. Today our superior products are sold in nearly 20 retail stores across the country and through various other venues including PJT’s own online store.