Mankato Area Fair Trade Town Initiative (MAFTTI)

Mankato became Minnesota’s first ‘Fair Trade Town’ on October 24, 2011, the 25th in the nation.
MAFTTI started in June 2009 after a visit to Mankato from two Peruvian cooperative workers, Eva Pizarro and Ayde Riveros, organized by Green America and Partners for Just Trade.
Mankato (40,000) lies about 83 miles south-west of the Twin Cities. MAFTTI is continuing to promote the Fair Trade movement in the area, including North Mankato (13,500), on the opposite bank of the Minnesota River, and St.Peter (11,500), 12 miles to the north.
Campaign Progress

Build Your Team
The Fair Trade committee provides leadership and direction for your campaign.

Reach out to Retailers
Work with retail locations in your town to offer two or more Fair Trade products.

Enroll Community Organizations
Each town must have a certain number of community organizations using or serving Fair Trade products.

Commit to Fair Trade Education and Events
Raise awareness of Fair Trade in your community through educational events, media coverage, and other activities.

Pass a Fair Trade Resolution
Work with your city or town council to pass a resolution in support of Fair Trade.
From Our Blog
Remembering Emily Kracht, Loyola, and Mankato Fair Trade
March 18, 2023 by Paul Renshaw Founding Chair, Mankato Fair Trade . 35 years ago, if you were a coffee farmer anywhere in the Americas, East Africa or South-East Asia, you would have been very worried by the worl...
Women & Fair Trade
March 11, 2023 Women are incredibly important in the global agriculture system! Supporting gender equality and the development of women leaders in farmer organizations is a key piece of Fairtrade’s work to make g...
New Ulm’s Own Reopening
March 11, 2023 New Ulm’s Own is reopening in their new location on March 3, 2023. They are now in the front portion of 212 N. Minnesota Street in the space previously held by Nadelkunst knitting shop. The amazin...Fair Trade Locations
Retail Locations
Community Organizations