Our Mission and Philosophy
At From the Field, our main mission is to foster more direct, long-term linkages between
producers of high-quality products and the end users of these products. In completing
this mission, we are committed to equitable trade, organic cultivation, environmental
stewardship, and community development.
We believe that socially responsible private businesses must play an important role in
fostering environmental stewardship and equitable global development. We feel that
there are many business owners and individuals who care deeply about the impact their
decisions have on the global community. Often, however, existing models of trade lead to
environmental degradation and social inequality. These business practices, we believe,
are not sustainable in the long-term.
From the Field offers a different trade model. As one of a growing number of indigenous
businesses, we work within existing community structures instead of against them. Such
a model recognizes not only the importance of money economies to rural communities,
but also the real role that social and natural economies play in fostering a good quality of
life. It is a more human, more adaptable and more successful business model.
It is also in many ways more complicated. Understanding the culture, politics,
infrastructure, and language of the small communities where one works is crucial for
successful long-term equitable trade programs. Trade is about trust, and by knowing our
clients and communities personally, we develop relationships based on honesty and
respect.
At From the Field, we enjoy connecting the lives of farmers with the lives of buyers.
Individuals in the United States can know that the vanilla they purchased helped to build a
village school. Growers in rural Madagascar can look on a map of the world and know
where their vanilla is landing. They can count on earning a secure living into the future,
allowing families to plan ahead, instead of only living season to season.
In short, from the field to the market, our company offers alternative stories of trade.
At From the Field, our main mission is to foster more direct, long-term linkages between
producers of high-quality products and the end users of these products. In completing
this mission, we are committed to equitable trade, organic cultivation, environmental
stewardship, and community development.
We believe that socially responsible private businesses must play an important role in
fostering environmental stewardship and equitable global development. We feel that
there are many business owners and individuals who care deeply about the impact their
decisions have on the global community. Often, however, existing models of trade lead to
environmental degradation and social inequality. These business practices, we believe,
are not sustainable in the long-term.
From the Field offers a different trade model. As one of a growing number of indigenous
businesses, we work within existing community structures instead of against them. Such
a model recognizes not only the importance of money economies to rural communities,
but also the real role that social and natural economies play in fostering a good quality of
life. It is a more human, more adaptable and more successful business model.
It is also in many ways more complicated. Understanding the culture, politics,
infrastructure, and language of the small communities where one works is crucial for
successful long-term equitable trade programs. Trade is about trust, and by knowing our
clients and communities personally, we develop relationships based on honesty and
respect.
At From the Field, we enjoy connecting the lives of farmers with the lives of buyers.
Individuals in the United States can know that the vanilla they purchased helped to build a
village school. Growers in rural Madagascar can look on a map of the world and know
where their vanilla is landing. They can count on earning a secure living into the future,
allowing families to plan ahead, instead of only living season to season.
In short, from the field to the market, our company offers alternative stories of trade.
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Copyright 2007, From the Field, Inc.
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| Family out for a walk |
| Bamboo lemur |
| Packaging vanilla for export |
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| From the Field Trading Company |
| Fair trade products of Madagascar |