(IFTF) International Fur Trade Federation First established in 1949, the International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF) is a federation of 33 national fur trade associations and organisations from 27 countries. It draws together people from across the full spectrum of the trade: fur farmers; trappers; furriers; auction houses; merchants; brokers; dressers and dyers; manufacturers; marketing organisations and retailers.  www.iftf.com Through its work and the activities of members, IFTF seeks to protect fur trade interests and encourage a factual – rather than emotional – image of today's fur trade. IFTF and animal welfare IFTF is fully committed to maintaining high standards of care, habitat, health and welfare for fur animals, established under international, national and regional laws, agreements and codes of practice. IFTF and conservation The international fur trade does not use endangered animals for any purpose. Since 1978, IFTF has contributed more than US$ 5 million in support of a wide range of animal welfare and conservation projects. These have included scientific research into the population status of wild species, fur farming issues such as housing and disease prevention, and the development of the most humane trapping methods available. IFTF is a Voting Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (the World Conservation Union) and an active supporter of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). IFTF and education Both directly and through its members, IFTF serves as an educational and media resource on wildlife conservation, fashion and fur industry matters. In addition, the Federation organises internal trade seminars for members, providing an opportunity to share information on key issues facing the industry. IFTF and fashion One of IFTF’s key roles is to support and promote the use of fur by leading international fashion designers. Recently, fur has undeniably staged a comeback on the catwalks. More than 300 well-known international designers included fur in their collections for Autumn – Winter 2002-03. Through its members, the Federation highlights the use of fur to the international fashion media by providing Haute Couture and Ready to Wear press kits and fur trend predictions. IFTF helps to carry the ‘fur in fashion’ message to consumers by supporting events and magazine promotions. Examples include the Further Fantasy exhibition in Milan in 1999; this year’s 12 page Fur Report published in 10 international editions of Vogue and China Cosmopolitan; and the October 2002 SAGA/IFTF Beijing Fur Show. For more information about IFTF, visit www.iftf.com