This week sees the start of Fairtrade Fortnight in the UK. At Green Pepper, we’ve long been supporters of Fairtrade – that is, products for which the producer has been fairly paid – even when Fairtrade goods were few and far between.
“Fairtrade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Its purpose is to create opportunities for producers and workers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalized by the conventional trading system.” Fairtrade Foundation
Just 10 years or so ago, Fairtrade products such as tea, coffee, chocolate, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts and rice, were the preserve of small independent retailers and wholefood shops but today they are much more widely available.
Most supermarkets now stock a selection of Fairtrade goods and products, and even some of the big brands are adopting the principles, albeit a token gesture.
What is Fairtrade?
Fairtrade is a tool for development that ensures disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries get a better deal through the use of the international FAIRTRADE Mark.
Fairtrade labelling was created in the Netherlands in the late 1980s. The Max Havelaar Foundation launched the first Fairtrade consumer guarantee label in 1988 on coffee sourced from Mexico. In the UK, the Fairtrade Foundation was established in 1992, with the first products to carry the FAIRTRADE Mark launched in 1994.
For a product to display the FAIRTRADE Mark it must meet international Fairtrade standards which are set by an international certification body.
What difference does Fairtrade make?
To the producers – the farmers and workers at the heart of the Fairtrade system – being paid a fair price makes a huge difference. And, for the most part, that difference extends to the families and communities where the farmers and workers live, directly benefitting the local economy.
Ranging in size from small co-operatives to large plantations and scattered over Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, they supply the UK market with Fairtrade certified products.
“I would like to see all my bananas being sold as Fairtrade because the extra effort that we have to put into meeting the criteria of Fairtrade bananas is helping to protect the environment.” Denise Sutherland, Fairtrade farmer
Fairtrade producers are required to comply with a range of standards and processes that contribute to the economic strengthening of the organisation and to the social and economic development of members and their communities, as well as implementing standards that protect the environment and minimise use of fertilisers and pesticides.
Where can I buy Fairtrade products?
Fairtrade certified products are widely available in many independent shops, major supermarkets and online.
When buying everyday items like tea and coffee look out for brands such as TeaDirect, CafeDirect and Clipper and, if you’re chocolate-lover, check out Divine. These brands should be available in your local supermarket (if not ask the manager to stock them) as well as many independent stores and Oxfam shops.
Even some own-brand goods from stores including The Co-operative, Marks & Spencers, Waitrose and Sainsburys now carry the Fairtrade mark, such as fresh and dried fruit, fresh flowers, fruit juice, wine, beer, and cotton clothing.
The important thing to look out for is the FAIRTRADE Mark – it’s your guarantee that disavantaged farmers and workers in the developing world are getting a better deal.
More information
Check out the Fairtrade Foundation website for more information about Fairtrade certified products. And for a great selection of fairly-traded goods, including Fairtrade certified products, check out the Traidcraft Shop – the UK’s largest online fair trade store.
Tell us what you think
We’d love to hear your views on Fairtrade products. Do you buy Fairtrade, if you have the choice? Read what others have said, and join the discussion by leaving your comments below.
(some material reproduced from the Fairtrade Foundation website)
3 comments… read them below or add yours now
I do support Fairtrade but I have a dilemma: what about the ‘food-miles’ and the cost to the environment of getting the products to us? Anyone else consider that important? Is it a price worth paying?
@Alice – I dont know where you live, but I am sure that there are many Fairtrade products that are not produced in your country.
Fair trade has done more to eradicate poverty and create sustainability than any other action. However, the current credit crunch is destroying many fair trade businesses that were once vibrant simply because they dont have access to credit financing.
If you are passionate about fair trade and would like to know how you can invest in fair trade businesses to help ensure that fair trade businesses continue to grow and prosper, please visit Shared Interest.
@Alice Letheren: That’s a good point and a view shared by many, I’m sure. There’s an interesting discussion about exactly that over at ooffoo.com
@Patrick Dodd: Welcome to Green Pepper and thanks for joining the discussion. You’re right, of course, most Fairtrade products can’t be produced locally and fair trade is essential to ensuring that producers get a better deal. Thanks for the link to Shared Interest too – an essential read for all those interested in creating a fairer world.