WHAT IS FAIRTRADE?
Fairtrade is trade delivering greater fairness to farmers and workers in developing countries. Fairtrade guarantees:
• Prices to farmers that cover production costs and
provide a living wage
• A premium for business and community
development
•Trading relationships that are more direct and
long-term
• Better rights for workers
• Good environmental standards
WHY IS FAIRTRADE NECESSARY?
People in developing countries who produce many of the things we eat and drink do not get a fair share of the wealth created by trade. The rules of international trade favour rich countries over poor ones. World prices that small farmers receive for crops such as tea, coffee and cocoa fluctuate widely. Working conditions are often poor with low wages, lack of job security and limited rights for workers.
WHY A FAIRTRADE MARK?
The Fairtrade Mark, registered with the EU, helps shoppers identify goods that are fairly traded. Its use on a product is licensed by the Fairtrade Foundation and certifies that it has been traded according to internationally agreed standards. Choosing Fairtrade means that buying off the shelf has a beneficial affect on the lives and welfare of vulnerable producers in the Third World.
Consumer awareness:
A Mori poll in 2005 showed that more than 50% of the adult population can identify the Fairtrade certification mark
THE SCALE OF FAIRTRADE
In 2006, Fairtrade sales amounted to more than £293M, an increase of 46% on 2005, making the UK Fairtrade market the largest in the world.
There are now more than 2500 retail and catering Fairtrade products available compared to only 150 in 2003.
The Fairtrade premium from sales around the world currently delivers an extra $100M annually to producers and their families - more than 5M people in 58 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Buy products with the Fairtrade Mark
