Main heading

What is the Fair Trade Mark?

The Fairtrade Mark is an independent guarantee that informs consumers the developing world producers receive a fair deal. In the case of coffee it means:

• It is bought directly from farmers organisations
• The farmers receive a guaranteed price
• Long term contracts and credit terms for farmers, allowing for investment.

Reasons to buy Fair Trade products

• Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay above market prices, Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their lot and have more control over their lives.
• For 500,000 workers and farmers in the developing world, Fairtrade means better terms of trade and decent production conditions. The Fairtrade Foundation, with its partners, maintains these standards by regularly inspecting third world suppliers, and checking contracts and trade terms.
• Products like coffee, tea and chocolate, that we in the north have come to depend on, are produced in the warmer climates of the south. The prices paid for these commodities have not risen in real terms over the last forty years, whilst the value of fertilisers, pesticides and machinery (imported from the rich countries) has increased substantially. Consequently many of the people who grow these crops are having to work harder and longer for less money. On top of this the market price of commodities frequently drops below the cost of producing them.
• The Fair Trade Foundation and the Soil Association are currently carrying out a one year plot project to look at increasing the range of Fairtrade and organic products available and developing additional standards reflecting the principles of fair trade for producers in developed countries including the UK.

What type of products are currently available as Fair Trade?

• Fresh Fruit (Bananas, Mangoes, Pineapples)
• Chocolate
• Cocoa
• Coffee
• Fruit Juice
• Honey
• Snacks and Biscuits
• Sugar
• Tea

What you can do?

• Buy Fair Trade products whenever possible
• Encourage the Tea / Coffee fund at work to buy FairTrade products.
• Ask your local shops to stock Fair Trade products.
• Give Fair Trade products as gifts.
  

Other trade related issues are Organic and Local Food

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Any comments / queries / suggestions to Stefania Isbell

or tel 01244 603191 or fax 01244 603033