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Fairtrade Facts
The "what, why and how" of Fairtrade.
WHAT - is Fairtrade? Fairtrade is a way for the average person in the street to make a difference. In 2003 there were 150 Fairtrade products - now there are over 1,000 food items alone. The Fairtrade Foundation ensures that the producers will receive a fair price for their crops. This then allows them to go ahead and improve their lives, feed their families, increase the size of their land, gain a higher yield from their crops and so on. These people can trade their way out of poverty and into better lives. They don't ask for charity - they ask to be given a chance to provide for themselves.
WHY - Fairtrade? Because if not Fairtrade, then nothing. In 2007 £400 million was spent on Fairtrade products. This ensured 7 million people, farmers, farm workers and their families have stability in their lives. More Fairtrade is bought in the UK than any other European country. The small extra we pay does go to the farmers, whereas with some charitable donations, admin costs eat up the goodwill. As we buy more fairly traded goods, economies of scale will cause the prices to fall into line with those of every day items.
HOW - Fairtrade? How does it work? The Fairtrade Foundation guarantees farmers and co-operatives of farmers a fixed price for their crops, so that when world prices fluctuate they can be guaranteed a long term fixed rate. Also, a social premium is paid which is invested in local projects to improve healthcare and education.
Buying Fairtrade food is a way of exercising consumer power to make a positive contribution to the lives of those who produce the food we enjoy. Ultimately, its supporters hope to effect changes in the way trade with poorer countries is done.
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