WHY
THE FAIRTRADE MARK?
The Fairtrade Foundation exists to improve the position of poor and marginalised producers in the developing world. The Foundation encourages UK industry and consumers to support fairer trade and to purchase Fairtrade products. The Fairtrade Label is the only independent guarantee that producers in the developing world get a better deal.
WHY
THE FAIRTRADE MARK?
Millions of landless labourers and small scale farmers are denied what should be
their right: sufficient income to feed their families, to send their children to
school and that little extra to invest in sustainable development. For small
farmers access to market information is difficult and, as a result, many small
farmers become dependent on middlemen. In bad times many lose their only asset,
their land and, thus, their livelihoods. Similarly, many plantation workers
endure low pay, an unsafe working environment and poor living conditions. Too
often they lack the freedom to join a trade union to defend their rights and the
opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their lives on the
plantation.
The
Fairtrade Mark is the only independent guarantee that a product has been traded
in compliance with internationally agreed fair trade standards.
Millions of landless labourers and small scale farmers are denied what should be
their right: sufficient income to feed their families, to send their children to
school and that little extra to invest in sustainable development. For small
farmers access to market information is difficult and, as a result, many small
farmers become dependent on middlemen. In bad times many lose their only asset,
their land and, thus, their livelihoods. Similarly, many plantation workers
endure low pay, an unsafe working environment and poor living conditions. Too
often they lack the freedom to join a trade union to defend their rights and the
opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their lives on the
plantation.
WHAT ABOUT FAIRLY TRADED PRODUCTS?
Some
organisations like Oxfam and Traidcraft have been trading fairly for many years
and sell a wide range of fairly traded products. Along with a number of similar
organisations including Body Shop, they belong to the International Federation
for Alternative Trade (IFAT). Consumers can trust these organisations because
tackling
poverty through trade is their main purpose. However, some other companies make
their own 'fair trade' claims without having the independent scrutiny of the
Fairtrade Mark, or the interests of producers at heart. If you are shopping and
see products in the Fairtrade range without the Mark, there is no guarantee that
they give
producers a fair deal.
There are undoubtedly organisations and companies endeavouring to trade as
fairly as possible with their partners, but only the Fairtrade Foundation
certifies
Fairtrade licensees.
FAIRTRADE STANDARDS
There are two producer standards; one for small farmers and one for workers on plantations and in processing factories. The first set applies to smallholders organised in co-operatives or other organisations with a democratic, participative structure.
The second applies to organised workers, whose employers pay decent wages,
guarantee the right to join a trade union and provide good housing, where
relevant. Minimum health and safety as well as environmental standards must be
complied with, and no child or forced labour can occur.
Trading standards stipulate that traders must: pay a price to producers that
covers the costs of sustainable production and living; pay a premium that
producers can invest in development; make partial advance payments when
requested by producers; sign contracts that allow for long-term planning and
sustainable production practices.
FAIRTRADE GUIDES & MATERIALS
The Fairtrade Foundation provides a wealth of information to promote its Mark. These include information on:
Introducing Fairtrade
Fairtrade Retail Products and Availability
Licensee and Retailer Contacts
Fair Comment Newsletter
Registered Distributors
The Five Guarantees behind the Fairtrade Mark
A Powerpoint Presentation: Check out Fairtrade
Action Guides
Fairtrade Fortnight Action Guide
Church Action Guide
Students' Guide
Fairtrade and Local Authority Guide
Reports
Spilling the beans on the coffee trade
Unpeeling the Banana Trade
Promotional Materials
Order form
Fairtrade Fortnight Action Flyer
General leaflet
Information pamphlet
Producer poster
Recipe card
Banana Action Card
Ideas Pack
Leaflets, badges and other publicity material
These can be downloaded from The Fairtrade Foundation or by post from The Fairtrade Foundation, Suite 204, 16 Baldwin’s
Gardens, London EC1N 7RJ
