Fairtrade - What does it mean and why should we support?

What is Fairtrade:

Fairtrade started in 2005 and is a system aimed to assist producers in developing nations in establishing long-term, fair-trading ties. Members of the fairtrade movement also demand that exporters be paid better prices and that social and environmental standards be improved.

Fair Trade is a trading partnership that promotes more equality in international trade via communication, transparency, and respect. Fairtrade is about better prices, safe working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.

Fair Trade is a trading partnership that promotes more equality in international trade via communication, transparency, and respect.

What does the term "fair trade" imply? Is it better to pay workers more or to ensure that farmers and manufacturing workers are treated fairly? Is it similar to direct trading, or is it more? Is this only true for chocolate, coffee, or organic tote bags? As the certification grows in popularity, more customers are aware of the notion, but many appear to just have a basic comprehension of it. Fairtrade aims to make sure that its customers believe in the same beliefs/goals as the organisation.

Why is it important:

Fairtrade is crucial because it allows consumers to demand that people who produce our food receive a fair deal. Consumers who choose Fairtrade can demand the highest standards from businesses and governments, ensuring that people and the environment are not abused in the production of the products we love.

Fairtrade aims to more evenly distribute the advantages of trade. The Fairtrade Premium gives an additional reward to farmers and employees, allowing them to invest in the future.

Fairtrade empowers small-scale farmers and workers to shape a brighter future for everyone.

Requirements:

To be Fair Trade certified, a product must be made by a farmer, organization, or group of employees who fulfil the Fair-Trade labelling body's guidelines. There are now around 11 certifiers operating globally, each with their own set of requirements. These guidelines differ significantly, however, they all demand that:

• A Fair-Trade minimum wage is paid to workers.
• The environment's sustainability is maintained.
• Working conditions are kept safe.
• There is no forced or child labour.
• Premiums are given to producers based on the product they create
• These premiums go to a communal fund to be used for development projects
• The supply chain is transparent to consumers

Some products:

• Banana
• Coffee
• Sugar
• Flower
• Tea
• Cocoa
• Rice
• Honey and many more

References:

• https://www.gallantintl.com/what-is-fair-trade-in-detail
• https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/donate/why-we-need-fairtrade/#:~:text=Fairtrade%20enables%20consumers%20to%20demand,create%20the%20products%20we%20enjoy.
• https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/