What is Fairtrade?
“The rules and practices of international trade are biased in favour of rich countries and powerful companies, often to the cost of poor producers. Buying Fairtrade changes the lives of millions of people world-wide and shows how trade can be made to work in favour of poor people and the environment.”
We are all involved in trade and often as buyers of products such as food, clothes and sports goods that come from developing countries. The way we trade can determine whether or not families in these countries have enough to eat and whether or not they can afford to send their children to school.
Often, the producers of the goods we buy are paid less than a living wage and have to work in unsafe conditions without the entitlements that we in the UK would see as basic human rights and may be struggling with changes to the climate. Fairtrade is a growing, international movement that ensures that producers in developing countries get a fair deal. This means: a fair price for their goods (one that covers the cost of production and provides a living income); a long-term relationship that provides real security; support to gain the knowledge and skills that they need to develop, and adapt, for greater sustainably of the soil and their livelihoods.
Fair Trade products come in all shapes and sizes, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, sugar, fruit juice, alcohol, fresh fruit, dried fruit, rice, pasta, nuts, jam, honey, snack bars, chocolate, sweets, cake, sports balls, crafts, jewellery, clothes, flowers, to name a few.
The Fairtrade Foundation licenses the FAIRTRADE Mark to products which meet internationally recognised standards. Fairtrade sales in the UK in 2020 were £1,899 million (from the Ethical Markets report.. Amongst the 20 countries across Europe, North America, Japan and Australia/New Zealand and Mexico that make up Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO), the UK has the largest Fairtrade market.
Here are some links to interesting websites with more facts and figures about fair trade:
We are all involved in trade and often as buyers of products such as food, clothes and sports goods that come from developing countries. The way we trade can determine whether or not families in these countries have enough to eat and whether or not they can afford to send their children to school.
Often, the producers of the goods we buy are paid less than a living wage and have to work in unsafe conditions without the entitlements that we in the UK would see as basic human rights and may be struggling with changes to the climate. Fairtrade is a growing, international movement that ensures that producers in developing countries get a fair deal. This means: a fair price for their goods (one that covers the cost of production and provides a living income); a long-term relationship that provides real security; support to gain the knowledge and skills that they need to develop, and adapt, for greater sustainably of the soil and their livelihoods.
Fair Trade products come in all shapes and sizes, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, sugar, fruit juice, alcohol, fresh fruit, dried fruit, rice, pasta, nuts, jam, honey, snack bars, chocolate, sweets, cake, sports balls, crafts, jewellery, clothes, flowers, to name a few.
The Fairtrade Foundation licenses the FAIRTRADE Mark to products which meet internationally recognised standards. Fairtrade sales in the UK in 2020 were £1,899 million (from the Ethical Markets report.. Amongst the 20 countries across Europe, North America, Japan and Australia/New Zealand and Mexico that make up Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO), the UK has the largest Fairtrade market.
Here are some links to interesting websites with more facts and figures about fair trade:
- Global information from Fairtrade International
- Fairtrade premium earned and what it is spent on (not sales but premium from those sales)
- Facts and figures with monitoring report data - up to 2019
Go Fairtrade
"Going Fairtrade" is easy!
You can start by simply changing your usual brand of tea or coffee to Fairtrade equivalents. Most supermarkets have plenty to choose from, or for real ethical consumerism you could buy it from a charity. If you're having difficulty persuading your friends or work colleagues, how about organising a taste testing session without the labels! You could try changing your favourite chocolate bar, fruit or cereal and if you're in a sports club, why not change to Fairtrade footballs or rugby balls?
It’s easy to get hold of leaflets and posters, particularly when it's close to Fairtrade Fortnight. You could put up a display in your office or school or give out free samples. Materials are available directly from suppliers or the Fairtrade Foundation.
If you decide to "Go Fairtrade" in Swansea with your business, school or group, let us know – we are always keen to know of new Fair Trade outlets and Fair Trade groups so we can promote them and help maintain our status as a Fairtrade County.
You can start by simply changing your usual brand of tea or coffee to Fairtrade equivalents. Most supermarkets have plenty to choose from, or for real ethical consumerism you could buy it from a charity. If you're having difficulty persuading your friends or work colleagues, how about organising a taste testing session without the labels! You could try changing your favourite chocolate bar, fruit or cereal and if you're in a sports club, why not change to Fairtrade footballs or rugby balls?
It’s easy to get hold of leaflets and posters, particularly when it's close to Fairtrade Fortnight. You could put up a display in your office or school or give out free samples. Materials are available directly from suppliers or the Fairtrade Foundation.
If you decide to "Go Fairtrade" in Swansea with your business, school or group, let us know – we are always keen to know of new Fair Trade outlets and Fair Trade groups so we can promote them and help maintain our status as a Fairtrade County.