last page |
|
Elstead Home |
Millions of landless laborers and small farmers are denied what should be their right: enough to feed their families, send their children to school and that little extra to invest in sustainable development. Clearly, the advantages of international trade are not visible to all people in the world. For small farmers, access to market or price information is difficult and, as a result, many small farmers become increasingly dependent on middlemen. In bad times, many lose their only asset: their land and, thus, their livelihoods. Similarly, many plantation workers do not see the benefits of increasing world trade. Many endure low pay, 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 Foundation exists to improve the position of poor and marginalised producers in the developing world. The Fairtrade Foundation encourages U.K. industry and consumers to support fairer trade and, to Purchase Fairtrade products. Products that carry the FAIRTRADE Mark, the only independent, consumer, guarantee, ensure that producers in the developing world get a better deal.
"We don't need charity, we are not beggars, if we are paid a reasonable
price for our coffee, then we can do without charity".
Isaias Martinez, UCIRI,Mexico
Currently, more than 100 coffee, tea, banana, chocolate, cocoa, juice, sugar
and honey products carry the FAIRTRADE Mark (above).
Fairtrade coffee, tea and other products are also offered by more than 25 nationwide
suppliers.
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.
The Fairtrade Foundation, with its international partners, checks that approved
products continue to meet these criteria.
