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What Is Fair Trade?


What Is Fairtrade?


"Fair Trade is a partnership between producers and consumers which ensures producers in the developing world have good working conditions and fair prices." (Fairtrade Foundation website)



Fair Trade principles include:

Paying fair prices to the producers which reflect the true cost of the production - world market prices often do not cover even the cost of the raw materials.

Supporting producer organisations in their social development projects - many provide health and education facilities.

Promoting the empowerment of women.

Advising on product development to increase access to markets.

Encouraging environmental responsibility.

Commiting to long term relationships to provide stability and security.

Campaigning to highlight the unequal system of world trade

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Fair Trade.


Fairtrade has helped to lift millions of people out of poverty. When you buy Fairtrade products a larger share of the money you spend goes to the people who need it most - the farmers in the poor countries who grow food for us or the workers who help produce it. These people are called "the producers".

Without Fairtrade:

Farmers and workers often have to work for low wages.

They can be treated badly and are often sacked if they complain.

They are sometimes forced to work with dangerous chemicals without masks or special clothing to protect them.

The price they get for selling their crops is often very low; this means farmers are often unable to make a profit. They can end up with big debts and can lose their land and homes.

With Fairtrade:

Farmers are guaranteed a fair price for their goods

Companies provide decent homes and safe working conditions.

No child or forced labour is used to produce the goods.

Workers are able to plan for the future and invest in their communities by building wells and improving community services.

Companies operate in such a way as to protect the environment.





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