Playing Fair What is Fairtrade Fortnight and why do we need it?
Fairtrade fortnight takes place this year between 23 February and 8 March 2015, and aims to continue to raise awareness and change behaviour around this important topic. Research shows that whilst 78% of the UK population recognise the Fairtrade Mark, over 50% still do not actively choose Fairtrade products.
Fairtrade is about getting better prices, working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. It’s about supporting the development of thriving farming and worker communities, so that they have more control over their futures and protecting the environment in which they live and work.
It is now possible to buy around over 4,500 products officially branded Fairtrade including: Tea, Coffee, Bananas, Chocolate, Gold,
Flowers, Cotton and Sugar. Sadly
however, only 1.2% of cocoa and 10% of tea globally are traded on Fairtrade terms. Did you check the packaging for the Fairtrade logo when you last bought some tea?
The Fairtrade mark means that the Fairtrade ingredients in the product have been produced by small scale farmer organisations or plantations that meet social, environmental and economic Fairtrade standards. These standards help to protect workers’ rights and environment. They also ensure payment of the Fairtrade Minimum Price for the commodity, and an additional Fairtrade Premium which is invested into the business or community projects.
Small scale farmers and workers are amongst the most marginalized globally, and Fairtrade
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helps them through trade, not aid, providing stable income to help them plan.
Fairtrade only certifies small scale farmer organisations for products such as cocoa, cotton and rice, but does certify plantations with
larger numbers of employees for
goods such as tea, bananas and flowers. The standards required for larger organisations include allowing them freedom of association and collective bargaining, and prevention of discrimination and child labour.
The producers decide how the Fairtrade premium is invested. Often this will be in schools, transport, health care and better business equipment and practices.
There are over 1.4 million farmers and workers in 1,140 producer organisations within the Fairtrade System. These are across 74 different countries and four continents.
Fairtrade.org.uk would love people to get involved during Fairtrade fortnight. Here are some suggested activities awareness and raise money.
to increase
Create a Fairtrade Trail around your local area highlighting those selling Fairtrade products. Build a model of something funded from Fairtrade premium such as a school or health centre, and display this in a prominent place to make it a talking point.
Have some fun creating a special event. This could be a film evening showing the Fairtrade film, or something more elaborate such as a Come Dine With Me experience. Tasting events featuring Fairtrade produce are also popular.
To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com
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