Fairtrade

What is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade is a simple way to difference to the lives of the people who grow the things we love. We do this by changing the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions and a fair deal for farmers and workers in developing countries.

The main vision regarding fairtrade is to create a world in which all producers can enjoy secure and sustainable livelihoods, fulfil their potential and decide on their future. The aim is to connect disadvantaged producers and consumers , promote fair trading conditions and empower producers to combat poverty, strengthen their position and take more control over their lives. Fairtrade standard social, economic and environmental standards that are set for both companies and the farmers and workers who grow the food we love. For farmers and workers the standards include protection of workers' rights and the environment, for companies they include the payment of the Fairtrade minimum price and an additional Fairtrade Premium to invest in business or community projects of the community's choice.






To reassure consumers that their products are part of the Fairtrade, they license the use of the FAIRTRADE mark on products and packaging to signal this. When all the ingredients that can be Fairtrade in a product are, the product carries this mark:

There are over 1.65 million farmers and workers in 1,226 producer organisations across the fairtrade system.

Within the fashion industry, clothing brands may choose to specifically use certain materials when producing their clothes to ensure they are contributing to the fair-trade aspect. This may mean they are buying fair-trade cotton which will be helping low paid cotton farmers around the world. If a fashion product is ethically produced it will be made from sustainably sourced materials which have been put together in factories where workers are treated as they should be (decent living wage and operating in safe conditions). A major benefit of companies using ethically produced products and clothing items is that is may persuade potential customers to shop there and purchase their items which will boost profits- this is why some of the biggest brands (including H&M and Nike) are taking this ethical approach when producing their products.