What Does Fairtrade Mean and Why is it Important?

What Does Fairtrade Mean and Why is it Important? by Hayley Jones

The idea of Fairtrade has certainly entered the British consciousness with Fairtrade products available from all the major supermarkets, high street stores and online shops. But, whilst most people are aware that Fairtrade is a positive ‘brand’, not everyone fully understands what the certification means and who it benefits. This article therefore seeks to give an overview of Fairtrade and the positive impact it has on many people’s lives.

Fairtrade labelling was created in the late 1980s and is an independent consumer label available in 20 countries including the UK. The labelling acts as a guarantee that producers in developing countries are getting a fair deal for their wares with a guaranteed minimum price and a regular income. The farming of foodstuffs such as coffee and tea has traditionally meant devastating poverty for millions of people, but Fairtrade offers new hope for farmers and their communities. Not only do the farmers themselves make more money with a direct impact on the daily lives of their families, but farming co-operatives can make a significant difference to communities with bonuses from Fairtrade buyers going towards projects such as water supplies, better schools and medical facilities. It is estimated that one million farmers benefit from Fairtrade worldwide, with millions more gaining from the positive impact this has on families and communities.

Fairtrade labelling also acts as a guarantee of quality assurance for the products it certifies, so consumers can expect good quality goods as well as be happy in the knowledge that they are helping to improve the lives of previously impoverished farmers. Some products carry information noting the fact that they have been fairly or ethically traded, but the Fairtrade Mark carries with it the assurance that this has been verified.

Hayley Jones is the Web Marketing Director for UK Energy Saving – http://www.uk-energy-saving.com. For more information on Fairtrade visit http://www.uk-energy-saving.com/fairtrade.html.

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