This project is about making more people aware of Fairtrade. The ever growing number of products from so many different countries around the world. Also it aims to explain what the word Fairtrade means. When you see the UK's Fairtrade Foundation Certification on a product you know that this product gurantees to you that the grower has been paid a fair price for their product. This extra income can make all the difference as it could go towrds better facilities in the area he/she lives, like a new school or hospital. Better medical care, education or even a better source of fresh drinking water and sanitation.Its amazing how we seem to take something as simple as a glass of water for granted, whenmillions of people in developing countries simply can not access this basic requirement.
What does the Fairtrade Mark Do?
The fairtrade mark is unique. It guarantees farmers in developing countries a fair price for their products which covers their costs. Because this price is stable it allows them to plan for the future.
Why Do We Need It ?
The rules and practices of international trade are biased in favour of rich countries and pwoerful companies, often to the cost of poor producers. Buying Fairtrade certified products changes the lives of millions of people worldwide and shows how trade can be made to work in favour of poor people and the enviroment.
How Does It work ?
When you buy a productcarrying the Fairtrade mark, you knowit has been independently certified to meet standards set by the Fairtrade Foundation. We check to make sure producers really are getting a better deal.
Is It A Brand ?
No you can find theFairtrade Mark on productsfrom more thana hundred different companies. The Fairtrade Mark is an independant stamp of approval.
The need for Fairtrade.
Millions of farmers depend on selling their crops to survive. But its a risky business.- when pricews drop it can spell disaster for farmers.If they earn less than it costs to run the farm, they face real hardship, struggling to buy food or keep their children in school. Ultimately they may lose their land and their livelihood.
By buying Fairtrade certified products, you're giving farmers a chance to sell their products at a stable price that covers their costs and enables them to support their families and invest in a better future.
The Coffee Crisis
For the last six years coffee prices have remained below the costof production, causing immense hardship for millions of farmers. In 2001, prices plummeted to just 45 cents per lb.
By selling justasmall amount of their coffee at the guaranteed and stable Fairtrade price, of US$1.26 per lb, members of Killimnajaro native Cooperative Union (KNCU) in Tanzania have been able to stay afloat during the crisis. Members of Cococafe, a co-operativein Costa Rica sell 40% of their coffee to the Fairtrade Market. With the extra income they bought a processing plant and now markettheir own roast andground coffee.
The fairtrade price includes a premium which is set aside for farmers and workers to spend on social and enviromental projects or to strengthen their organisation. This ensures communities have the power and resources to invets in long term improvemenrts. Decisions on how the premium is spent are taken democratically by joint bodies, committees of elected farmers and workers.
Sugar cane growers in Malawi have used the premium to drill bore holes for clean water. Women and Children no longer have to collect water from the crocodile infested shire river. A coffee co-operative in Guatermala has used the premium to establish healthcare centres and pharmacies to meet the needs of local farmers.
CO2 Report - 22 miles travel by car
