What is Fair Trade?

Fair trade is a social movement that is all about paying better prices, providing fair working conditions and supporting local sustainability in developing countries.

The Fair trade international (FLO) has a number of standards that incorporate social development, economic development and environmental development that must be agreed to by farmers, workers and exporters before any organisation can be considered a Fair trade partner and have the certification to display the Fair trade logo on any products.

The standards include;

• Guaranteed Fair Trade Minimum Price, which is agreed with farmers and workers. 
• The Fair trade minimum price is an agreed minimum rate that will be paid for products, but during times of market fluctuation if the market price is higher than the fair trade minimum price, the market price must be paid, and if the market price is lower, than the Fair trade minimum price has to be paid.  

• A Fair Trade Premium must also be included, which is a further additional payment used for investment in community development. Community projects may include building schools, medical facilities and making easier access to clean drinking water. 

• Financing options for farmers must be available, including prepayments if they require the use of funds up front. 

• Fair Labour Hire conditions, including; 
• Allowing workers the right to join trade unions. 
• The freedom from discrimination of any form. 
• Fair working conditions 
• Fair wages including sick pay and overtime.
• Compliance to health and safety issues. 
• All child labour must not be abusive or forced, with a minimum age of 15 years old. 
• The work for any school child needs to be organised, so the tasks are age appropriate and also done outside school hours or during holidays. 

Fair trade coffee, tea, sugar and chocolate are becoming readily available in supermarkets, while these may sometimes be more expensive, we as consumers have to consider this is a small price to pay for the benefits of others in less fortunate countries unlike ourselves.

Organisations such as Oxfam, have an extensive Fair Trade product list, and the convenience of online shopping www.oxfam.org.au go check their site out. They also have current campaigns and lots of interesting information about how we can become more active in taking the stand for fair trade.

So why not start today, it is even as simple as trying a fair trade product you have not tasted before, and making it a permanent part of your weekly shop. Remember, when you buy Fair Trade Certified goods, you are making a choice that means quality products, improved lives and environmental protection.

For more information, i have included a short clip made by Fair trade Australia and New Zealand they provide more insight into the Cocoa fair trade program currently in Ghana.

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