Fairtrade News

The Coronavirus pandemic has had far-reaching consequences in all parts of the world, not least on Fairtrade producers of all types of products, ranging from cotton to cocoa. As a result of the continuing prevalence of the virus, and its effects which are likely to be felt for many months, or even years, to come, Fairtrade Internationsal has, in response to the pandemic, announced increased flexibility in its standards to enable Fairtrade producer organisations to take immediate action to protect the health and livelihoods of farmers, workers and their communities.

Endorsed by the Fairtrade Standards Committee, the new guidance applies to all types of Fairtrade-certified producers, from small-scale farmer co-operatives to larger farmers with a hired workforce. The new guidance confirms that producer organisations can spend Fairtrade Premium funds more flexibly to minimise the spread of disease, such as by purchasing and distributing face masks or other personal protective equipment, or by implementing hygiene campaigns.

The Fairtrade Premium is an extra sum, on top of the selling price, that producer organisations earn on every Fairtrade sale, which they can use to invest in projects of their choice to benefit their businesses and communities. It is this Fairtrade Pemium that sets Fairtrade apart from other commercial organisations whose intent is to squeeze the best possible prices from the producers so as to maximise the returns to their investors and which depresses the incomes which producers receive to support their families.

Here at home, we can support the producers of Fairtrade products by buying Fairtrade whenever we can. The goods available range from food, laundry and toilet products through to clothing, gifts and stationery. Whilst the pandemic has forced the temporary suspension of the monthly Fairtrade Stall and Fairtrade Coffee Mornings, Fairtrade goods can still be obtained through the Fairtrade Home Delivery Service, which will supply Fairtrade goods to addresses in the Uckfield (TN22) postcode area.