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3 Fairtrade farmers tackling the climate crisis

Fairtrade Foundation — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 14:26:50 +0000

Farmers play an important role in our everyday lives, and yet their everyday lives are often forgotten.

In a world that is increasingly seeing the impacts of climate change, farming communities are often the worst affected despite having done least to cause the climate crisis.

These communities, which are already facing hardships due to unfavourable trade practices and unfair prices, are now also having to deal with increasingly extreme weather and more frequent plant diseases.

Many farmers are already changing the way they farm. Meet Foncho, Sadick, Liliane and Mauro, who with the support of Fairtrade, are doing what they can, so that they can keep growing the foods we love to eat here in the UK.

Fairtrade banana farmer Albeiro Alfonso Cantillo. Photo © Nicolás Becerra/Fairtrade Foundation

Albeiro Alfonso Cantillo – a farmer born into bananas

This farm means everything to us, especially for me and my family.
Albeiro Alfonso Cantillo

Albeiro Alfonso Cantillo, or Foncho as his friends call him, is a banana farmer in the Magdalena region in Colombia. He was born into bananas, as his farm has been passed down from generation to generation.

However, climate change is increasingly putting the livelihoods of farmer’s like Foncho at risk.

Unpredictable weather patterns, rising temperatures, hurricanes, droughts and floods are some of the effects of climate change. For countries in Central America and the Caribbean, this means less rainfall and more extreme temperatures.

The climate has definitely changed – today we can’t predict the climate as we used to before, like our elders did.
Albeiro Alfonso Cantillo

Not only are changes in weather having an impact on what is one of the UK’s favourite fruits, but because of these changes pests and diseases are also spreading their way through Latin America, Asia and Africa.

Bananas are extremely susceptible to Tropical Race 4 Fungus (TR4) and black rust. TR4 is a soil-borne fungus which gets into the plant through the roots and affects the way it takes in water, whereas black rust is caused by thrips, a type of insect.

However, according to Foncho, with Fairtrade, banana farmers now have “the tools to fight the effects of climate change”.

Being part of a Fairtrade-run initiative called Productivity Improvement Programme (PIP) has provided farmers with ways to manage plant diseases, reduce carbon and water footprint and improve fruit by using bio-fertilisers. Through this, they have saved money, used less water and improved the health of soil.

“Today my production is higher, the black rust control is better, I have a better stability inside my plantation”.

Foncho says that he is grateful for the stability of the Fairtrade Minimum Price which provides a safety net for growers.

Those two dollars we get above the cost of each box makes a difference for us, so we could be able to sustain ourselves as a family.
Albeiro Alfonso Cantillo

Fairtrade cocoa farmer Sadick Abanga. Photo credit © Chris Terry

Sadick Abanga – the farmer planting trees for the future

I didn’t know I was punishing the land, now because of this project I’ve seen the benefits, there are more nutrients in the soil.
Sadick Abanga

Sadick farms nine acres of land for cocoa. He’s been doing this for 18 years and it’s getting increasingly difficult due to the climate crisis.

Part of his farm lies high on a rocky, steep hillside, unfriendly terrain for cocoa plants. When he first bought the land, he said: “It was so bare rays of sunshine hit the land.”

As cocoa is sensitive to environmental changes, growing the beans is becoming increasingly difficult and uncertain due to rising temperatures, volatile rain patterns and the increased susceptibility of trees to drought.

The rainfall pattern, it’s not like it was before. When there is too much sun most of the cocoa dies.
Sadick Abanga

Now, since being part of the dynamic agroforestry (DAF) project, his farm is protected by the shade of a variety of trees.

This is a technique he discovered after joining the project, which offers farmers from Sadick’s co-operative training in methods to adapt to climate change by improving soil, planting for shade, and attracting biodiversity.

Dynamic agroforestry is a combination of agricultural cultivation and agroforestry where farmers create natural forest-like systems that support a large variety of different food crops.

By mimicking natural forests, these methods bring many benefits such as soil fertility enhancement, reduction in pest and disease pressure, erosion control plus extra income.

In the past we used to cut small trees, burn the bush to clear everything from the land to get rid of weeds… I didn’t know I was punishing the land, now because of this project I’ve seen the benefits, there are more nutrients in the soil.
Sadick Abanga

Sadick explains that now the farmers do not apply weedicide or any chemicals, because the legumes they plant add extra nutrients as well as income whilst they wait for the cocoa to grow.

The climate and cost of living crises are severe threats to the livelihoods and communities of farmers like Sadick, but working as part of a team, with Fairtrade behind them, means they are able to access the support they need to keep on farming the cocoa we love.

In Sadick’s words, ‘we have officers to give us training and education, bonuses from the Premium, and they don’t discriminate, whether you are male or female you have a voice.’

Fairtrade coffee farmers Liliane and Mauro di Silva. Photo credit © Rodrigo Santus / Matthew Algie

Liliane and Mauro di Silva – a coffee-growing, future-focused team

We are not in charge of the climate, but we can collaborate a lot with it.
Liliane di Silva

Husband and wife duo, Liliane and Mauro farm coffee in Minas Gerais located in Brazil’s Serra da Mantiqueira, the land of specialty coffee.

It was what Liliane’s father did, and she wants her own teenage girls to be able to carry on the proud family tradition of producing top quality coffee, “our goal is for them to leave and study, but to return to the land where they were born and carry it forward”, Liliane says.

With the costs of farming going up, coffee prices increasingly volatile and the effects of the climate crisis deepening, it’s hard to imagine that staying on the farm is an attractive career option for their children.

Their fellow coffee farmers in other parts of Brazil have suffered very badly from unusually heavy frosts, and the couple have noticed that the weather is getting increasingly unpredictable.

We live and own property in an area very favourable for coffee, but, even so, we suffer a lot with the climate’s setbacks. To produce a special coffee, we need the climate.
Liliane di Silva

She and her colleagues in Ascarive, the Fairtrade co-operative they belong to, are trying out different methods for protecting their harvests.

There’s a risk these measures won’t work but they have to try. The support they get from Fairtrade means they have access to expertise and information about what’s been successful for coffee farmers elsewhere, as well as financial support.

So, what have they done to keep supplies of coffee flowing into our cups in the UK? As Liliane puts it, “we are not in charge of the climate, but we can collaborate a lot with it”.

Her neighbour and Fairtrade farmer Maria Paul agrees. “We develop green manure projects, beekeeping projects… biodiversity development and protection. And this has brought several benefits to our region. Why? Because when the producers take better care of their crops and of nature itself, it will be more resistant to overcome these environmental disasters.”

For Luiz, another co-operative member, it’s changed how he thinks about farming: “today I think about taking care of my piece of land there, of the hectares of coffee there. Not just the coffee tree, but the soil. This opened my mind a lot.”

Mauro believes it’s not just about techniques but also about facing the challenges together. He says that “coffee production is what I know how to do, I enjoy doing, I love working with coffee, and I see a lot of future. There have always been setbacks. Inputs, climate change, everything. But together we will learn to overcome these difficulties.”

The more sustainable I am, the more my children will have a future.
Liliane di Silva

Without immediate climate action, many of the UK’s favourite foods will be much more difficult to grow within the next two decades. However, this will need a joint effort from governments, businesses, consumers as well as producers themselves. This includes providing farmers with a seat at the table in decision-making rooms, businesses transitioning to fairer purchasing practices and everyone making more sustainable choices in their shopping.

Discover more about Fairtrade

Meet some of the farmers behind your Fairtrade cup of coffee

Fairtrade businesses championing the future of food

7 things people get wrong about Fairtrade

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30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade

Fairtrade Foundation — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:17:21 +0000

In 2024, we’ll be celebrating a very special Fairtrade Fortnight.

It will take place in the autumn for the first time when we will celebrate 30 years of the Fairtrade Mark here in the UK. This means 30 years of farmers using the power of Fairtrade to drive positive change in their communities.

Instead of waiting until September 2024, we’ve put together 30 ways you can get the ball rolling. How many can you finish before Fortnight 2024 ends?

1. Sign up to get our emails – never miss our latest news!

If you don’t already get our email updates, fix that today by signing up for our Fairtrade ‘Latest news’ emails. That way, you’ll never miss an opportunity to get involved in our work to build a fairer future.

2. Sign your local Community Declaration on Climate Justice

Over 15,000 people and over 1,000 groups have already signed our Community Declarations on Climate Justice. You can sign as an individual, a school, a Fairtrade group, or any other organisation.

Sign our Community Declarations on Climate Justice

Once you’ve signed, remember to share to get your friends and family to join you.

3. Say it with flowers

We all love to give and receive flowers to celebrate a special occasion. To mark 30 years of our Mark, you could send a friend a special thank you and, at the same time, introduce them to the benefits of Fairtrade flowers.

They deliver a fairer deal for thousands of farm workers in East Africa and Central America.

Find out where to buy these beautiful blooms

4. Write a letter

Thirty years in, people still need to find out why choosing Fairtrade is so important. The students at Ballycarrickmaddy Primary School have been working on how to persuade important people in business, politics and their community to join them in building a fairer future.

Their excellent guide on writing a persuasive letter includes great tips for everyone.

Download the guide (PDF)

5. Start a petition

Supporting us isn’t just about signing petitions – you can start one too! Get a bit of inspiration from the children at St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School – they started a petition urging the UK government to start including Fairtrade bananas in their Free Fruit and Vegetables scheme.

Watch the video from St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School

6. Quiz night? Try one of ours!

Everyone loves a quiz. We’ve created a few to try, or you can use the following information to make your own.

Fairtrade Quiz 2023

What Fairtrade product am I?

General Fairtrade product quiz

7. Make a smoothie

There is no better way to get your ‘5 a day’ than a nice smoothie. There are so many Fairtrade ingredients that are just perfect for smoothies: bananas, mangoes, orange juice, peanut butter, honey, nuts and spices.

Make your smoothie, then ‘smoothly’ start a conversation about how each of those ingredients means a fairer deal for so many farmers and workers all around the world.

8. Get creative in the kitchen

It’s been 30 years since the FAIRTRADE Mark hit UK shelves, and you can now cook up all sorts of tasty treats using the over 6,000 Fairtrade products available across the country.

Whether it’s banana brownies or pasta bakes, classy cocktails or coffee-flavoured cookies, the quickest way to the heart is through the stomach – so build your friends and family’s love for Fairtrade with some delicious dishes.

Check out our library of recipes for some inspiration

9. Make an exhibition of yourself – and us!

Whether it’s poetry, painting, music, or crafting, getting creative is a great way to spread the word about the difference choosing Fairtrade makes.

For example, in 2020, thousands of young people took part in our Choose the World you Want exhibition to mark Fairtrade Fortnight. Try running your own exhibition or competition in your community, school or university.

10. Get social – online!

Social media lets us connect with other Fairtrade fans from all over the country and beyond. It also tells people about the power of Fairtrade.

As we mark 30 years, take inspiration from the Felixstowe Fairtrade Forum’s excellent recent efforts in upping their social media game.

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21-30

Find out more about what you can do to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight 2024

Fairtrade Fortnight

Get Involved

Let’s make Fairtrade flowers bloom

Buying Fairtrade

Fairtrade Communities

Fairtrade and climate justice

The post 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade – Pt. 2

Fairtrade Foundation — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:17:02 +0000

11. Have a break – have a coffee morning

A classic with our campaigners, old and new, nothing gets people listening to the benefits of Fairtrade better than a break and a few top-quality coffees, teas and snacks.

Hosting our coffee morning in a local Oxfam book and record shop helped us reach the public, as people out shopping were attracted in by our free teas and coffees.
Anita Beer, a campaigner in Market Harborough

12. Be a star of screen – host a film night

There’s lots of films that showcase why choosing Fairtrade is always the best choice for people and the planet.

Have a look at our quick guide to running a Fairtrade Film Night

13. Take the taste test – run a tasting session of treats

Thirty years after our first products, some people still don’t realise Fairtrade goodies don’t just power positive change. They taste great, too!

While they are tasting, take the time to explain the positive effect these palate-pleasers have in communities worldwide.

Campaigner top-tip

Pair some Fairtrade wine with some chocolate. Did you know that lighter chocolate pairs well with lighter wines? Try out the Co-op for good value options for wine and chocs.
Lily in Belfast

15. Deck the halls with (recycled) bunting

Using recycled cotton, Linlithgow Fairtrade Partnership made beautiful bunting with local youth groups. But you can use any materials to make some Fairtrade-themed bunting – it’s a great conversation starter, brightens up any space, and crafting is a great way to bring people together.

16. Hold a Fairtrade fashion show

Joanna Pollard celebrated Great Big Green Week by inviting groups of activists to upcycle some old Fairtrade Foundation t-shirts made (of course) from Fairtrade cotton.

Working with the Reading Centre for International Solidarity (RISC), Joanna also live-streamed the event on social media so people from all over could get involved.

Find out more about the ‘How Green Is Your T-shirt’ fashion show

17. Make the flowers bloom in your area

Did you know it’s easier than ever for your local florist to start stocking Fairtrade? Let them know by ordering flower postcards from us and sharing them with independent florists in your area.

Because more beautiful Fairtrade blossoms in the UK means more flower farm workers with greater rights, higher incomes, and more security all over the world, and that’s a blooming good deal!

18. Make your area a Fairtrade Community

Fairtrade Community groups work to put fairness at the heart of everything happening in their area.

You only need two like-minded people to start a group and the enthusiasm to bring our message to local people.

Find out more about Fairtrade Communities and sign up

Already a Fairtrade Community?

Go even further by earning our special ‘Action Area’ badges.

Find more details in our Fairtrade Campaign Action Guide

19. Link up with a local sports team

Wolverhampton Fairtrade scored a Premier League partnership when they teamed up with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The local football group supported them in running an event that supported lots of local children to learn about us.

Find out more about Wolverhampton Fairtrade’s work

20. Hit the trail

Campaigners in Solihull created a Fairtrade Trail that delights old and young alike, introducing people to new places they can buy Fairtrade and the difference doing so can make.

Find out more about how they created their special treasure hunt in this local news article

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21-30

Find out more about what you can do to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight 2024

Fairtrade Fortnight

Get Involved

Let’s make Fairtrade flowers bloom

Buying Fairtrade

Fairtrade Communities

Fairtrade and climate justice

The post 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade – Pt. 2 appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade – Pt. 3

Fairtrade Foundation — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:16:41 +0000

21. Get crafty with your campaigning

Rather than printing lots of leaflets and wasting paper, many campaigners have turned to making their own engaging campaign materials in recent years.

Lots of campaigners share top tips on everything from creating FAIRTRADE Marks with old potatoes to promoting collaborative crafting sessions in their local communities.

Check out our special crafty campaigning webinar

22. Make a Fairtrade display

Whether it’s a student union, a school notice board, your local community centre or just on your fridge, make a daily reminder about the power of the fairer future the FAIRTRADE Mark means.

Get some inspiration on what a top-notch notice board looks like from this Pinterest

23. Teach them a lesson – about Fairtrade

Calling all parents, teachers and students! Did you know your school can become a Fairtrade School? We have lots of things to help you get started.

Find out more about lesson plans, learning resources and fun games

24. Have a little faith, as a Fairtrade Place of Worship

Hundreds of faith groups of all types and beliefs have signed up as a Fairtrade Place of Worship.

All you need to do is commit to stocking essential goodies and spreading the word about the FAIRTRADE Mark among your faith community.

Find out more and sign up in minutes

25. Have a chat about Fairtrade with your local businesses

Speak to shops and businesses in and around your community, university, school or anywhere else about backing Fairtrade.

With over 6,000 products in the UK, it’s not just the usual suspects.

Schools could switch to Fairtrade cotton uniforms. Jewellers could start stocking Fairtrade gold. Even cafes aren’t limited to just Fairtrade tea and coffee – they could also start stocking fruit juices, lemonade and snacks made with Fairtrade cocoa or sugar.

Check out all the Fairtrade products and when to buy them

26. Make a Fairtrade Pledge – and ask others to do the same

Ask people in your community, school or university to pledge to do one thing differently that will make the world fairer.

Schools that have done this previously have got creative – asking people to draw or illustrate their ideas on paper leaves to create a ‘forest of ethical pledges.’

Get involved

27. Celebrate World Fair Trade Day

On the second Saturday of every May, World Fair Trade Day is a great opportunity to listen to the voices of the people behind the products we use every day.

So, mark it in your diary as a major moment to celebrate fairer trade, and sign up for our emails to ensure you get all the tools you need to mark this special moment.

28. Try a new Fairtrade product every day or week

With over 6,000 Fairtrade products available, you could try a new Fairtrade product every day for over 16 years!

We don’t suggest you do it for that long, but perhaps try sniffing out a new treat every week for a year. Don’t forget to share the results on social media!

Check out the range of Fairtrade products and where to buy them

29. Have a bake-off

Get colleagues, classmates, or the whole community to come together and cook up some baked goodies.

The Oxford Student Union gave this a go in 2020, inviting students and staff to send their best Fairtrade efforts to a panel of hungry volunteer judges.

30. And lastly, but definitely not least – Fundraise

As a charity, we are hugely grateful for any donations – large or small. Anything you can give helps us strengthen Fairtrade all around the world and here in the UK – which means a better deal for farmers.

Our fundraising page has some ideas to get you started, but any individual or group is completely free to fundraise in whatever way they like – the more creative, the better.

Fundraise now!

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11-20

Find out more about what you can do to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight 2024

Fairtrade Fortnight

Get Involved

Let’s make Fairtrade flowers bloom

Buying Fairtrade

Fairtrade Communities

Fairtrade and climate justice

The post 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade – Pt. 3 appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

Deborah’s story: ‘There is hope if there is certification.’

Fairtrade Foundation — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 14:13:23 +0000

Fairtrade ambassador Deborah Osei-Mensah tells us how Fairtrade farmers are tackling climate change – and what world leaders need to do.

“Farmers are on the frontline of the climate crisis. They are crying but no one is listening to them,” says Ghanaian Fairtrade ambassador Deborah Osei-Mensah.

She was speaking to the Fairtrade Foundation before the COP27 climate summit began in Egypt.

“At the end everyone is losing. It isn’t just the farmers: we won’t have the chocolate, the coffee, the fruit and other things that we wish to enjoy every day.”

Facing unfairness

Thanks to the impact of the climate crisis, farming is an increasingly uncertain career. But farmers in countries disadvantaged by unfair global trade structures have long struggled to provide for their families.

“I was born into farming, my mum and dad were farmers and still are,” Deborah says.

I saw my dad harvest a lot of cocoa but he was still struggling to get money, struggling to pay for household costs.

“Before and after school I helped out. But one thing I realised: I saw my dad harvest a lot of cocoa but he was still struggling to get money, struggling to pay for household costs, getting school fees was difficult, despite how hard he was working. So in my mind, farming wasn’t an option for me.”

Deborah finished school, went on to university and took part in national service.

Her turning point came by chance. She was working in the district of Asunafo and attended a meeting for a local Fairtrade co-operative.

The way the farmers talked about farm management, practices, harvesting, I realised then there is hope. I can do something

“These farmers were different from the farmers that I knew. That was the first time I learned about certification.

“I got to know about Fairtrade, the Fairtrade Premium and what they used it for. The way the farmers talked about farm management, practices, harvesting, I realised then there is hope. I can do something.”

More money, more power, more food security

“If cocoa is not profitable for farmers, they will look to other sources to give them the income they need. They will move to industrialisation – farmers [might sell] land to mines, to manufacturers.

“But once they are getting fair prices, farmers will protect their farm.

“Farmers use the Fairtrade Premium to contribute to their communities. If they feel they are being supported they can invest in the future of food security.”

Deborah at a cocoa bean drying bench in Asuadai, Ghana

A future for farming

“Fairtrade is what motivates me to work in farming.

“There is hope if there is certification. Certified farmers receive the Fairtrade Premium, the Minimum Price, but it also empowers farmers to speak for themselves.

I have hope because farmers are becoming stronger than they used to be.

“I have hope because farmers are becoming stronger than they used to be. In Ghana my co-operative and others have started forming an association, so farmers have a more powerful voice to advocate for change.

“I see a future for farming where farmers are more powerful and they can call on the government to do or make policies that will help them, support their farm and fight for their livelihoods. So there is still hope.”

No time to waste

Deborah says that shoppers across the world can help.

“For consumers, I want each and every one to be more conscious of the products we buy.

“Together, let’s make the future fair. Let’s buy more Fairtrade. Let’s advocate for producers across the globe to make sure we have a fair future for each and every one.”

There is no time to waste. Climate change is happening now.

She also has strong words for the world leaders at the COP27 climate summit. “There is no time to waste. Climate change is happening now.

“If there is action to be done, it has to be done now. If you have to save the world, to save food, it has to be done now.

“Political leaders should put their pen down and start acting.

“We have to save the future now.”

See Deborah speak at COP27

Join us in watching Deborah and other Fairtrade ambassadors speak at COP27 live-streamed events.

How Fairtrade is fighting for climate justice

Fairtrade and climate justice

10 January, 2023

Join the communities living with the worst effects of climate change in fighting for Climate Justice.

Fairtrade demands action from delegates at COP27

7 November, 2022

Fairtrade calls on Member States at COP27 to ‘honour their climate promises’ and ‘act now’ for our planet’s farmers.

The post Deborah’s story: ‘There is hope if there is certification.’ appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

Fairtrade demands action from delegates at COP27

Fairtrade Foundation — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 11:14:37 +0000

In an open letter, Fairtrade calls on Member States at COP27 to ‘honour their climate promises’ and ‘act now’ for our planet’s farmers.

The climate clock is ticking

Dear government leaders, global dignitaries and United Nations delegates:

We demand action. As representatives of over 1.9 million Fairtrade farmers and the thousands of global businesses sourcing from them, we see first-hand how the climate crisis directly and disproportionately impacts the people in our supply chains.

Increasingly volatile weather is damaging crops and harming the livelihoods of farmers and agricultural workers. Extreme weather events are sweeping away farming communities. It is threatening the very products consumers around the world have long enjoyed..

Unless we clamp down hard and fast on global emissions and support farmers in low- and middle-income countries to build climate resilience, all of us will suffer.

That’s why Fairtrade is calling on you to step up, take action and honour your climate promises. We want you to ensure that the needs of farming communities in historically disenfranchised regions around the world are prioritised in the COP27 outcome and in your governments’ individual trade and Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) policies.

Listen to Fairtrade farmers

We welcome the climate finance commitments that Member States reconfirmed last year in Glasgow, Scotland at COP26.

However, we fear these announcements will not benefit the farming communities we work with unless those communities themselves are able to contribute to the design of the funds. 

Bringing farmers and their communities in at the design stage will help ensure that funding gets where it is needed.

Fairtrade farmers have unique insights into the climate adaptation and mitigation inputs they need. They have informed thinking on how external support can build their resilience, halt deforestation and prepare for changing weather. Farmers are also the ones on the ground during implementation.

Bringing farmers and their communities in at the design stage will help ensure that funding gets where it is needed and is used effectively.

Support human and labour rights

We also call on you to negotiate trade agreements that support human and labour rights and the highest environmental standards with a view to drastically reduce carbon emissions.

This is to:

Drive best practices and low-carbon innovation
Encourage the production and trade of sustainable products
Encourage the uptake of sustainable technologies along supply chains and
Encourage an investment in sustainable freight options.

All trade agreements must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to human rights, International Labour Organisation conventions, Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement through binding and enforceable requirements.

Tackle the root causes of deforestation

Finally, we urge you to set policies on HREDD that tackle the root causes of deforestation.

HREDD regulations must include robust measures to penalise companies that do not comply with climate regulations. They must ensure that smallholder farmers and workers are financially supported with the cost of complying with due diligence measures.

Smallholder farmers and workers cannot be left alone to shoulder the costs of a climate change they did not cause.

At Fairtrade, we are proud to take the lead in calling for a more equitable and sustainable trade system that delivers fairness and climate action to our planet’s farmers and their communities. And, together with our partners, we remain firm in our resolve as we call upon global leaders to do what is right at COP27 and beyond.

The time for action is now.

We are doing our part to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for all. Now, it’s up to you to do yours.

Thank you,

Sandra Uwera, Global CEO, Fairtrade International

Fairtrade’s fight for climate justice

Fairtrade and climate justice

10 January, 2023

Join the communities living with the worst effects of climate change in fighting for Climate Justice.

COP26: Be fair with your climate promise

6 October, 2021

Farming communities are on the front line of the climate crisis. 1.8 million Fairtrade farmers and workers are calling for urgent action, asking governments at COP26 to be fair with their $100 billion climate promise. Sign the petition to support farmers around the world.

The post Fairtrade demands action from delegates at COP27 appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

Sustainable skincare for your Fairtrade beauty routine

Louisa Nicholson — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:04:00 +0000

Fairtrade coffee, chocolate and bananas are often in our shopping baskets. But did you know you can buy beauty products made with Fairtrade ingredients?

Fairtrade moisturisers, body butters, bath oils, hand creams and cosmetics can all be found on the high street, in supermarkets, and online.

These beauty regime regulars are made with Fairtrade ingredients that support Fairtrade farmers and workers to build a better life for their families and communities.

Fairtrade shea butter

Shea nuts, used to make shea butter, are harvested from trees that grow in the wild from west to east Africa, an area known as the shea belt.

Shea butter is used in many cosmetic products because its is moisturising, anti-inflammatory and vitamin rich.

Yet shea producers – who are mostly women – face arduous days, often with unfair working conditions.

Fairtrade olive oil

Rich in vitamins A, D, E and K, olive oil is not just for the kitchen. Olive oil’s vitamins and antioxidant properties make it a great addition to your beauty routine too.

Olive oil can be used in shampoos, conditioners, body butters, soaps and many other products.

Fairtrade works with around 2,500 olive farming families across the world.

By choosing a Fairtrade olive oil product, your purchase can go towards helping olive producers access sustainable, long-term contracts and earn a higher price for their crop.

Fairtrade coconut oil and cream

Coconut oil and cream have beneficial moisturising and anti-aging properties.

Yet despite coconut being a favourite ingredient in the kitchen and on bathroom shelves, many coconut farmers don’t receive a fair price for their produce.

Fairtrade works with coconut farmers in West Africa, Asia and the Pacific to support them in overcoming challenges they face such as decreasing productivity as coconut palms become older.

Fairtrade cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is also one of nature’s best moisturisers. It can be found as a common ingredient in lots of beauty products. Sadly, however, many cocoa farmers rarely reap the just rewards of cocoa’s popularity.

Fairtrade helps us to have good quality production, to invest and to have a good income. With Fairtrade our community has also built a water pump and installed solar panels to give electricity to 300 people.
Rosine, a Fairtrade cocoa farmer from Côte d’Ivoire

Fairtrade is working towards a fairer future with cocoa farmers across West Africa and Latin America.

Choosing products with the FAIRTRADE Mark means farmers working towards a better standard of living, with the chance to invest in their children’s education and support their communities.

Blog updated: May 2023

Beauty products that make a difference

Beauty and wellness

Make way for fairer shea

The post Sustainable skincare for your Fairtrade beauty routine appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

Are Fairtrade products really more expensive?

Stefan Donnelly — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 09:03:00 +0000

11 reasons why choosing Fairtrade for your shopping might be a lot cheaper than you might expect.

The cost of living is rising for everyone, including for the people growing and producing our food and goods. They are often already earning next to nothing due to unfair trade.

So do we need to choose between good value for us and a fair deal for farmers and workers?

In short: no!

Many Fairtrade products are as cheap – or cheaper – than non-Fairtrade alternatives*.

Chocolate – lots of choice at Lidl

Cocoa farmers in the Gola Rainforest, Sierra Leone.

Lidl Choco Rice: £1.05

Lidl is packed with lower-priced opportunities to choose Fairtrade. Lidl’s Choco Rice cereal delivers a better deal for cocoa farmers and – at less than half the price of an equivalent non-Fairtrade cereal – a good deal for us too.

Lidl have lots of other Fairtrade chocolate options too, from Fin Carré Milk Chocolate bars (from 45p) to Breakfast Muesli Bars (eight for £1.19) all containing Fairtrade cocoa.

Sugar – a sweet deal from Tate & Lyle

Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Pure Cane Granulated Sugar: 74p (500g bag available in Co-op)

Tate & Lyle’s Fairtrade sugar is easy to find. If you’re in the mood for bargain baking, check out their Fairtrade Icing Sugar (£1) or Fairtrade Caster Sugar (£1.25), both from Waitrose.

By choosing Fairtrade, you can be sure you are generating vital Fairtrade Premium for sugarcane growers across the world. The Fairtrade Premium can mean important extra income for communities. Find out more on our Sugar, Spreads and Oil info page.

Coffee – something for everyone at Waitrose

Essential Waitrose Rich Roast Coffee: £1.50
Waitrose Italian Style Coffee: £2.50.

Did you know that in the UK alone, we drink 95 million cups of coffee a day? If you are one of these coffee-lovers it can become quite expensive!

It’s good to know that whether you prefer ground or instant coffee, these Fairtrade options from Waitrose won’t break the bank.

What’s more, they will help put more power and more money in the hands of hundreds of thousands of farmers across Africa, Asia and Latin America, who are under growing pressure from climate change, insecure coffee prices and the rising cost of living. Discover more about How Fair is Fairtrade coffee.

Tea – choose M&S

M&S Everyday Tea Bags: £1.50.

Per person, the British and the Irish drink more tea than anyone else in Europe. If all of us chose Fairtrade tea, we could make a big difference to the farmers and producers behind our favourite cuppa.

With options like M&S Everyday Tea Bags costing just 1.8p per bag, there’s really no reason not to choose Fairtrade.

Wine – try Co-op

Co-op Fairtrade White Wine Box Blend: £18.50 (equivalent to £4.62 per bottle)

Cooling down this summer with a crisp white wine remains affordable with Co-op’s wide selection of well-priced Fairtrade wines. What’s more, all their South African wines are now Fairtrade. In fact, they’re the largest seller of Fairtrade wine in the world.

Whatever you choose, the benefits to the Fairtrade farmers remain the same: a fairer deal, more rights and the support of our Fairtrade global community.

On-the-go food and drink – Greggs

Fairtrade Triple Chocolate Brownies (four pack): £1.15
Fairtrade coffee: from £1.35.

It’s easy to find good-value Fairtrade treats when you’re out and about with Greggs.

You can get a first-rate Greggs takeaway coffee from just £1.35. What’s more, you can get a free regular hot drink if you purchase a reusable cup and 20p off hot drinks when you bring your reusable cup back into store.

Need to cool down? Try a refreshing Fairtrade orange juice from just £1.60.

Looking good – Primark

Primark Fairtrade Balm to Oil Cleanser: £4.

Did you know Primark have recently launched a Fairtrade beauty range? This is good news for olive oil and shea butter growers. They will benefit from being able to sell their goods on Fairtrade terms to the huge numbers visiting Primark stores every day.

The new range includes body butter, bath oil and hand cream. Find out more on the Primark website.

Fabulous fashion – Thought

Thought Fairtrade organic cotton t-shirt: £27.95.

Thought’s wide range of ethically made, high-quality clothing uses Fairtrade organic cotton. It’s also usually around the same price as similar non-Fairtrade items found on the high street. And with a sale on right now, many items are much cheaper!

In a fashion industry that too often underpays farmers and workers, choosing clothes made with Fairtrade cotton really does make a difference for people and planet. Read more about Thought’s ethics on their website.

Fairtrade flowers – pop into Aldi

Roses from the Valentine Growers Co, Kenya

Aldi Fairtrade flowers: £2.99 for a bouquet of roses.

Fairtrade flowers make a beautiful gift and they are great value!

Even better: Fairtrade offers more rights and protections for the large female workforce employed on flower farms. All too often these workers have been subject to discrimination and harassment. Choosing Fairtrade flowers means a fair price for you and the women who grow them.

Bananas – everywhere!

Asda Fairtrade banana: 20p, or £1 for a pack of five.

Wherever you shop, you will probably find Fairtrade bananas. You might even find only Fairtrade bananas!

Asda Fairtrade bananas are just 6p more expensive than a non-Fairtrade banana. And that extra six pence means communities in Latin America and the Caribbean can pursue education, access credit to set up their own businesses and even help tackle climate change.

Store cupboard surprises – try fair trade shops

And lastly, don’t forget the hundreds of fair trade shops around the UK that sell all sorts of Fairtrade basics, from pasta to pulses, often at very competitive prices.

Find a fair trade shop near you on the British Association of Fair Trade Shops website.

How does Fairtrade pricing work?

So how can Fairtrade often be cheaper but also give farmers and workers a fairer deal?

Imagine you have bought a £1 bar of supermarket chocolate. Of that £1, only around eleven pence goes to the cocoa producer.

So who did you just give 89p to? The chocolate company and the retailer got around 35p each, and the rest went to other parts of the supply chain. (Source: Comparative study on the distribution of value in European chocolate chains, 2020)

Seen like this, it’s obvious that giving farmers and workers a better deal is not about asking you to pay a higher price. It’s about giving producers a bigger proportion of the price you already pay.

Prices accurate as of September 2022

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Despite being the world’s most trusted and recognised ethical mark, there are still many misconceptions about how Fairtrade works.

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The post Are Fairtrade products really more expensive? appeared first on Fairtrade Foundation.

Top 12 facts about Fairtrade bananas

Fairtrade Foundation — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 08:28:11 +0000

1. Fairtrade is the only certification scheme with a minimum price

Banana farmers and workers across the world are facing increased financial struggles and uncertainty. Fairtrade’s minimum price means that farmers and workers can build their resilience. This year Fairtrade raised the minimum price, while in 2021 we introduced a Base Wage for banana plantation workers.

More reasons to make sure the bananas you buy have the FAIRTRADE Mark.

Find out where to buy Fairtrade bananas.

2. Fairtrade Premium for banana farmers and workers totalled £114 million

Between 2000 and 2020, Fairtrade banana sales in the UK generated over £114 million in Fairtrade Premium for farmers and workers

Fairtrade Premium is an additional sum of money which goes into a communal fund for workers and farmers to use to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions.

For example, in Panama the Coobana co-operative used their Premium to improve their housing situation and support education for their members and their families.

Watch a film about the Coobana co-operative.

3. Bananas have tonnes of health benefits

Bananas are loaded with potassium, which helps regulate heart function and blood pressure. Potassium-rich foods help to lower blood pressure and protect against heart disease and strokes. Nutritional and tasty!

4. You can use banana peel to calm itchy mosquito bites

Next time you peel a banana, pause before you chuck out the peel. Do you have any insect bites? Banana peel contains an anti-inflammatory agent which can help soothe your skin.

5. You can eat banana peel

Did you know that banana peel is edible? Enjoyed in many parts of the world, banana peel contains high amounts of vitamins B6 and B12. Usually baked or fried, it can also be blended raw into a smoothie – just make sure you wash it first.

6. You can use banana skins to shine your shoes

The potassium found in bananas is a key ingredient in shoe polish. Simply peel your banana and use the inner lining of the skin to rub all over your shoes. Buff up afterwards with a soft cloth.

7. Bananas are the backbone of many countries’ economies

Bananas made into a scrumptious cake.

Trading bananas is the cornerstone of many lower-income countries’ economies, with an estimated global export value of $7 billion. It is believed that for more than 450 million people in lower-income countries, bananas (and plantains) are essential staple crops.

8. Bananas come from all over the world

Originally, bananas came from Asia but today they are grown all over the world. India produces the most bananas overall. Most of the bananas sold in the UK come from Latin America. In fact, 90% of all Fairtrade bananas come from Latin America and the Caribbean.

There are currently 258 Fairtrade certified banana organisations (co-operatives and commercial farms), representing over 36,480 farmers and workers in 16 countries.

9. Bananas don’t grow on trees

Bananas are herb and a fruit! Distantly related to ginger, bananas are classed as an herbaceous plant rather than a tree because what appears to be a trunk isn’t actually a trunk. Instead the leaves are tightly wrapped around a single stem, which leads up to a fruit-bearing flower stalk.

Photo credit: Ian Berry.

10. The Fairtrade Premium supports living wages for banana workers

Workers in plantations are among the most vulnerable people in global trade. They are often paid poverty-level wages.

A 2022 Fairtrade study shows that the Fairtrade Premium plays a critical role in supporting living wages for banana workers in Ghana and Colombia. In addition to contributing to increased cash benefits, the study found that the Fairtrade Premium also supports healthcare, education and housing.

11. 47% of bananas grown worldwide are Cavendish

There are more than 1,000 banana varieties across the world, but the Cavendish makes up almost all of the entire export market.

Before the 1950s, the Gros Michel variety was the world’s favourite banana, but it was wiped out due to its susceptibility to Tropical Race 1 (TR1), also known as Panama disease. Farmers turned to the more reliable Cavendish, although today it no longer remains immune to Panama disease…

Photo by Ian Berry.

12. Panama disease is a major threat to the banana trade

The current strain of the Panama disease – Tropical Fusarium 4 (TR4) – attacks Cavendish bananas. Some 10,000 hectares of Cavendish have already been destroyed.

TR4 originated in Asia and is now found in many parts of the world, including Latin America. Colombia had their first confirmed case in 2019 and Peru in 2021. This is of great concern to Fairtrade banana growers, as 90% of all Fairtrade bananas come from Latin America and the Caribbean. Scientists are attempting to create a robust variety that could replace the current crop.

A family in Colombia. Photo credit: Ian Berry.

Learn more

About bananas

Quiz: How much do you really know about bananas?

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Volunteers Week : shining a light on the impact of volunteers

Lami Abrahams — Tue, 31 May 2022 15:09:19 +0000

To celebrate Volunteers Week 2022, Fairtrade volunteer Lami Abrahams shares her reasons for volunteering and the value volunteers bring to an organisation.

Why are volunteers so important?

Claire Booth, Fairtrade’s Volunteer Development Manager answers:

‘Over the last couple of years, the pandemic has catapulted an awareness of the importance of volunteers into the limelight. This simultaneously ignited a sense of purpose and community for those undertaking the volunteering. This is not a new phenomenon and volunteers have always been and will continue to be a fundamental part of life.

‘Without volunteers, some charitable organisations could not operate, and some are entirely volunteer led. However, volunteers bring so much more than being able to extend the budget. Volunteers bring fresh ideas and perspectives, drawing from their own personal and professional experiences. They can bring diversity to an organisation, as well as raising awareness of the cause.’

Why I volunteer for Fairtrade

We’ve progressed through the Stone Age, the Middle Ages and now to our Modern Era where technology and society has evolved enormously. Yet, with all that advancement, we haven’t advanced in ensuring food producers are paid fairly for food they grow and harvest for us to eat.

I’ve struggled to comprehend it, and still do today.

I joined Fairtrade as our desires for a fairer world aligned. I wanted to help create awareness and change so that food producers earn secure and sustainable livelihoods.

I love writing and offered to write blog articles for the digital team where I’ve been able to blend my two passions. It’s my hope that while doing so I’ve played my part to help make some sort of difference.

Why others volunteer for Fairtrade

Charities like Fairtrade typically attract volunteers who share beliefs in their mission. Introducing Vedika Mathur: a Fairtrade Business Volunteer in the Commercial Directorate. When asked why she became a Fairtrade volunteer, she replied:

‘Hearing Anna Barker, the Head of Responsible Business, talk about her experience with Fairtrade Foundation at a university careers event was inspiring – it motivated me to apply. Working with Fairtrade aligns with my pursuing a career in the sustainability and positive social impact sector. Specifically, as an ESG consultant, helping businesses to be more conscious of their socio-environmental impact.

‘I’m originally from India and before Covid we used to visit family there quite often. Seeing the staggering levels of poverty and injustice…has been a defining motivator of working towards a systematic shift to equality in all sectors.

‘The core values of the Fairtrade foundation really resonate with me, especially regarding equality, diversity and sustainability. I conscientiously work towards these goals in my life, through my degree and extra-curricular commitments.’

With passionate volunteers like Vedika, Fairtrade’s like-minded community continues to grow. It’s also further supported, strengthened, and able to experience increased opportunities for outreach.

Volunteers bring fresh ideas

As mentioned at the beginning, volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge that help charities flourish.

Hannah Dunne, Flowers Supply Chain Sustainability Volunteer, is on a short placement at Fairtrade. When asked how she’s brought experience from her professional career into her volunteering role, she replied:

‘I used my experience and knowledge of the floristry sector to support Fairtrade’s work in flowers, and to develop an engagement strategy for florists. I shared my insights of the sector with the Fairtrade team by explaining the market segmentation and key industry stakeholders. This included suggesting strategies, opportunities and entry points Fairtrade might have into this market.

‘I developed an engagement strategy for targeting the sector, to help Fairtrade meet the objective of reaching and raising awareness of its work amongst florists. I also used my experience in communication and writing. I helped draft messaging and communication materials, tailored to these different stakeholder groups and audiences, and begun to engage industry through existing contacts and networks.’

Courtesy of Hannah’s insight, Fairtrade has been enriched with key information, tools, and networks it may have been without, helping it to succeed in the floristry sector.

The mutually beneficial relationship

Fairtrade is fully aware of the importance of the volunteering experience being mutually beneficial. Under the volunteering site, it reads: ‘At Fairtrade Foundation we are very proud of our Volunteering Programme. Volunteers have always been an integral part of the organisation working and supporting staff across all departments. We recognise the huge contribution our volunteers make and make sure to reward this through training & support; offering clear and defined roles; integrating all volunteers into office activities and keeping them well informed of what’s happening in the organisation at every level.’

Claire Booth also adds: ‘Our volunteers bring key skills and experience to help achieve our mission and we work with our volunteers on development and motivational needs, providing access to resources such as LinkedIn learning and our EAP provider.’

I can attest to this. As a volunteer, I’ve gained insider knowledge, learning how Fairtrade is tackling fair pay and workers’ rights.

At the same time, I’ve received feedback on ways to improve my writing and had articles published. I’ve then shared my article links with my family, friends, work colleagues, and on Twitter, resulting in increased engagement. This also helps spread awareness of Fairtrade’s mission to spheres the charity may not have reached.

The flexible nature of volunteering

I’ve been invited to numerous I-wish-was-there office events. From the invites alone, they seem nothing short of fun – if only my full-time job allowed me to join!

Speaking of full-time jobs, here’s another volunteer perk: I fit writing Fairtrade’s blog articles around my schedule, courtesy of the flexible nature of volunteering.

Due to job and other commitments, I had an open chat with my volunteer manager on how often I could write, without it infringing on my schedule. In the year I’ve been with Fairtrade, it never has.

Results of the volunteer survey

In 2021, the result from the Volunteer Engagement survey on volunteering roles offering flexibility for other commitments came in at an incredible 97%.

So, it appears that other volunteers are happy with the flexibility too. I can’t speak on behalf of all volunteers, but with Fairtrade respecting my schedule, the organisation has one more dedicated volunteer.

The power of volunteers

Whether it’s virtual or face-to-face or people volunteer every day or once a month, there’s strength in volunteering.

Fuelled by passion and compassion, we serve the community and help charities such as Fairtrade achieve their purpose. No matter our professional or personal background, we volunteers all try our best to make the world better, giving freely of our time, skills, and resources.

It makes me believe that Vedika’s words can be found somewhere in all of us volunteers: ‘Beyond what one might initially see on paper, I just really care – to put it simply…I am always ready to get stuck into unfamiliar situations and start making a difference, and I care deeply about having a positive impact on people’s lives.’

Working with us – our jobs and volunteering opportunities

25 facts about Fairtrade

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