Fair Trade

What is Fair Trade? Fair Trade products are now a common sight in our shops and supermarkets and the Fair Trade logo is well known to consumers. What is less well known is what this logo means and why these products are important. By purchasing Fair Trade products we can not only enjoy great quality food, drink, textiles and other goods but also contribute to the fight against poverty.    The Fair Trade label is a guarantee that the producer has received a fair deal both in terms of the price received and the terms of trade. I have had the opportunity to visit Fair Trade producers in many developing countries including Ghana, Mali and the Winward Islands in the Caribbean and have seen first hand how Fair Trade is making a real difference to some of the poorest people in these countries.  Producers of Fair Trade products are not only guaranteed a fair price that covers the costs of production but are given enough financial support and information to provide them with a truly sustainable livelihood.    How does Linda promote Fair Trade in the European Parliament?   As Chairperson of the Fair Trade Working Group in the European Parliament I work with MEPs from all parties and countries to promote Fair Trade products and policies within EU institutions.  As a result of the group's efforts Fair Trade tea and coffee is now automatically served in all European Parliament meetings and events and Fair Trade products are given pride of place in our restaurants and canteens. The most important work of the Fair Trade Working Group is in raising awareness of the value of Fair Trade as a shining example of how fair and just trading practices can benefit both the producer and consumer. While a lot of attention is quite rightly given to changing the unfair and unjust trading rules that permanently disadvantage producers in the developing world, supporting Fair Trade allows us to take immediate action.  I have therefore organised hearings and events within the European Parliament to allow NGOs, producers, farmers and companies to debate and discuss issues relating to Fair Trade with European politicians.  One of the most recent achievements of the Fair Trade Working Group was the adoption by the full Parliament of a Resolution on Fair Trade and Development. This called for the European Commission to propose a coherent EU policy on Fair Trade and to lead the way in supporting Fair Trade policies and procurement practices. In addition it proposed increased support to producers in developing countries through an 'Aid for Fair Trade' policy to raise the capacity of local producers to compete on the international market. I am now working closely with the European Commission and Ministers in the Council to make sure this Resolution is acted upon and real progress on Fair Trade is made. How can you support Fair Trade? What is so fantastic about Fair Trade is that everyone can play a part and improve the livelihood and quality of life of producers in the developing world. With over 2000 high quality and reasonably priced Fair Trade goods being sold in the UK, supporting Fair Trade is certainly not an act of selfless charity! There are also lots of opportunities for you to get involved with the Fair Trade movement and start promoting Fair Trade products in your local area. One big way of making a difference is to officially convert your school, university, church, synagogue, workplace, or even town to being a Fair Trade institution or area. In addition the Fair Trade fortnight that takes place in the spring of every year offers you the chance of setting up or attending events that aim to raise awareness among consumers and policy makers of the value of supporting Fair Trade. For more information on these and other ways of getting involved, please visit the Fair Trade foundation website http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/. As part of Fairtrade Fortnight 2007, Linda produced a leaflet urging women to "Make International Women's Day a Fairtrade Day", containing details of various Fairtrade products and how to purchase them. To download the leaflet or to find out more, please click here.