Fairtrade
…does exactly what it says on the label
It guarantees a better deal for producers in the Developing World
Derry City Council supports Fairtrade and is committed to achieving Fairtrade City Status for the city.
What is “Fairtrade”?
The Fairtrade system guarantees a better deal to disadvantaged producers by offering them two major monetary benefits:
· The Fairtrade Minimum Price is a guaranteed price that covers the cost of sustainable production. When the market price is higher than the Fairtrade minimum price, the market price is payable.
· In addition to the purchase price paid by importers, a separate payment, called the Fairtrade Premium, is made which is designated for social and economic development in the producing communities.
The farmers and workers themselves decide how these funds are to be spent. It is generally used for improvements in health, education or other social facilities, although it may also be used for certain development projects to enable growers to improve productivity or reduce their reliance on single commodities.
How can I recognise Fairtrade products?
Fairtrade products carry the Fairtrade Certification Mark.
For a product to display the Fairtrade Certification Mark it must meet international Fairtrade Standards.
Producer organisations supplying Fairtrade Products are certified against these standards by an independent certification body, which carries out regular inspections. The independent inspection and monitoring of the producers and supply chains ensures that the Fairtrade Certification Mark is only used on products coming from Fairtrade Certified Producers.
There are now more than 3,000 Fairtrade certified products available. The full range includes: coffee, tea, herbal teas, chocolate, cocoa, sugar, bananas, grapes, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, apples, pears, plums, grapefruit, lemons, oranges, satsumas, clementines, mandarins, lychees, coconuts, dried fruit, juices, smoothies, biscuits, cakes & snacks, honey, jams & preserves, chutney & sauces, rice, quinoa, herbs & spices, seeds, nuts & nut oil, wines, beers, rum, confectionary, muesli, cereal bars, yoghurt, ice-cream, flowers, sports balls, sugar body scrub and cotton products including clothing, home wear, cloth toys & cotton wool.
Fairtrade Towns and Cities
Fairtrade Towns and Cities work to increase awareness of Fairtrade and accessibility to Fairtrade products within their local community.
To become a Fairtrade Town or City, 5 goals (The “5 C’s”) must be met:
1. Council
The local council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens.
2. Commerce (retail and catering)
A range of Fairtrade products must be readily available in the area’s shops and served in local cafés and catering establishments.
3. Community
Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work places educational establishments, faith communities and other community organisations. A flagship employer is required for populations over 100,000.
4. Common Consensus (public support gained through media coverage and events)
Attract media coverage and organise events to gain popular support for the campaign.
5. Champions (steering group)
A local Fairtrade steering group must meet regularly to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status. The composition of your steering group should be representative of your community overall.
What can I do?
For further information and ideas on how you can make a difference to the lives of producers and their families in developing countries, visit these: