Fairtrade

[Tak]

Reading some news websites this morning and it seems Tate and Lyle (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7260211.stm) are becoming a Fairtrade product.

Next week also sees something called Fairtrade Fortnight (http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get_involved/fairtrade_fortnight/fairtrade_fortnight_2008/default.aspx).

I realised that I don't really know what Fairtrade is.

Been reading some bits around the web - wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_trade) which points out some of the negative things about it, as well as the Fairtrade website and the FAQ (http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/what_is_fairtrade/faqs.aspx) which states:

What is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.

What do people here think? Good thing? Bad thing? Unsustainable thing?
I can't say I've decided yet, I can't honestly say I completely understand it yet either.

[Flibster]

I've yet to buy any fairtrade stuff that tastes any good.
All the coffee I buy is negotiated direct with the farm, and is generally over double what fairtrade pay.

It's a good idea, but not practical. If it's good quality - pay more. If it's crap - pay less.
Crap soon learns to get better.

Simon/~Flibster

[Will]

I'm all for getting the 3rd world on the map, as long as people aren't exploited in the process. I think that's what Fairtrade helps to reduce. Whether or not it works I don't know. I buy fair trade bananas, coffee and a couple of other bits I can't remember off the top of my head - usually I buy products I believe in, or believe to have the quality I'm paying for. Usually fairtrade stuff I've bought is pretty decent - whether or not it really helps the 3rd world live a better/fairer life I don't know. Can you ever truly believe all the stuff that they sell you? It goes back to the point in another thread about whether or not being able to buy a pineapple in the UK is acceptable considering the shipment costs. If the working environments are suitable and people are able ot make a life for themselves and their families in 3rd world countries in an ability to provide me with a mango then it's fantastic. I'm sceptical about all this happy clappy tree hugging stuff though - however there are truly benevolent companies and industries out there - however everyone's really out to make money if we're brutally honest.

[Lana]

From what I know, I think its a great thing. So many farmers in poorer countries (and even wealthier ones!) aren't paid what they deserve and barely can make a living on what they do make. I buy fair trade when I can and I like it.
They have some kinds of chocolate that are just AMAZING...