Fair trade: Out of the margins and into the mainstream?

House of Lords panel discussion on Trade out of Poverty

On Wednesday 25 June I joined representatives of retail and trade justice organisations in the Members’ Dining Room of the Houses of Parliament for afternoon tea. We had been invited by the Fairtrade Foundation and the Ethical Trading Initiative to  a panel discussion chaired by Baroness Young of Hornsey.

I’d never been inside the Houses of Parliament before and as a self-confessed political geek I found it exhilarating to be inside Pugin’s iconic building. Despite the presence of tourists and invited guests milling around, there is an eerie hush as you move through corridors lined with leather benches and stained glass windows. The Members’ Dining Room has a magnificent view over the river Thames and its plush surroundings provided a rather jarring counterpoint to our discussion about the difficulties faced by workers in the developing world.

Baroness Young opened the debate by talking about the Rana Plaza disaster and the recent reports of slavery in the Thai prawn fishing industry, to indicate that workers’ rights are at the forefront of many consumers’ minds. 

The Minister for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs, Jenny Willott described the statistics produced by the department showing 83% of consumers think it is important for retailers to have an ethical policy and 40% of consumers would change their buying behaviour in response to a company’s ethics. She said she was shocked that many of the retailers whose clothes were made by factories in the Rana Plaza complex were not even aware that this was part of their supply chain, and forcing companies to examine and be accountable for their supply chain was the best way to ensure such a disaster did not happen again. Ms Willott argued that transparency was the best way to harness the power of both consumers and shareholders to choose to take their business and investment elsewhere. 

Giles Bolton, Tesco’s Head of Ethical Trading Policy said that trade was the most sustainable way out of poverty and that millions of Chinese had been raised out of poverty due to multinational companies moving production there. He talked about the recent reports of slavery in the Thai prawn industry and stated that Tesco had learned an important lesson about reducing supply chains in order to ensure traceability. Baroness Young added that it sometimes felt like journalists were the only people willing to trace supply chains and wondered why it was so hard for companies to do the same work as journalists.

Chief Adam Tampuri, Chair of Fairtrade Africa, and a cashew nut farmer from Ghana concentrated on the ways in which Fairtrade benefits farmers and their communities. He explained how empowered his community feels when given the opportunity to decide how the Fairtrade premium is spent, and that they really value feedback from all stages of the supply chain so they can build better businesses. He stressed the importance of investment not just in farmers but in moving all aspects of the production process to the developing world so that more and better jobs are created and so that farmers’ children are no longer reliant on one industry, giving them more choices.   

In short, then: transparency; no forced labour; capacity building - three of the Ten Principles of Fair Trade which underpin everything BAFTS hopes to achieve.

Working in fair trade for almost ten years now I have heard these arguments many times before but I came away from this meeting pleased that trade justice issues were being raised in such a high profile place and with so many mainstream retailers present. As well as Tesco I noticed representatives from Waitrose, M&S, New Look and H&M as well as committed Fairtrade brands like Divine chocolate and many more. Maybe it’s time for ethical trade to move out of the margins and into the mainstream

Joanna Pollard

BAFTS Chair

GUEST BLOG FROM "FAIR AND FUNKY": "GO BANANAS"

The mission statement at fairandfunky is ‘empowering people to take little steps to change the world.’ We believe that each and every one of us have the power to make a positive difference; through the way we act, what we wear, where we shop and what we do.

  

We run workshops in schools and community groups on key global themes: Fairtrade, recycling and the environment. We organise events and we sell a range of ethical products online. All of which encourage participants to think about their sense of place in the world and the positive steps they can take locally, nationally and globally; to make a difference.

Fairtrade is at the core of what we do. And this Fairtrade Fortnight, like 1000’s of other Fairtrade campaigners and supporters we are planning to ‘Go Bananas!’ for Fairtrade.

Fairtrade is one of the ways that can, and does, change the world. The Fairtrade Mark (by which individual products are approved in accordance with internationally agreed criteria from the Fairtrade Foundation) is the only independent labelling system which is co-owned and co-directed by the farmers. Fairtrade guarantees a fair deal for producers. Its primary purpose is to increase and improve producer impact, and currently reaches 1.3 million farmers and workers. However, Fairtrade currently touches only 1% of trade globally. Half of the world’s hungry are farmers. This is not good enough. It really is time to wake up and smell the coffee. To get angry. To get animated. To take action. To Go BANANAS!

   

During Fairtrade Fortnight our workshops will focus on Fairtrade, and supporting the “Stick with Foncho” campaign from The Fairtrade Foundation, will focus on bananas.

We plan to make a Fairtrade banana orchard throughout the fortnight at a number of events – from a workshop in the Houses of Parliament with MP’s to a workshop at Holmfirth Market with a local pre-school. It doesn’t matter who you are, or what you do. We ALL have the power to take little steps to change the world.

Buying Fairtrade bananas will do just that. They change the world. They change lives. They transform communities. The fairandfunky workshops in Parliament have been organised with our local MP Jason McCartney (see picture of Helen and Sophie with him, left) : “I’m delighted that fairandfunky will get the opportunity to run their workshops in the Houses of Parliament,” said Jason McCartney MP, “this is a fantastic platform to educate people about the importance of Fairtrade.” And we hope that a visit from Foncho and The Fairtrade Foundation at the event will make people stand up, and take action.

We’re not stopping at Parliament. We’re also running Fairtrade workshops in schools throughout the Fortnight, taking part in International Women’s Day celebrations, running public Go Bananas! workshops, hosting a banana producer in Holmfirth, and finishing with the “fairandfunky FAIRTRADE family fun day” finale!

We’re also going bananas in our online shop! Take a look at our very special Go Bananas! offer and use code GOBANANAS for free postage.

  

So, how will you Go Bananas! for Fairtrade? Let us know via facebook or twitter. We hope we have empowered you to take your own little step, because it is together that we will change the world.

BAFTS' Membership & Marketing Coordinator's thoughts on her first Spring Fair

The beginning of last week saw Kathryn, BAFTS’ Marketing and Membership Coordinator, head off to Spring Fair at the NEC Birmingham with Board member and Manager of Gateway World Shop, Hazel Dobson, to spend two full days briefly meeting most of the other Board members, then catching up with as many BAFTS’ suppliers as possible. It was also an opportunity for Hazel to place orders in situ, and for Kathryn to visit several potential new members.

The exhibition space was as vast as people had indicated: so many halls packed with row upon row of white stands, which took on a disorientating similarity after several hours. We worked out the best approach hall-wise and went round, speaking to members, taking photographs, asking how things were going, and I was amazed at the sheer diversity of products on offer. I was equally impressed by the huge amount of passion which our suppliers put into their businesses. It was the first time I had met many of them in the 11 months since I joined BAFTS; some I had already had a chance to speak to at Harrogate in July, but one day had not been enough time to see everyone then.

One question which cropped up with one or two potential new members was the issue of some of their products coming from China. One of these suppliers had previously applied for membership of BAFTS several years ago, not quite fulfilled the criteria, and believed this aspect had probably had something to do with it. Certainly, this whole topic is one which requires further investigation, if fair trading practises are ever to take a serious hold there. Whilst China used to be linked with cheap labour, it has become an economic super-power over the last few years, and knows that the world is watching its progress. 

A second topic which saddened me a little was the feeling by some seemingly very committed fair trade businesses who do not wish to join BAFTS, that “fair trade” is being watered down too much into “ethical trade” and moving away from one of its grassroots aims of seeking out marginalised, disadvantaged and impoverished producers; an environment to which they do not want to belong. It was necessary to hear that sentiment, in order to understand where some fair trade businesses are coming from, but working out how to bridge that gap will take some serious thought.

Teaching the young about Fair Trade ...

TEACHING THE YOUNG ABOUT FAIR TRADE ..

Alongside my part-time role as BAFTS’ Marketing and Membership Coordinator, I also work a couple of lunchtimes in BAFTS’ shop, Gateway World Shop, Durham and have a teaching qualification. So, when a primary teacher enquires as to whether we can do something by way of a visit to the shop and a little lesson about Fairtrade/ Fair Trade I jump at the chance.

Hazel Dobson, Manager of Gateway World Shop, and I are greeted by 10-11 six to seven year olds and their teachers. The props (FAIRTRADE Mark certified goods from the shop such as tea, cocoa, sugar and muesli; and crafts such as a picture frame, knitted finger-puppets, and a wooden Christmas decorations, alongside leaflets and posters) are laid out either side of me and the finger puppets help tell a story.

We start by using the Santa Claus finger-puppet and ask the pupils how they would feel if their brothers and sisters asked for 10 presents and got ten, but they asked for the same number and only got 5. The whole concept of unfairness is introduced to them on a level and in an example with which they can identify. We ask them how they might feel to be treated unfairly...words such as angry, sad, disappointed are expressed.

Then we swap to the two finger puppets which could just about pass for farmers (they are actually two Josephs from a Nativity set) pretending that they are brothers, both tea growers, and each have ten fields to tend. We suggest they have spent an outlay of £25 a year on their crops, as an easy figure to remember. But one brother is offered £20 for his whole crop (non-Fairtrade) whereas the other is offered £40 for his exact same crop (Fairtrade). We look at the difficulties which the brother might encounter with his shortfall – hunger, sickness, lack of education for his children, despondency, debt – and what extra the other brother might be able to do with his profit -a simplistic version of a fairer wage which covers outlay and gives the farmer a premium. We suggest he could repair damaged houses and schools, install a tap with fresh water for the community, feed their families better, pay for medicines, and buy more crops to sell more next year, which would increase his profit. Interestingly enough, several of the children suggest that he could give some of his extra money to his brother to help him out....

We explain briefly about the differences between the FAIRTRADE Mark (www.fairtrade.org.uk) and BAFTS’ products (www.bafts.org.uk), and how the children can make sure that products are fairly-traded. The pupils get a chance to look at and touch the products on show, and ask questions. All very basic, but they went away knowing what it feels like to be on the receiving end of unfairness, and the sort of products available, which will hopefully help them to remember how Fair Trade helps make farmers, growers and craftsmen feel good about themselves, and might encourage them to pass the message on to their wider families too. As a parent myself, I am well aware how powerful my own children’s “pester-power” can be....and the pupils must have enjoyed the session, as we have been invited to a fair trade coffee morning next week as well!!

Kathryn Sygrove

BAFTS’ Marketing and Membership Coordinator.

7th Fair Trade Towns' Conference in Oslo 28-29th September 2013 and BAFTS' members' role in upholding credibility

KINDLY WRITTEN BY BAFTS' MEMBER, RITA VERITY of SONIA'S SMILE

Fairtrade Norway recently hosted the 7th International Fairtrade Town Conference on 28-29th September, where a gathering in Oslo of representatives from 23 Countries shared stories and ideas about their campaigns http://www.fairtradeoslo2013.com/ The rise of Fair Trade Towns Internationally, shows no signs of slowing down. At around 1,400 it is increasing almost daily and, as the two words suggest, it is now no longer about only the FLO label. This very recognisable mark has been the tool we have used in the UK to build the foundation of Fairtrade Towns, a grassroots campaign movement bringing awareness of the injustices inherent in trading systems to the public. These images are a photo of the Olympics, the "Big Tent" approach from Fairtrade International and Oslo: http://gallery.mailchimp.com/2482186a46f7ac25208f098c9/images/Oslo_Olympics.JPG http://gallery.mailchimp.com/2482186a46f7ac25208f098c9/images/FT_Internat_Big_Tent_Oslo.JPG http://gallery.mailchimp.com/2482186a46f7ac25208f098c9/images/oslo_c.jpg This conference heard a lot about the 'Big Tent' approach used by the National Steering Committee in the USA which is about working closely with other certification bodies for purposes of the criteria, and therefore it is an inclusive model that works to promote and drive sales of a wide range of Fair Trade thus benefitting many more producers in the Global South. Following on from the resolution passed in Rio to introduce a certification label for crafts means we are widening the whole fair trade market while at the same time raising the profile and recognising those who are striving to do the most for the vulnerable people we represent. I was particularly inspired by the opening speaker Erik Solheim who is now a special envoy for the UN having previously been Norway's Minister of the Environment and International Development. He is doing amazing work and his passion shines through, gaining him many awards including the UNEP's 'Champion of the Earth'. We heard about Seoul which will be the largest Fair Trade city in the world when they achieve the status, having a population of 10 million. Other speakers included James Bennett, Head of Brand and Out of Home for Fairtrade International. He explained the work done with the Olympics not only to get Fairtrade products included in the procurement, but also get the Fairtrade logo on the publicity and promotional materials. Given that Coca-cola and other global brands were the main sponsors this was an incredible achievement. In small workshops, we had discussions on our own campaigns and working with local authorities and schools etc. The message I always take from any gathering of people who are involved with trade justice is that we all understand that we can and must do something. From the Ministers and the Mayors to the volunteers and individual shop owners like myself we all know that we are changing the world one purchase at a time. I am very fortunate to be in a position to go to these conferences and spend time with others who believe wholeheartedly that it is our duty to campaign against unfair and unjust practices.  Fair Trade Towns campaigns are made up of individuals, the majority of whom have nothing to gain financially, they are not shops, importers or suppliers. They are simply people with a conscience who do not want to enjoy cheap luxuries at the expense of another persons life and they spend time and money campaigning to bring about this change. Being a member of BAFTS should mean that we go over and above normal business practices, and that should be far more than just 'not exploiting' the producer. Paying a fair price should be the starting point only and not using child labour at the expense of their education similarly so. BAFTS shops should be the face of Fair Trade on the High Street and I know many are involved and leading Fairtrade Town campaigns. If we are to be a credible member organisation we have to demonstrate that we comprise of businesses and individuals with a common goal and are committed to the 10 principles set out by the WFTO. I am grateful to the board for the work put in to oversee the running of our organisation but as Fair Trade continues to grow and is gaining strength, the scrutiny of our members is also key to our credibility. Being a member of BAFTS gives us all the privilege of participating in the process of ensuring that we uphold the principles and work together to keep our organisation at a level, at which we are all proud to be a member. I urge everyone not already involved in playing a part of this incredible social movement to find out more about either Fairtrade Towns or participate in the work which the BAFTS board are doing.

Who is BAFTS?

BAFTS Week 2013 runs from 21 to 28 September and members across the UK will be celebrating with special promotions. So who is BAFTS? Below you'll find a few key points about the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers

• BAFTS is a member organisation. It is run by its members for the benefit of its members and their customers.
• It was founded in 1995 to be the voice of fair trade retailing in the UK
• BAFTS has 138 members in all four countries of the UK, as well as the Isle of Man and the Isle of Wight. 
• 47 Shop members who buy from fair trade wholesale suppliers in the UK and sell directly to the public in a range of ways - bricks and mortar shops, market stalls, craft stalls, websites etc.
• 12 Direct Sourcing Retail members who work with producers in the developing world, import goods and sell directly to the public via shops, websites and market stalls.
• 79 Supplier members who work with producers in the developing world, import their goods and sell to retailers including BAFTS shop members.
• 25% of BAFTS members have a turnover below £25,000 a year.
• 60% of BAFTS members have a turnover below £100,000 a year.
• 3% of BAFTS members have a turnover in excess of £1,000,000 a year.
• BAFTS suppliers work with producers in 28 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America:
• In a BAFTS shop you may find goods from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Palestine, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Rwanda, Mali, Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, Malawi, Madagascar, Senegal, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Haiti and Mexico
• Products include: Toys, Furniture, Ornaments, Clothing, Bags, Scarves, Jewellery, Homewares, Cards and Wrapping Paper, Kitchenware, Gifts, Christmas decorations, 
• Skilled artisans work with a huge range of materials including: soapstone, wood, ceramic, glass, mosaic, sawdust, papier mache, recycled metal, wire, tin, iron, steel, aluminium, fabric, crochet, knitting, weaving, appliqué, silversmithing, beaded jewellery from glass, paper, wood, metal, shell
• BAFTS is a member of the World Fair Trade Organisation  
• If you are a retailer or wholesaler selling at least 70% fairly traded goods, you could consider joining BAFTS. Check out the "Join BAFTS" section on the BAFTS website: http://www.bafts.org.uk 

BAFTS' member Myakka earns Top Ethical Ranking from The Ethical Company Organisation

Halfway through our first BAFTS' week, we are delighted to share the news that our member Myakka has been awarded a Top Ethical Ranking from The Ethical Company Organisation. Read about it direct from Myakka's own words, and share with us in wishing them sincere congratulations!

Myakka is celebrating success with an impressive top ranking in the latest furniture research completed by The Ethical Company Organisation. The research rates companies according to their commitment to the environment, animals and people and within the furniture sector, research also looks specifically at Rainforest Timber and wood sourcing policies of each of the companies. Specialist fair-trade furniture retailer, Myakka received a top Ethical Company Index (ECI) score of 100 in the latest research, ahead of large high-street retailers such as Homebase, John Lewis and B&Q. For more information please go to www.myakka.co.uk William Sankey, Research Director from The Ethical Company Organisation said “We hope this latest batch of research will enable more ethical consumers to source their goods from the most responsible players in the furniture business.  We particularly commend Myakka for their strong ethical performance.” www.ethical-company-organisation.org The 11th Annual Ethical Shopping Guide is now available to buy. Myakka has been awarded the Ethical Accreditation for their corporate social responsibility since 2009 and earned their place in the Good Shopping Guide also.  This leading directory provides detailed information on everything from banks to butter, washing machines to jeans to help consumers make informed decisions on shopping with a clear conscience. Simon Whitehead, Founding Director of Myakka said “We are delighted to have received such a high ranking in the latest research. Consumers are becoming more aware of the sourcing of products and The Ethical Company Organisation provides clear guidance and external verification which is invaluable to consumers.” Established in 1999, Myakka offers fair trade furniture and home accessories to customers across the UK through their mail order catalogue and e-commerce website.  The company has been members of BAFTS (The British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers) since 2006 and source the majority of their exclusive lines directly from manufacturers in India, Thailand and Indonesia. In response to consumer awareness, this week also sees the launch of the inaugural BAFTS' Campaign Week.  Running from 21-28 September, the event is designed to raise awareness of over 150 BAFTS' members selling fair trade products across the UK.