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.

Official Press release Wording for BAFTS' week 21st-28th September 2013

BAFTS (The British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers) is delighted to announce its first ever campaign week from 21-28 September. Set up in 1998, BAFTS is a membership organisation for suppliers who import, and shops who sell, a minimum of 70% fair trade goods from recognised sources. Its members are vetted by peer review on an annual basis, and customers can shop or order with confidence from a BAFTS member, knowing that this organisation has had its fair trade principles monitored and assessed annually.   

BAFTS is a member organisation of the WFTO (World Fair Trade Organisation) and also of WFTO-Europe. BAFTS is also recognised by the WFTO as the national fair trade networking organisation in the UK, and adheres to their Ten Principles of Fair Trade. For full details, please go to http://www.bafts.org.uk/resources BAFTS prides itself on the fact that its members work to bring about changes in the status of developing world producers through Fair Trade retailing and campaigning. Most members have links with Fairtrade Towns’ campaigns across the country and are passionate about Trade Justice.

The primary aim of the week is to raise awareness of BAFTS and its almost 150 members, independent businesses who sell fairly traded goods in locations all around the UK. It is also an attempt to answer the questions: what about products for which there is no FAIRTRADE Mark ? How can we be sure that they are fairly-traded? Whilst many consumers recognise the FAIRTRADE Mark thanks to successful publicity by the Fairtrade Foundation, and campaigning by Fairtrade towns, this is not the only organisation dedicated to fair trade. Items that can be certified Fairtrade are usually products that are grown, like cotton, rubber and food. The Fairtrade Foundation describes the situation thus:

  ‘Fairtrade certification and its system of minimum pricing were designed for commodity products. It is technically difficult to adapt this model of standardized minimum pricing to crafts and other products made by small-scale artisans, which are each unique and have highly varied production processes and costs.’

In our opinion, a good starting point for the answers to these questions lies in membership of BAFTS, building on the solid foundation of the WFTO 10 Principles of Fair Trade, and adding to the mix a community with a wealth of experience, commitment, passion and shared goals.

BAFTS represented at the Scottish Fair Trade Nation Celebration in Perth 7th September 2103

It was a long day full of expectation and excitement. As Marketing and Membership Coordinator for BAFTS, I was travelling up to Perth to represent our organisation, take part in the Celebration, meet some existing members and possible new ones, and sit on a panel discussion about "Scotland as a Fair Trade Nation: What Next?" My role there was to say how BAFTS (amongst other organisations) could help Scotland now that it had already achieved Fair Trade Status.

I presented soon after noon, following on from representatives from Pekerti, a WFTO producer group from Indonesia. A few technical problems meant that the system on which all the presentations were stored was not linked to the Internet, so it was not possible to show the "For a Few Pesos More" video, but everyone got the lyrics and a link to the Youtube Video. I spoke about BAFTS' history, what we do, and who we are, how we have changed, member benefits, WFTO, and events coming up soon, adding the quip that if there was time left I might sing the lyrics to the audience - thankfully there wasn't! It was hard to know who exactly the audience was (maybe about 30-40 people) as people kept mingling, coming and going, chatting quietly in the background, but I suspect that many were Scottish citizens, a few were maybe committed Fairtrade and fair trade activists, and a few were suppliers or shops (Suzanne Whittingham from Traidcraft told me later that she popped in from manning her stall, but you try and phase out movements when presenting, to focus on what you have to say). I was careful to point out that there may well be some shops and suppliers in the audience who were not members of BAFTS, and whilst that did not mean that these shops and suppliers were not indeed genuine and ethical, we felt that our organisation offered regular monitoring, accountability, community and a shared purpose in promoting fair trade.

The audience seemed to enjoy the presentation, which was speedily followed by Elen Jones speaking about Fair Trade Wales and five years as a Fair Trade Nation. Then we were both whisked away to sit on the aforementioned panel discussion, alongside Barbara Crowther (Fairtrade Foundation), the two Indonesian ladies representing Pekerti, and Martin Meteyard, Chair of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum. Interestingly, Barbara mentioned that the Fairtrade Foundation had been approached to certify Scotland a Fair Trade Nation when they first decided to move towards this, but it had been decided that they should set their own goals and get plenty of evidence of working towards these, before proclaiming that they have achieved them. It took seven years all told!

I stated that I felt BAFTS was in a good position to help them move forward - we already had several Scotland-based shops and suppliers selling their goods that day in their "Market Place" and more around Scotland, so interconnections already existed; many of our members have connections with Fairtrade Towns, so we support the successful growth and campaign around the FAIRTRADE (FLO) Mark; because our organisation is a member (indeed the national network representative) of the WFTO, we adhere to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade, which can be applied in a wider context than the commodity-based FLO Mark, and we were able to share information on our website and social media, plus attend meetings whenever this was geographically possible.

The remainder of the day was spent talking to existing members and taking photographs, chatting to a few ex-members about re-joining, welcoming Traidcraft and chatting with them, buying a few small fair trade gifts (obligatory, of course!), speaking to Oromo Coffee Company (who will be represented at out member meeting at The FIG Tree Centre, Garstang on 23rd September), and listening to Humza Yousaf, MSP for External Affairs and International Development, talk about his support for the Scotland Fair Trade Nation Campaign. I had approached Martin Rhodes, Director at the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, for a photograph, so decided to be bold and ask if a few more representatives of key organisations could be involved too. It rounded up a very stimulating, thought-provoking and exciting day, of which I was proud to be a part.
Below are (L to R)Martin Rhodes, Director of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, Humza Yousaf MSP for External Affairs and International Development, Kathryn Sygrove for BAFTS, Elen Jones from Fair Trade Wales, and Betsy Reed, former Director of The Scottish Fair Trade Forum.

How do I know it's fair trade?

How do I know it's fair trade?
As a retailer, working markets in a large Northern city, I love it when customers ask me this. It gives me an opportunity to tell the producers' stories, passed on to me by the suppliers, and to explain how BAFTS members have to go through a rigorous process of peer-review and an annual re-evaluation of their adherence to the Ten Principles of Fair Trade. If necessary, I carry on talking about the difference fair trade can make in producers' lives until the customers' eyes glaze over and they either walk away or buy something, hopefully satisfied with the fair trade credentials of their goods.
BAFTS recently received a complaint from a member of the public about a company describing itself as fair trade when, according to this person, they owed a Nepali producer a large amount of money. To give you an idea, it was roughly the same amount as I paid for my first house in Stockport in 2000, and it was enough to bankrupt the Nepali family to whom it was owed. As the complainant put it: Is this allowed in fair trade? I don't think so.
I don't think so either, but since the company in question is not a member of BAFTS there is, sadly, a limit to what we can do about it.
If the company was a supplier, selling goods as fair trade to BAFTS shop members, we would be able to warn members about the complaint, but so far as we can gather this company is predominantly a retailer. They were members of BAFTS in the past, but unlike some ex-members who seem unwilling to admit to no longer being BAFTS members, the company in question has not claimed membership of BAFTS or any other recognised fair trade organisation.
So while, if true, this story does mean that the retailer is operating against the principles of fair trade, the company has not technically infringed anything.
The words fair trade mean lots of different things to lots of different people, and unless a company can prove that its fair trade credentials have been independently verified, the only way to find out what fair trade means to them, is to ask, engage in conversations and give them the opportunity to explain why they think their goods are fair trade.
There are, of course, numerous companies which operate under all the Ten Principles of Fair Trade, and for various reasons choose not to join BAFTS, WFTO or other fair trade organisations, but in my experience, if someone's trading fairly they will be delighted to tell you all about what they do, who their producers are and the difference they make in people's lives.
We recommend you ask questions, listen to the stories and that's how you'll know it's fair trade.
Joanna Pollard
BAFTS Chair

How fair trade is fair trade?

A recent article in the Observer caused some interesting discussion when I posted it on the BAFTS Facebook page. The article, entitled "How poverty wages for tea fuel India's trade in child slavery" and the response from the Fairtrade Foundation, pose serious questions for those of us who are buying, selling and campaigning for fair trade. You'll find links to both at the bottom of the page.
Tea pickers in Assam were found to be packing the same tea in boxes which carried the FLO mark, Rainforest Alliance and the Ethical Tea Partnership logos. This tea was bound for British supermarkets as well as Tetley, Lipton and Twinings.
So far, so disconcerting - if the tea's the same why should we choose Fairtrade over Rainforest Alliance or any other label? Where it gets even more worrying is the revelation that tea pickers were paid the same whether they were picking Fairtrade tea or any other kind of tea, and that the amount (89 rupees a day) is less than 60% of the legal minimum wage in Assam. If a supermarket, or a fair trade shop, was paying its adult workers £3.70 an hour there would be an outcry, and quite rightly.
So what do we do? The Fairtrade Foundation has worked extremely hard over the last few years to extend the reach of Fairtrade products into the mainstream, in order to improve the lot of producer groups. Some, such as the Kuapa Kokoo collective in Ghana which owns a majority share in Divine chocolate, can be seen to have benefited hugely from the Fairtrade premium, and since it is a collective there are no problems with plantation owners choosing to pay poverty wages. Fairtrade started out as a movement for collectives, co-operatives and smallholders, but the culture in certain countries is resistant to collective ownership. Some crops are harder to grow collectively, but that does not mean we can just say it's OK for these tea pickers to be paid less than the legal minimum. Fairtrade is not just about banning child workers, it's about making sure adult workers, whether male or female, are paid fairly and given a chance to improve their lives. When we choose a Fairtrade product it's because we want it to be a better choice for the workers.
It's vitally important  that we never blindly trust a label, but delve a bit deeper to find out exactly what's going on, where the products come from and who benefits. If we find that a product is not what we thought it was, we need to question it, and put pressure on people who can make changes. Collectively we can make a difference.
It's vitally important that we continue to question our own commitment to fair trade, which is why BAFTS asks its members to complete a renewal form every year, where they look at what they have been doing and what they hope to do in the future.
It's vitally important, because the tea pickers' lives, and the lives of their children who could end up in slavery, depend on it. It is completely unacceptable for the fair trade label to be used as a marketing tool to sell tea bags which exploit the poverty and reduce the life choices of farm workers. It diminishes the whole idea of fair trade and risks tarring us all with the same brush.
Not all fair trade products are equal; some are clearly more equal than others.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/20/poverty-tea-pickers-india-child-slavery

http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/press_office/press_releases_and_statements/july_2013/response_to_the_observer_article_on_tea_wages_in_india.aspx

Harrogate Home and Gift Fair -meeting some BAFTS' suppliers

A FIRST EXPERIENCE OF THE LIFE OF A FAIR TRADE SUPPLIER....
http://pinterest.com/baftsuk/harrogate-home-gift-fair-bafts-suppliers/

Having some years of retail experience in Gateway World Shop has afforded me key insights into the world of a fair trade shop, but yesterday, for the first time ever, I set foot inside a Trade Fair. Like an eager school pupil on a trip out, with ID badge pinned on, and accompanied by Joanna Pollard (Chair of BAFTS), we set off into the heat to locate existing BAFTS' suppliers and maybe find a few potential new ones. It was busy, and many people were kitted out with lists, net books, mobile phones and were discussing orders on-the-go, or whilst sipping iced beverages in the ever-increasing heat!

We managed to see most of our exhibiting suppliers but had to leave before seeing a few due to time restraints. Most of our suppliers said that this was a pretty good fair interest-wise, as opposed to last year, but remained cautiously optimistic at best. What first amazed me was the sheer cost of these stands - depending on square footage, how many panels you needed for display, lighting etc - this ran into many thousands of pounds for the four days of exhibiting. I had imagined many hundreds of pounds a day, but no more. Admittedly, these fairs seem to be THE place to get custom - good custom, new custom - and an excellent opportunity to talk up and display your wares effectively, but I can see why many suppliers cannot afford to attend more than one or two a year. Spring and Autumn Fair at the NEC Birmingham seem to be the most popular right now.

We had time to speak to Zhambala Arts, Black Yak, York Scarves, Koseli Wholesale, Earth Squared, Cool Trade Winds, Manumit, New Overseas Traders (NOT), and Kazuri. The general consensus was that times were still tough, suppliers were honing in on their best lines, some were trying a few new ones, and several saw the necessity of supplying non-fair trade businesses too to keep themselves going. Yet the determination to adhere to their own fair trade principles was as strong as ever; the humbling stories of the people behind the products were the reason they kept going, and stayed focussed. I heard of villages being helped by our suppliers to survive in times of flooding, of new lines being tried out so that weavers who could not afford a hand loom could still supply a craft item; and of the underlying passion to yet lift people out of poverty, despite some tough business decisions having to be made.

I started to get a much clearer and deeper picture of what working with producers means: giving basic training and marketing advice to meet Western standards; helping them learn to select quality materials; teaching them the necessary skills - to appreciate the need for consistency of approach and product; to meet deadlines, to turn samples over on time, to be reliable, and all that often against a backdrop of living in meagre conditions. I realised that the supplier's life is an endless round of travelling for weeks abroad to see producers, check on quality control and order progression, iron out whatever difficulties are encountered, then return to deadlines on new catalogues, shipping out orders, getting collections ready and spending hours displaying them for one of the many Trade Fairs - if indeed money allows. I realised what a huge amount of work goes on just keeping the production lines going in developing countries, let alone achieving consistently good quality products on time for seasonal deadlines which Western markets will want to consume.

The Pinterest link shows some images taken of the suppliers and products. There are more on Facebook and Twitter too. I hope that yesterday's trip will now enable me to better understand the needs of more of our Members and address those more effectively.

Tellin' Stories: Fair Trade and Fairtrade

First - the confession: My name's Joanna and I'm a Twitter addict. If you're doing it right, it often feels like you're sitting quietly in a pub (or Fairtrade coffee shop!) listening to the conversations of the most erudite, witty and interesting people in the country. Anyway, I read a Tweet the other day which really set me thinking. This Tweet, from Indica (941 Twitter followers), a fair trade shop in Glasgow (although not yet a BAFTS member) reads:

Buying #fairtrade at a supermarket is kind of missing the point - support an #indieretail outlet & buy #organic and #fairtrade together.

A lot of interesting ideas are packed into these 140 characters. Firstly, supermarkets do sell more Fairtrade goods than any other type of retailer. Farmers in the developing world are receiving £53 million a year from the Fairtrade premium and there's a strong argument that without the likes of Sainsbury's (170,155 followers), the Co-op, Cadbury's, Nestle and Starbucks the farmers who produce Fairtrade certifed crops such as bananas, coffee and cocoa beans, sugar cane and tea leaves would still be stuck in absolute poverty.  Fair trade pioneers such as Cafedirect and Divine (15,692 followers)do an amazing job but we need to face the fact that most people in the UK do most of their shopping in supermarkets, and the only way Fairtrade is able to make the huge difference it does, is by giving customers the opportunity to buy FLO marked goods in supermarkets.
There is a massive recognition of the FLO mark - 78% of the UK population recognise it, and this is largely down to its presence within mainstream retail alongside the efforts of the Fairtrade Foundation (66,278 followers) and Fairtrade groups across the country. Not to mention the inspiration for the headline of this article, Charlatans singer Tim Burgess (62,276 Twitter followers) whose Tim Peaks coffee is one of the newest Fairtrade brands on the market. 
However, if you scrutinise the label on a FLO marked biscuit or cake, you will probably find it was made in Europe, often in the UK.  The 78% of customers who recognise and seek out goods with the FLO mark don't always realise that the item they have in their hand does not actually originate in the developing world. The raw ingredients were grown by farmers whose lives are being changed by Fairtrade, and that's fantastic, but how can fair trade help change the life of someone who isn't a farmer?

A recent survey conducted on behalf of the Fairtrade Foundation found that:
• More than a third (35%) of shoppers say they have specifically chosen to buy Fairtrade in recent weeks (compared with 9% who said this in 2006)

• 37% would buy more Fairtrade if they knew where the money is spent or the difference it makes to developing nations

• 18% would buy more if they knew more about how standards are monitored.

This tells us that customers are interested in knowing more about where and how their shopping was produced, and why what they buy matters to the people who made it. 
Shopping for fair trade crafts, clothing and giftware like the products you find in fair trade shops gives you the chance to own something which was entirely created by artisans in the developing world. When you hold a fairly traded necklace, bowl or keyring in your hand, you know that this object was crafted in the hands of a talented worker in the developing world. BAFTS and WFTO members who import from the developing world help nurture and develop traditional skills in modern ways, helping their producer groups to build their businesses, training new staff and reacting to customers' needs. Many fair trade importers work with people with disadvantages within their own societies - women, people with disabilities, victims of trafficking etc. 
As a market trader I speak to people at all points on the fair trade recognition scale - from avowed converts to skeptics to those who have never even heard of it.  I have found that whatever their understanding of fair trade, my customers love to hear the stories behind the products I sell. Supermarkets can't do this. Independent retailers are a vital cog in the wheel of fair trade, because they can tell the producers' stories. From the hands of the worker to the hands of the shopper, each fair trade product tells a different story, but all the stories have one thing in common: lives are changed by fair trade. What we buy matters, and shops and suppliers can work together to get that message across.
Joanna Pollard (86 followers)
BAFTS Chair

"BIG IF" Rally in London 8th June from guest-blogger Nina Carter-Brown (Fair Grounds)

On 8^th June I went down to London with a group of campaigners from Bradford to join over 40,000 people from around the country wanting to give a clear message to the G8 summit leaders that they must take action on the global issues of tax-dodging, land-grabbing and hunger. I got involved with the ‘enough food for everyone IF’ campaign because I don’t want to live in a world where 1 in 8 people go to bed hungry every night and a child dies from hunger every 15 seconds. The IF campaign is supported by over 200 organisations and the rally had been organised by some of the UK’s biggest NGOs and charities and brought people together in Hyde Park to hear from a variety of speakers and musicians from across the world on the campaign and put pressure on David Cameron and the other G8 leaders who were meeting the following week in Northern Ireland.

We arrived in time to join the march from Westminster to Hyde Park where the rally was taking place and it was good to be able to talk to some people we passed about why we were there. In Hyde Park there were campaign stalls and a big stage where everyone gathered in the sunshine to hear from the speakers and musicians. One of the highlights for me was hearing Satish Kumar speak. An Indian activist who speaks passionately from the soul about growing food and living with the earth in a way that means no one would go hungry. He was inspiring and I recommend listening to him on youtube or reading articles he has written. I very much enjoyed listening to Angelique Kidjo, a singer from Benin with an amazing voice and uplifting songs. There were also 2 young people from Tanzania who spoke of their personal experience of hunger and their meeting with David Cameron that afternoon, and I hope he listened well to them.

I have now been part of 4 G8 demos, 3 in the UK and 1 in Germany and as well as being part of the ‘drop the debt’ ‘make poverty history’ and ‘IF’ campaigns, I have also been involved in some nonviolent demonstrations around ‘Stop the G8.’ For me I feel it is important to be part of both. I get inspired and energised from being with thousands of others from around the UK and world who see the injustices and inequality in the world and so we gather together as a loud collective voice with a message to the G8 world leaders that they must work for change and use the power they have globally to make a difference to the lives of the millions living in poverty. However, at the same time if I’m honest I find it hard to believe that the leaders of the G8 countries – UK, USA, Russia, Japan, Italy, Germany, France and Canada – hold the best interests of the world’s poorest people at the heart of all they do and all the decisions they make, and because of that I can’t see the G8 being a significant force for positive change in the future, and this is the reason I believe ultimately it should be stopped. As I walked away from Hyde Park the question in my mind was ‘I wonder how much has been spent on food at the G8 summit?’

But this doesn’t mean that I will give up on campaigning and adding my voice along with thousands of others as we hope that something genuinely life-giving will come out of these meetings, because it is so much better than doing nothing and we can see this year’s G8 summit resulted in some positive statements being made, such as G8 leaders pledging an extra $4.1billion to help tackle malnutrition which could save the lives of almost 2million children. World leaders agreeing to set up pilot partnerships with developing countries to make buying, selling and owning land fairer and David Cameron announcing that all UK-affiliated tax havens will now have to share information about the companies using them, and G8 leadersagreeing that information from all companies should now be open to scrutiny by tax authorities in developing countries.

It is important to make sure that these promises of action are followed through quickly and effectively because they will make a real difference to millions of people who are living and dying in poverty, and as long as the G8 summits happen we must continue to put pressure on David Cameron and the other leaders to ensure they are using the opportunity to do all they can to end hunger and suffering in the world.

Starting out with BAFTS in a new role

It's three and a half months since I joined BAFTS in the newly-created post of part-time Marketing and Membership Coordinator. Although I have had seven years' background as Chair of Durham City Fair Trade Partnership (Durham City has held Fairtrade City Status since May 1997) this work was primarily with local Councils, retailers, schools, Durham University, holding meetings and events, and revolved primarily around products with the FAIRTRADE Mark, or FLO Mark as we at BAFTS call it!

So, it's easy at that point to think you know pretty much all there is to know about Fairtrade (one word), although I had done work in Gateway World Shop, Durham (BAFTS' shop member) for many years, and had some understanding of BAFTS as a member organisation, and that we had to have a minimum of 70% fairly-traded goods in the shop, with the rest comprising organic foods or items, recycled goods, and some local products. I had also completed two County Durham Fair Trade Directories for the Durham Co-operative Membership Committee under contract, and helped Durham County Council with theirs a few years' earlier, so I knew that BAFTS was a "seal of approval" if you like for fair-trade outlets stocking items well beyond commodities certified with the FLO-Mark, such as paper, jewellery, kitchenware, bags, clothes, accessories, and craft items. At the time of me joining, BAFTS had just changed its name to include Suppliers, so I thought I was pretty much up-to-date.

Yet my role is multi-faceted, and involves anything and everything from ringing members to introduce myself, to updating Facebook and Twitter, sending out Newsletters and emails to the whole membership, looking out for potential new members, and trying to address the needs and concerns of the existing membership-base. It really helped being able to attend the AGM and Conference in Burntisland, as names which had been a blur on a Google Document eight weeks before started to make sense as the people behind them made themselves known to me. This was the very first time I had met the Board members face-to-face as well, although we had skyped so often that it felt quite easy to fit alongside them.

I think things really gelled there -meeting shop members, seeing suppliers exhibiting, getting to grips with the Resolutions, starting to see how these impacted our members, hearing concerns about WFTO proposals and what that meant for BAFTS. Whilst I had some knowledge of retail, I was keen to better understand the suppliers' businesses, how they operated and made their producer contacts. So I am relishing going to Harrogate Home and Gift Fayre next week to do exactly that, so that as I gain a wider knowledge of our membership, I can better understand all your situations, and hopefully provide solutions for your problems.