Australia and New Zealand Appointed New Fair Trade CEO

Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand today announced the appointment New Lady of Molly Harriss Olson as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Olson previous Chair of Fairtrade International joins the organization at a main time. Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand, which has seen significant increase since its inception Ten years ago and is now Australia and New Zealand’s most recognized ethical label is looking at ways to get bigger even further.

The depth and breadth of experience that she brings to Fairtrade will be priceless, said Valentine Tripp, Chair of Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand and a Director with KPMG. In her time as Chair of Fairtrade International, she has been pivotal in renovate the governance of the international organization and driving change, including the introduction of the new Fairtrade Sourcing Programs.

An internationally recognized leader in global sustainability, Olson is experience spans over 30 years. She worked in the White House during the time of President Bill Clinton as the Founding Executive Director of the President’s Council on Sustainable Development, developing a general action strategy on sustainable development. More recently, in Australia Olson founded and convened the National Business Leaders Forum on Sustainable Development, and was in charge for bringing Al Gore on his first visit to Australia as keynote speaker for the forum.

Molly Harriss Olson said: I am fervent about the Fairtrade movement and the opportunities we have in make easy tangible impact to make trade fair. An exacting highlight for me has been overseeing a change to the constitution of Fairtrade International which has meant that producers and workers in the Fairtrade system are now half owners, enabling them to have a powerful voice in the system.

After one years at the international level of Fairtrade, I am looking forward to the challenges of working at the national level and leading the organization to build on its success so far, and grow the market to even greater levels, said Ms Olson, who will be based at the Fairtrade regional head office in Melbourne.

Ms Olson’s appointment comes on top of another new top-level appointment at Fairtrade ANZ. Valentine Tripp, a leading FMCG specialist and Director with KPMG, was selected as Chair of the Board of Directors at the end of 2013.

International Fairtrade introduces Standard for hired labour

Fairtrade International has introduced their Standard for Hired Labour, marking a main step in the organization’s attempt to extend its work beyond Fairtrade Premium projects and basic labour rights protection.

The Fairtrade International Standards Unit traveled the globe to meet with more than 420 workers in 14 countries to develop the new document.

They also interviewed close to 170 management council from Fairtrade certified plantation and factories, and received more than 120 written response from certified producer groups, traders, retailers, unions, Non-Government Organizations, and member organizations.

The result is a new Hired Labour Standard based on the principles of the workers rights plan, but grounded firmly in the everyday reality of Fairtrade workers across 3continents.

The Fairtrade Hired Labour Standard applies to organizations produce flowers and plants, fresh fruit and vegetables, tea, coffee herbs and herbal teas, and sports thinks.

The Standard has necessities on freedom of association; benchmarks for companies working towards the living wage, supplies for the use of migrant labour and giving workers the power to decide on how the Fairtrade Premium is invest.

Small Producer Symbol Expands Program

The Small Producer Symbol, a producer-led and owned Fair Trade certification system based in Latin America focusing on small producers, has in recent months extended into more countries, coops and product categories. 

Small Producer Program announced its first organization registration in Germany, which will enable consumers there to become aware of the pioneering certification. So far, there are 52 organizations certified by the SPP.

Two coffee producer’s organizations of Bolivia have recently joined SPP, La Montana Verde and Antofagasta. Plus, a fruit producing organization from Ecuador, Urocal, became a new member. Furthermore, SPP celebrates its 1st small artisans’ organization, OEPAIC, also from Bolivia.

SPP held its yearly conference in Peru, November 7 and 8, with about a 100 people, most of them small producers, from several countries of Latin America, North America and Europe.

FIB approved New Programs for Cotton, Cocoa and Sugar

The FIB approved new programs for cocoa and sugar at its meeting in Amsterdam last week. A similar program for cotton was approved earlier this year (2013). 

The new model, called Fairtrade Sourcing Programs will enable cocoa, sugar and cotton farmers to sell more of their crops as Fairtrade, bringing greater impact to their farms and community. It forms a key part of our global strategy, unlocking the Power of the Many, which seeks to radically increase Fairtrade impact for producers, and reaffirms our pledge to small-scale farmers in cocoa, sugar and cotton. 

Producers need to more on Fairtrade terms 

Now, many cocoa and sugar producers only sell a fraction of their crops on Fairtrade terms. 1000 of Fairtrade cotton farmers have sold little to no Fairtrade cotton in the last few years. At the same time, there are millions of disadvantaged farmers that could benefit: just 1.2% of the world is cocoa comes from Fairtrade farmers; in cane sugar and cotton it is even less. 

Fairtrade Africa welcomes Fairtrade Sourcing Programs as an important new model to open up more ways for farmers to benefit from Fairtrade, said Chief Adam Tampuri, Chair of Fairtrade Africa and member of the Fairtrade International Board. 1000 farmers in West Africa are in dire need of new opportunity to sell their cocoa and cotton as Fairtrade. We believe Fairtrade Sourcing Programs are a main part of the solution.

New sales opportunities for producers 

Up to now, our focus has been solely on certifying consumer products with the FAIRTRADE Mark. To carry the Mark, 100% of a product must be Fairtrade or, for a product with multiple ingredients like ice cream or chocolate, all available ingredients must be Fairtrade certified.

Fairtrade will introduce the new Sourcing Programs alongside the existing model, opening up new sales opportunities for Fairtrade producers. worldwide, more and more companies have committed to buying sustainable cocoa, sugar or cotton, to use across whole product ranges or even their entire business. The new model provides a big chance for Fairtrade farmers to sell to companies who are focused on one or two key raw products, rather than certify end consumer products. Companies will be able to communicate their sourcing program commitment using a new, differentiated ‘Program Mark’ either on-pack or in their corporate communications. 

Under Fairtrade Sourcing Programs, producers will receive all the same Fairtrade benefits, including the protection of a Minimum Price and the Fairtrade Premium. 

The model and next steps 

The Sourcing Program model is the result of almost 2 years of detailed research and consultation involving Fairtrade producers, partners, and consumers. Around 200 partners, including over 40 producer organizations around the world took part. 

Fair trade fifth birthday celebrations in London

London celebrated 5th years as the biggest Fairtrade City in the world earlier this week. Organizers of the celebrations agreed that though working towards Fairtrade Town or City status is a lot of effort, it’s a great way to unite and energies neighbors, groups, local establishment and businesses to strive together towards a common goal and link them to people across the world. 

This week London reached its 5th anniversary as the world largest Fairtrade City, and it celebrated in style with a glitzy party for Fairtrade supporters. Fairtrade sparkling wine and canapés were enjoyed on the top floor of the City Hall home to the Mayor of London and the London Assembly which provided a marvelous setting with impressive views over the River Thames and the city beyond. The specially commissioned cake by Jane Asher, crafted to represent London famous skyline from unthinkable quantity of Fairtrade sugar and Fairtrade Divine chocolate, added to the glamour of the event.

However, as at all Fairtrade events, in the end the most sparkling and truly sparkling part of the evening was the enthusiasm for Fairtrade. Mayors, councilors, Fairtrade campaigners, Fairtrade business legislature, Fairtrade producers and Fairtrade Foundation staff showed real passion for all the hard work done collectively in making and keeping London Fairtrade status. Speaker after speaker approved that motivating a city the size of London to commit to Fairtrade is no easy task.

Rosie Boycott, who was in lieu of Mayor Boris Johnson, said the Mayor was very pleased London was doing so well. She continued: ‘It is a fantastic achievement that London is celebrating its 5th year as a Fairtrade City. This does not happen by accident you have to work at it. This is an incredible movement that is going from strength to strength in this city, capped by the adoption of Fairtrade by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics, earning them the title of the fairest Games ever.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games became the ‘fairest’ games ever by serving millions of visitors with Fairtrade certified tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar and bananas. 

Other speakers at the occasion included David Lammy MP and Fatima Ismael, from the Soppexcca Coffee Co-operative, in Nicaragua, who presented a packet of coffee ‘with the taste of social justice’ to Sophi Tranchell, Chair of Fairtrade London, who has spearhead the campaign from the beginning.

David Lammy said: ‘It is not surprising that, as a city of such diversity, London is leading the world on Fairtrade, which brings connectivity with people, narrowing the gap between north and south and recognizing our everyday jobs in this part of the world.

But, as with any good party, the compère for the evening left a bit of tension and drama to the end. London has pioneered the Fairtrade Towns and Cities movement, which has now spread across the globe with 100 of Fairtrade towns and cities from Paris to Quebec, Copenhagen to Toronto. The movement strength was on show at the celebrations as Brussels, Madrid and Wellington all sent video congratulations messages to London.

As she finished off the evening speeches, Sophi Tranchell shared the bitter-sweet news that Seoul, in South Korea, with a population of over 10 million, is soon likely to overtake London as the world’s largest Fairtrade City. ‘Still’, she said, we should feel proud of this ethical export.

Fairtrade celebrates 1000 schools in the UK

St Maxentius gained Fairtrade School status after incorporating Fairtrade into the curriculum throughout the past year, with staff and pupils committed to learning about trade across the globe. The award was presented to the pupils and staff at the school by Arun Ambatipudi, a member of the Fairtrade Foundation board and farmer from India (FFBFFI). 

Clare Bennett, Head teacher at St Maxentius in Bolton, says: ‘We are over the moon at being awarded not only with Fairtrade School Status, but also to have the honour of being the 1000th school. 

Throughout the year we are touched on issues nearby poverty, social justice and human rights, with pupils being able to explore the complexity of these, develop understanding and become more rounded global citizens. I am very proud of staff and pupils who have worked towards achieving Fairtrade status. 

Fairtrade has been incorporated into all part of the school curriculum from PSHE to math’s, from discussions on how much farmers are paid in the developing countries, to the amount of Fairtrade ingredients needed for a cake. Pupils held society events and encouraged school cooks to use Fairtrade ingredient. 

Arun says: It’s fantastic to see children across the UK learn about trade justice and the difference Fairtrade can make to those at the other end of the supply chain. In my group of people the Fairtrade premium is helping with diversification and food security – helping to train farmers in more sustainable practices – as well as with education and healthcare. 

I want to congratulate St Maxentius for all their hard work in gaining Fairtrade status, and hope to see more schools taking on the satisfying challenge of becoming a Fairtrade school.

The Fairtrade schools scheme, implemented in 2007, is a nationwide initiative by the Fairtrade Foundation to engage young people in development issues and help tackle global poverty through trade. As of July 2013 there were more than 5,000 schools registered as working towards the Fairtrade school status.

Being a Fairtrade school means that young people understand how trade works and how we can work together, to make it fairer. Schools use and promote Fairtrade products, and also take action for Fairtrade in their local community. By planning and running events to promote Fairtrade young people gain confidence and develop activity skills.

Katheryn Wise, Education Officer at Fairtrade Foundation, added reaching this landmark demonstrates not only the huge promise and enthusiasm of young people, their teachers and everybody in schools across the UK, it’s also testament to the appeal of Fairtrade, as a serious topic for classroom discussion, and as an attractive activity around the whole school.

The second annual Canadian Fairtrade Awards Winners

The second annual Canadian Fairtrade Awards were presented to ten Canadian retail and food service businesses October 3rd in recognition of their ongoing promise to Fair Trade an ethical move toward to doing business that supports agricultural communities, ethical labour practice and sustainable agriculture around the world.

There are more than 5,000 Fairtrade products available on the Canadian market. Their range is wide from coffee, tea, fruits, nuts and sweets, wine, textiles, flowers and even jewelers, said Tom Smith, Fairtrade Canada Executive Director. Canadians are increasingly concerned about the story behind the products they buy and want companies to demonstrate they are operating ethically. 

A free panel of judges assessed nominees on a variety of criteria, including range of products offered; promotion, education and engagement vision, mission, and values. There were many strong nominees, and this year’s winners are:

• Federated Co-operatives Limited, for Grocery/Supermarket – Large national or regional chain
• Choices Markets, for Grocery/Supermarket – Medium independent
• Fresh Carrot, for Grocery/Supermarket – Small independent
• Community Natural Foods, for Natural/Health Food Store
• Ten Thousand Villages Plaza Dr. Winnipeg, Specialty Store
• GMCR Canada, for Café/Restaurant/other Service Provider – Large national or regional chain
• Bridgehead, for Café/Restaurant/Food Service Provider – average independent
• Alternative Grounds, for /Restaurant/Food Service Provider – Small independent
• Camino, for Co-operative
• Manitoba Liquor Marts for Provincial Liquor Board

A special award was presented to the company Aymara for their product Premium Organic Coconut Milk, voted Canada Favorite Fairtrade Product 2013 by nearly 5,000 Canadians during Fair Trade Fortnight. The Fair Trade Fortnight is an annual 2-week blitz celebrating and promoting all Fair Trade, taking place during May 1-15.

The awards reception took place at Hank’s in downtown Toronto on October 3, where Fairtrade certified coffee, tea, beer, and wine other drinks were served.

Coffee Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

• Coffee is actually one of the healthiest beverages billions of people consume regularly.

• Coffee containing with bitter orange, and chromium can support an increase up to 30% in metabolic rate.

• Coffee with keep fit when taking 300mg averages a 20% increase in energy and tiredness while burning fat increased 107% greater than without caffeine.

• Caffeine in coffee keeps our brains alert and accessible of new information.

• Regular consumption of coffee decreases the risk of type II diabetes and many other health risks.

Disadvantages:

• Coffee when consumed in excess can be addictive, stimulate, and a mood charger.

• A large amount of coffee or caffeine addicted all at once can have a negative effect on blood sugar levels that influence fat burning that could change into storing fat.

• Too much coffee over time can stain your teeth.

With so many benefits of coffee for health and weight loss it is hard to be troubled about the few disadvantages when control can solve it all.

Step 1 – Coffee Clean Up

Coffee when consumed directly and by itself it perfect. Having zero calories, zero carbs, and zero fats one can see that it would not delay weight loss. When adding all that extra sugars, sweeteners, alcohol and so on just make it a high calorie dessert.

Sticking with usual or straight shots of coffee with limiting extras like milk and sweetener is necessary for achieve healthy living and weight loss.

Step 2 - Coffee in Moderation 

 

Too much coffee at one time can affect blood sugar levels so the easy fix is dipping you’re in take at one time. Spacing out your coffee in take all through the day would be something to consider and would The benefits as an appetite suppressant while reducing chances of growing blood sugar. Reducing your coffee in take might be a struggle and can possibly cause headaches and constipation but in the end is worth it.

Step 3 – Limit Simple Carbs with Coffee 

Avoiding or at least limiting simple carbs while drinking coffee would be wise as coffee can affect blood sugar unhelpfully and adding simple carbs will just encourage an insulin spike.

Step 4 - Exercise 

Exercise has so many benefits besides burning calories and suppressing your appetite. Exercise can also help regulate your body use of insulin to keep blood sugar down and making coffee have little effect on your body. So make sure you partake in aerobic activities, lift some weights, and keep drinking that coffee and you should achieve weight loss in no time. You know the truth that coffee actually has more benefits than negatives, so enjoy your coffee worry free about hinder for diet and weight loss goals.

Fair trade Main benefits to producer

1. Stable prices

For most products there is a Fairtrade Minimum Price that aims to cover the costs of sustainable production – even when world market prices fall.

2. A Fairtrade Premium

The Premium helps producers to develop the quality of their lives. It is paid on top of the agreed Fairtrade price, and producers decide democratically how to use it. Naturally they invest it in education, healthcare, farm improvement or processing services to increase income.

3. Partnership

Producers are involved in decisions that affect their future. Fairtrade certified producer jointly own and manage Fairtrade worldwide. Through the Fairtrade International's Board, its Committees and talk processes producers can influence prices, premiums, standards and overall strategy. 

4. Empowerment of farmers and workers

This is a goal of Fairtrade. Small farmer groups must have a democratic structure and transparent management in order to be certified. Workers must be allowed to have council on a committee that decides on the use of The Fairtrade Premium. Both groups are supported by Fairtrade International to develop their power in this area.

Fairtrade International Annual Report 2012 and 2013

Fairtrade International the largest certified of Fair Trade products worldwide just released its 2012-13 Annual Report. The 20-page report is one of the best sources of worldwide statistics on producer organization, smallholder worker, retail sales by nation and product type, and more…..

This edition is the 1st such FLO yearly report that excludes activity from Fair Trade USA, which left the FLO system at the end of 2011.

Top Ten highlights include:

• Over 1.3 million farmers and workers in 70 countries in world are part of 1,149 Fairtrade producer organizations

• In addition to sales income, these producer groups benefitted from around 80 million Euros in Fairtrade Premium money in 2012.

• Consumer sales increased considerably in key markets, including: Germany (33 %), the Netherlands (26%), Sweden (28 %), Switzerland (15 %), and UK (16 %).

• Excluding the USA, average sales in all other Fairtrade markets increased by over (20 %) compared to 2011.

• Consumers showed their support for Fairtrade by spend 4.8 billion Euros on Fairtrade products in 2012.

• Fairtrade products became available in Kenya and will be available in India later on this year, providing consumers in those markets the chance to buy Fairtrade products from Fairtrade producers in the same nation.

• Nespresso, Ben and Jerry, and Maltese have made major new commitment with Fairtrade.

• The Fairtrade Access Fund has given US$5.65 million in loans to small producer organization in Latin America to address their most pressing economic needs.

• More than half of All bananas sold in Switzerland retail chains are from Fairtrade producers, and over 40 % of sugar bags in the UK bear the FAIRTRADE Mark. Globally, sales of Fairtrade flowers grew by over 50 %.

• Over 30,000 Fairtrade products are now sold in more than 125 countries in international.

Study Highlights M I R on Colombian Banana Farms

During the 1st years of the 21st century the Uraba region of Colombia was still notorious for violence fed by conflict between paramilitary and guerrilla groups, and unsafe for trade unionists. In the last decade significant changes have taken place. Worker legislature is in permanent dialogue with their employers and is able to freely talk their condition of employ.

Trade union SINTRAINAGO, now representing 18,000 workers in Urabá, of which 2,250 works at 25 Fairtrade certified plantations, has an on-going bargain relationship with the regional relationship of banana employers. Banana workers usually earn a living wage and on Fairtrade certified plantations, both union and non-union members, join forces by investing Fairtrade Premium for the benefit of all. 

Fairtrade welcomes the progress on workers’ rights and the positive partnership between the employers, workers and Fairtrade staff. We make out the union relationship in the Urabá region as a model of industrial relatives which has succeeded in gaining positive benefits for workers. 

In order to learn from this positive example for our work in other regions, Fairtrade International commissioned an independent study earlier this year. The aim was to see what Fairtrade and others can learn from the experience in Urabá, and how we can most excellent encourage and support positive and helpful industrial relations on Fairtrade farms and plantation in other regions. 

While acknowledge that the farms in Urabá still face challenges, the study identify the progress made and the strength of the people there, who are positive and hopeful about their future. 

Challenges and areas for development still remain in Urabá and we by no means want to paint a perfect picture, says Wilbert Intermarry, Senior Adviser, Workers’ Rights and Trade Unions Relations at Fairtrade International.

Fairtrade Responds to ARTE document

ARTE aired a documentary called, “Der fair Handel auf dem Prüfstand/Le business du commerce equitable”. We watched the documentary and we take the issues address very seriously.

We know that a commitment to scaling up Fairtrade impact with truth requires walking a line between socially and environmentally in charge production, and enabling trade that ultimately benefits producers, workers and their community. 

Over the years Fairtrade has learned valuable lessons about meeting the often-conflicting needs of needy producers and the demands of the marketplace. Growth can solve problems, but can breed others if core human rights principles are not considered. 

The Fairtrade values have minimum entry supplies based on international human rights conventions and international labour law. Fairtrade exact certification system is a vital tool to detect human rights violations on Fair trade-certified farms. We continually seek to improve the basis for better living and working conditions of producers and workers and their communities.

Fairtrade is always open to scrutiny and welcomes helpful criticism. The documentary raises serious issues; however we have questions around some of the information, how it was presented, and the conclusions drawn from it.

Winners of the Fair Trade Photo Contest

The 12 winning photos below will be featured each month in the 2014 Fair Trade Calendar.

The photos were submitted by the public, and voted on by the public, during the 5th annual Fair Trade Photo Contest- June-July 2013.

1st Place Winner

Entry No: 87

Credit: Mata Traders

These children are playing at a daycare center placed on-site in a Mumbai women cooperative. Mata Traders associates with this cooperative to bring modish fair trade apparel to the American market.

Winner-2

Entry-No: 5

Credit: Baskets of Africa

Celebrations and ceremony are a key part of life in rural Northern Ghana, West Africa. After a visit from our fair trade buyer, weavers may sing and dance for many hours to mark the juncture. Village life normally does not include a chance to earn money -so selling baskets for sustainable wage, fair trade prices truly transforms the lives of a weaver’s family.

Winner-3

Entry –NO: 8

Credit: Canaan Fair Trade

This Palestinian farmer son holds an olive, their countrywide treasure. Fair trade has made olive farming a sustainable living again, still in a conflict region. Canaan Fair Trade farmers get paid at the olive press, so they can put their next crop in the ground, put the addition on their house, teach their children, and live their lives.

Winner-4

Entry –No: 16

Credit: Shared Interest

Ugandan fair trade tea co-operative, Mpanga used their loan from Shared Interest Society, the world’s only 100% fair trade lender, to supply manure to their 1,000 farmer members.

Winner-5

Entry-No: 36

Credit: Manos Zapotecas

Sometimes watching the artisans weave can be magic, such as a feeling of awe in this shot of Andres at his loom. This photo was taken in Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico, on a trip to visit amazing weave families.

Winner-6

Entry –No: 38

Credit: Venture Imports

When Teresa was widowed 13 years ago, she wonders how she would care for her 6 children. Then she found a job sanding stone carvings. The gravel is chopped into shape by men using machetes. Then Teresa and her friends wet-sand the carvings until they are smooth to the touch.

Winner-6

Entry –No: 50

Credit: Mary Hensley

The Amganad the public gathers at the ceremonial terrace of elder Anna Habiting in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines to open the harvesting season for “tinawon” rice.

Winner-7

Entry –No: 60

Credit: Pure Art and Robert Mckinnon

Earthen hands of fair trade cradle characteristic Maasai beadwork along the Tanzanian/Kenyan border at Ololosokwan, in place of a colorful landscape of a proud semi-nomadic people, engaged in brilliant artistry and a respectful exchange that offers hope for better tribal life.

Winner-8

Entry –No:73

Credit: Ruth Roberts

At the busy Jacobs Well fair trade style production house in Bangalore, India, there is always time to share a joke! Kanchana is one of the latest members of the team and brightens everyone day with her smile and catching giggle.

Winner-9

Entry-No: 85

Credit: Eighth Wonder, Inc and RICE, Inc

Over 3weeks in September 2012, 185 small-holding farmers of the Rice Terraces Farmers supportive came together to consolidate and process their harvest of heirloom rice for local and export sales.

Winner-10

Entry-No: 93

Credit: FYSIC

This is the connection started with the Fysic project, in Modica, Sicily. Young people from Cote D’Ivoire, Togo, Czech state and Italy met there in order to share experience and information about Fair Trade, with the goal of creating a wide net for in charge tourism and chocolate production.

Fair Trade Cotton Procurement Award

The Fair trade Cotton Procurement Awards is the 1st-ever pan-European Award plan to recognize superiority in sourcing of Fair cotton and responsible purchasing within the cotton supply chain at UK and EU level.

All public sector bodies, local the system, educational establishments subject to EU public procurement rule are invited to apply to showcase their achievement in their sustainable sourcing policies on cotton procurement, their purchasing practice and performance, showing how much Fair Trade cotton they actually buy.

Award will cover the following three areas:

• Organizational policy covering sustainable sourcing of cotton in procurement

• Procurement practice – how have ethical values been applied in practice?

• Performance – Achievement in procuring Fair Trade cotton products

The call for applications will be opened in June and online application as well as the supporting facts can be submitted until 31 December 2013.

These awards are a delivered as part of the Cotton on to Fairtrade procurement project, deliver by the Fairtrade organization, People and Planet, Platform pour le Commerce fair, Fairtrade Ireland and the Fair Trade Advocacy Office.

Fairtrade in Universities and Colleges New Scheme 2012-2013

Fairtrade Universities and Colleges can apply for a mini grant of up to £500 to support other local universities and colleges to achieve Fairtrade status. By getting jointly with a local university or college to crusade for Fairtrade, we want you to share your affluence of knowledge and experience to help them work towards the 5 goals and ultimately get Fairtrade status. 

What’s the next step?

Step 1: Get together with a local university or college that now does not have Fairtrade status but would like to start working towards it.

Step 2: Decide what you are going to do together.

Step 3: total the application form with a short action plan, explanation how you plan to use the small grant to Go Further for Fairtrade.

The mini grant is an amazing way to take your campaign further, by expansion your efforts in the wider community. You’ll be part of a movement working to add to the number of universities and colleges across the UK standing up for farmers across Africa, Asia and Latin USA who grow the things we eat and use all day.

Fair Trade Beyond 2015

In 2000, 189 nations made a promise to free people from extreme scarcity and multiple deprivations through the 8 United Nations Millennium Development Goals, to be achieved by 2015. As the deadline approach the United Nations and its member are discussing what kind of frame they wish to have after 2015. We believe that trade plays a main role.

The Fair Trade beyond 2015 campaign aims to mobilize town leaders and Civil the public Organizations around the world to call on world leaders to put in place a new a new global development support beyond 2015 that aims to create a just, fair and sustainable world in which all person can realize their human rights, fulfil their potential and live free from poverty. The objective is to put trade justice on the agenda to lengthily address the root causes of the key challenges we are facing today.

A statement from The Fair Trade Movement will be presented to our world leaders participate in a High Level UN Panel in New York in coming September 2013 with the signatures of supporting society leaders and civil society organizations around the world. We need to gather as much support for the statement as possible.

Fair trade Print IT! Awards 2012 Winners

The plan successfully links Fairtrade and schools, some of which may have achieved Fairtrade status and others who may be new to Fairtrade, to involve them in the complexity of creating a promotional piece and the technology that’s necessary to produce it too.

Every year the students impress us with their imagination and professionalism. Once again the Print IT! Awards 2012 have been a real success.

Elliot Bannister, who took part in the Print IT! Awards in 2006 and has now become a Fairtrade supporter, says Graphic design is a daily feature in our lives and the Print IT! Competition makes us aware of the process that take place to produce any sort of excellent design. 

It trains us to think conceptually and practically, and because these processes take place in the context of Fairtrade, our awareness is also drawn to the lives of farmers and workers around the world. 

Print IT! Encourage us to use our graphic design skills for valuable purposes, and I'm confident that with all cohorts of students, our creation will be one step closer to achieving trade justice.

World war fair trade facts 2013

No	Facts
1	Fairtrade products are now sold in more than 120 countries
2	75 per cent of all Fairtrade producers are smallholder farmers
3	78 per cent of clients recognize the FAIRTRADE Mark
4	Last year, farmers and workers from some of the world poorest countries invested €65 million in Fairtrade Premium in business, social and green projects in their communities
5	There are now 991 Fairtrade producer organizations global level
6	More than 6.5 million liters of Fairtrade wine was enjoyed in 2011
7	One in all 3 bananas sold in the UK is Fairtrade
8	Fairtrade accounts for 10 per cent of all tea sold in the UK
9	Just over 8 per cent of all roast and ground retail coffee is Fairtrade certified
10	9,924 tones of Fairtrade hot chocolate was drunk in the UK in 2011 – that’s about 1.5 million of us sitting down to a cup of hot chocolate every day
11	Fairtrade is a thriving and growing campaign movement with more than 550 Fairtrade Towns, almost 900 Fairtrade Schools and 170 Fairtrade Universities, and more than 7,000 Fairtrade Faith Groups.
12	Thousands of people across the UK will Go Further this Fairtrade Fortnight by helping to raise awareness through events, activities and buying Fairtrade products.

Fairtrade USA First CEO – Hans Theyer

Fairtrade America the new organization in place of the Fairtrade International system (FIS) in the United State., today announces the appointment of Hans P. Theyer as its executive director. Prior to joining Fairtrade USA, Hans helped create and run a consult practice specialize in developing social impact strategy for businesses. 

He earlier served as Executive Director of Agros International (EDAI), a non-profit organization devoted to rural poverty alleviation throughout Central America and Mexico. Hans was a leader in Microsoft Rural Computing effort, an initiative to empower emerging markets throughout the rural, developing world with access to information and communications technology.

First from Chile, Hans holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from UK Business School. He has 20 years of experience in business including sales, marketing and business development positions with Microsoft and leading international banking institutions.

The real benefit for farmers and workers

The Fairtrade system provides real benefits to small farmers and workers, consumers and the surroundings. 

1. Small farmers and workers: about 1.2 million workers and farmers in 58 developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America benefit from Fairtrade. Some of the benefits of Fairtrade include:

• Increased power improved role in the trade of their make

• Improved access to low or no-interest loans

• Technical assistance for building communications to improve production

• Communications systems, and collectively-owned transport and processing tools

• Better health care and education

2. Consumers: The Fairtrade system benefits consumers by 

• Having the chance to buy in line with their principles 

• Being empower them to play their part in addressing global trade inequity

• Getting in exchange high feature products

3. Environment: Fairtrade rewards and encourage farming and production practices that are environmentally sustainable as,

Integrated farm management systems which minimize pollutants, pesticide and herbicides

• Organic farming techniques

• Banning the use of most dangerous pesticide