Fair trade: a better deal for growers
Fair trade is helping more and more producers in the developing world work their way out of poverty.
With many of the things we buy every day such as coffee, bananas, cotton and chocolate, just a tiny percentage of what we pay actually gets back to the growers. Multinational companies capture the lion’s share of profits from trade of these products and use their market power to push down the prices paid to growers. Growers are left struggling to feed their families or to send their children to school and sometimes to even cover their production costs.
But there is a fairer way. The fair trade way
Fairtrade International aims to give farmers in the developing world a fairer share of the benefits of trade and to enable them to make lasting improvements in their lives, through:
1. Stable prices: For most products, prices that at least cover the costs of sustainable production – even when world market prices fall.
2. A Fairtrade Premium: The Premium helps producers to improve the quality of their lives. It is paid on top of the agreed Fairtrade price, and producers decide democratically how to use it. Typically they invest it in education, healthcare, farm improvements or processing facilities to increase income.
3. Partnership: Producers are involved in decisions that affect their future. Fairtrade certified producers jointly own and manage Fairtrade International. Through the Fairtrade International's Board, its Committees and consultation processes producers can influence prices, premiums, standards and overall strategy.
4. Empowerment of farmers and workers: Small farmer groups must have a democratic structure and transparent administration in order to be certified. Workers must be allowed to have representatives on a committee that decides on the use of the Fairtrade Premium.
Check out the Charter of Fair Trade Principles to learn more about Fairtrade, the fair trade movement and how different expressions of fair trade are unified by shared values and principles.
- Read our Frequently Asked Questions about fair trade.
Take action
There is a growing range of fairly traded goods in New Zealand. As the taste, and price vary; try a few until you find some that best suit you.
To source fairly traded goods shop at Trade Aid or look for the Fairtrade Label on products available from your local retailers, supermarkets and directly from coffee and tea wholesalers.
Fair trade in action
Find out more about:
 Oxfam Coffee Break More than 2000 coffee breaks to be held this Fair Trade Fortnight, May 5-20. |
 West Africa food crisis In 2012, countries across the Sahel are again facing a serious food crisis. Oxfam is there but we need your help. |
 No arms for atrocities The world needs an effective Arms Trade Treaty. Take action and sign our petition calling for a safer world. |
 Voices from Vanuatu Arvie and Thomas are helping young Ni Vanuatu learn lifelong skills. Read their stories. |