Fairtrade

Fairtrade is a national campaign that guarantees producers in developing countries receive a fair price for the goods that they produce or, if they work on a plantation, that they enjoy decent wages and working conditions.

It means they are paid a price that reflects the true costs of production and allows for investment in their communities or in their businesses.

Why is Fairtrade important?

A guaranteed price is important to protect producers if the international price of a commodity falls. With a fair price for their produce, they cannot only feed their families, but also look to the future and invest in basic necessities such as safe water supplies, sanitation, healthcare, and education.

History of Fairtade in the UK

The Fairtrade Foundation was established in 1992 by CAFOD, Christian aid, new consumer, Oxfam, Traidcraft and the World Development Movement. These founding organisations were later joined by Britain’s largest women’s organisation, the Women’s Institute. The first Fairtrade certified product, Green and Black’s Fairtrade Maya gold chocolate was launched in 1994 and was shortly followed by Cafedirect Fairtrade coffee and Clipper Fairtrade tea.

Today, Fairtrade standards are set for a range of commodities from the developing world including tea, sugar, cocoa and fresh fruits. The standard ensures a fair price which covers the cost of production and a premium which is invested in the local community.

Look out for the Fairtrade Mark on many products in local Haringey shops, supermarkets, cafes and restaurants.

Fairtrade in Haringey

There's lots of activity around Fairtrade in Haringey. The Fairtrade Haringey Group was established to encourage the use of Fairtrade in shops, cafes, businesses, schools and religious establishments in the borough. The group is made up of local people, business leaders and Council representatives all passionate about Fairtrade. They hold stalls at events and work with organisations and businesses to further promote Fairtrade in Haringey.

Haringey was awarded Fairtrade Borough status in 2011 by the Fairtrade Foundation, through successfully meeting the five goals which aim to increase the presence of the Fairtrade mark and Fairtrade products throughout the local community.

To find out more information about Fairtrade in Haringey, visit the Fairtrade Haringey Group's website (external link).