How fair is Fairtrade?

Trade talks have failed the world's poor! Colossal inequities still persist in world trade, and rich countries are taking away the livelihoods of poor men and women and children in the poorest countries. Fair Trade guarantees fair prices and wages to producers in the poorest countries and aims to raise living standards there. This benefits families and communites, as fair wages pay for services like education and health.

The "FAIRTRADE" mark awarded by the Fairtrade Foundation is a guarantee that the product carrying it has met agreed high international standards of production, with fair wages, acceptable working environments, fair marketing contracts and care of the natural environment. There is often extra credit or assistance in marketing given by importing companies.

Fair trade is an aspect of the Trade Justice movement to MAKE POVERTY HISTORY. Hastings Borough Council is working towards applying for the status of a Fair Trade borough. For links with organisations involved in trade justice, see the links page.

Choose Products with the FAIRTRADE mark