Fairtrade Fortnight

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT 24th February 2014 – 9th March 2014

The Fairtrade Foundation was established in 1992 and is the independent, non profit making organisation that licenses the use of the Fairtrade mark on products in the UK in accordance with internationally agreed Fairtrade standards Fairtrade is all about improving trade for farmers in developing countries by ensuring they get better prices and decent working conditions.

The World Fairtrade Organisation details 10 principles that Fair Trade Organisations must follow in their day to day work:

• Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers.
• Transparency and Accountability.
• Fair Trading Practices. 
• Payment of a fair price. 
• Ensuring no child or enforced labour. 
• Commitment to non-discrimination , gender equity & women's economic empowerment and freedom of association – workers allowed to join Unions.
• Ensuring good working conditions.
• Providing Capacity Building – support expansion and development.
• Promoting Fair Trade.
• Respect for the Environment. 

Fairtrade Fortnight is an Annual event concerned with getting the Fairtrade message heard and there are lots of ways you can join in. This year the campaign aims to transform the Banana industry by making bananas “Fair”. This means that all banana farmers and workers would earn enough to have a decent standard of living, work conditions that are safe and have rights and benefit. Despite bananas being a favourite fruit in this country only 3 supermarkets stock 100% Fairtrade bananas. Over the past 10 years the typical price of a banana in the UK has nearly halved, while the cost of production has doubled. “Fonch” a Columbian Banana farmer is travelling from his farm to ask Vince Cable MP to investigate unfair supermarket pricing in the UK and you can sign his petition on line to register your support and help protect the producers of the UK’s favourite fruit !

Look for the Fairtrade mark when you shop and share the message with your friends and family. The mark can be found on clothing, gold items, various foodstuffs, drinks and beauty products.

Natures Healthbox are trying to do their bit and endeavour to stock Fairtrade produce where possible.Let us know if we do not stock your favourite Fairtrade goods and we will look into doing so and also share your thoughts with us about how we can help.

We hope you have enjoyed our summary of the Fairtrade principles and hope you will feel enthused enough to learn more on line or take part in some of the advertised events.