- 26th February 2020
Fairtrade has been around for 25 years, which means 25 years of Fairtrade products in the UK and 25 years of positive impact for farmers, workers, and communities around the world. However, many people are still wondering, what is fair trade. Well, here at BIDBI we've rounded 10 must-know facts about Fairtrade.
1. There are 1.7 million Fairtrade farmers and workers across 73 countries.
The Fairtrade movement is growing every day, the Fairtrade vision is a world in which all producers can enjoy a secure and sustainable life and are in charge of their future.
Source: Fairtrade.org.uk
2. Fairtrade products range from ice cream, to gold, to flowers, to beauty products.
There are over 4,500 products certified by Fairtrade. See the full list here
3. 93% of the UK public recognise the Fairtrade logo.
One in four shoppers now regularly buy several Fairtrade products, that is great news for farmers and coops that benefit directly from the consumers purchasing Fairtrade. Always keep your eyes opens for the fair trade logo on different kind of products.
4. 1 in 4 cups of coffee in the UK is Fairtrade
Fairtrade came about in response to the struggles of Mexican coffee farmers following the collapse of the international coffee agreement. Fairtrade coffee was the first label, so it stands to reason that Fairtrade Coffee is a very popular commodity.
5. Divine Chocolate is the only chocolate company in the world to be fully owned by farmers.
The chocolate company is co-owned by the 85,000-farmer member strong cooperative in Ghana. It was set up in 1997 as the cooperative wanted to access a share of the valuable chocolate market, and is leading the way with projects empowering women, and raising awareness in child labour issues.
Source:Divine Chocolate
6. The first ever UK Fairtrade banana was sold in the year 2000.
With 1 in 3 bananas that are sold in the UK being Fairtrade, Fairtrade bananas are a leading influence in the fight for equality.
7. Shoppers have generated 1 billion Euros in Fairtrade Premium for farmers and workers, over the past 25 years.
It is estimated that since it’s inception, Fairtrade farmers and workers have received over 1 billion Euros in Fairtrade Premium. This is an additional fund that the cooperatives decide how to invest in their communities and businesses.
8. Fairtrade is the first organisation to require living wages be paid to garment workers
Fairtrade’s Textile Standard aims to empower factory workers and enable them to tackle challenging working conditions. It requires living wages to be paid to garment workers. Moreover, it aims for all fair trade practises to be mainted throughout the supply chain.
9. The environmental footprint of Fairtrade cotton is 5 times lower than conventional cotton
Cotton cultivation covers 3% of the planet’s agricultural land, but its production consumes 16% of all insecticides. The environmental and social footprint of Fairtrade cotton is five times lower than conventional cotton.
Source: Fairtrade.org.uk
10. Choosing Fairtrade helps tackle the climate crisis
The standards of Fairtrade include environmental criteria such as, protecting the natural environment, banning the use of harmful pesticides, minimising the use of energy and water, and growing in harmony with the local environment.
Source: Fairtrade.org.uk
We hope you found this blog insightful. Always remember that purchasing Fair Trade products, contributes to the Fair Trade Organazations mission which ensures that farmers and workers have a stable income to take care of their families and especially in terms of health and edication.
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